Image via Complex Original
Yesterday while out in "The City of Brotherly Love" promoting his two-day Made in America music festival, Jay-Z was asked what he thought about President Barack Obama's stance on gay marriage. As usual, Hov backed Obama up, saying that not allowing gays to get married is "discrimination plain and simple."
But Jay-Z's not the only rap star whose position on gay rights has evolved. Let's face it, hip-hop's reputation as a hotbed of homophobia has been largely well-deserved. Still, there have always been pockets of progressive thought within the culture, and these days more and more rappers are coming out in support of gay rights—whether through interviews, music, or other public forums. Are there inconsistencies? Sure. But let's give credit where credit is due.
Written by Brad Wete (@BradWete)
Eminem (February 2001)
Eminem (February 2001)
Often criticized for his homophobic lyrics, Eminem surprised detractors when he invited the legendary (and openly gay) singer Sir Elton John to sing "Stan" him at the 2001 Grammy Awards. John accepted the offer and the two shocked the world with an amazing performance. The following year, Eminem's character in 8 Mile confronts a gay-basher for hassling his friend. Although gay-rights activists were livid with Elton for embracing Em, the two have remained friendly ever since.
Kanye West (August 2005)
Kanye West (August 2005)
During a 2005 interview with Sway, Kanye opened up about how he used to be homophobic but had a change of heart when he learned that a loved one was, in fact, gay:
“I would use the word ‘fag’ and always look down upon gays. But then my cousin told me that another one of my cousins was gay, and I loved him. He's one of my favorite cousins. And at that point it was kind of like a turning point when I was like, ‘Yo, this my cousin, I love him and I been discriminating against gays.'
"Everybody in hip-hop discriminates against gay people. Matter of fact, the exact opposite word of ‘hip-hop,’ I think, is ‘gay.’ Like yo, you play a record and if it's wack, ‘That's gay, dog!’ And I wanna just come on TV and just tell my rappers, just tell my friends, ‘Yo, stop it fam.’"
Asher Roth (June 2008)
Asher Roth (June 2008)
On The Greenhouse Effect’s “Just Listen,” Roth raps about how we’re all the same when no one’s looking:
“Whether I'm black or white, gay, straight, hermaphrodite/ Half the time, trash the light and we all act alike. / So pass the mic, don't assist being ignorant / Unclench your fist for a bit and just listen.”
Nicki Minaj (September 2010)
Nicki Minaj (September 2010)
In a 2010 MTV interview Nicki Minaj asked that her gay fans stay strong and not fold because of hateful comments:
"I would encourage my gay fans to be fighters and to be brave," she said. "People face difficulties, no matter who you are. I faced difficulties with a lot of things. I face opposition every day, but I didn't kill myself and now, thank God, I'm here. So I want my life to be a testimony to my fans and my gay fans."
50 Cent (April 2011)
50 Cent (April 2011)
When Hot 97 DJ Mister Cee was arrested and charged with receiving oral sex from a male transvestite last spring, 50 Cent was one of the few rappers who stood up for him. In an interview with Miss Info weeks later, 50 stated that Cee's sexual orientation—gay or straight—was irrelevant to his skills as a DJ or the impact he’s made on hip-hop:
“I recognize Mister Cee as the guy who offered us Biggie, so he means that much to the culture… It’s not like there’s gonna be a nightclub that doesn’t call Mister Cee because of [this].”
Lil B (April 2011)
Lil B (April 2011)
When Lil B decided to name his latest mixtape I’m Gay, he drew a lot of hate from those thinking it was just a publicity stunt. But he explained that the idea came from a good place:
“I got major love for the gay and lesbian community and I just want to push less separation. That’s why I’m doing it. I hope GLAAD sees that I’m taking initial steps to break barriers.”
A$AP Rocky (October 2011)
A$AP Rocky (October 2011)
Back in October A$AP Rocky told us he could care less what your sexual preference is as long as you don't disrespect his.
"I’m so comfortable with my sexuality that if someone’s gay," he started, "that’s their business. People are people—I enjoy people. Of course I’m not gay. I’m heterosexual. At the same time, I don’t really give a fuck about anybody’s sexual preference as long as you respect mine. Every designer I have on is gay. I love it and I don’t give a fuck. I don’t fuck with Lil B or that 'I’m Gay' shit.
"The nigga said, 'I’m Gay' and [in parenthesis put], 'I’m happy.' Come on, Brandon. What are you doing? I used to be fucking homophobic. That shit is ignorant. You will lose a lot of time and friendship being homophobic. That’s being racist but in a sexual way. It’s like being sexually racist."
Fat Joe (Nov. 2011)
Fat Joe (Nov. 2011)
It may be easier said than done, but Fat Joe encouraged gay people not to hide who they are and what they like during a VladTV interview:
“Keep it real, like, ‘I’m gay.’ What the fuck? That’s your preference. Fuck it if the people don’t like it… If you’re gay, rep your set."
Queen Latifah (May 2012)
Queen Latifah (May 2012)
Even before she played Cleo in the 1996 film Set It Off, the New Jersey rap veteran had been rumored to be gay herself. And though she has never confirmed the speculation, she will be showing her support next week by headlining at the 29th annual Long Beach Lesbian Gay Pride festival.
Jay-Z (May 2012)
Jay-Z (May 2012)
In an interview with CNN on May 14, 2012, Jay took a strong stand on the issue of gay marriage. He even likened the struggle for marriage equality to the Civil Rights movement:
"I've always thought of it as something that was still holding the country back. What people do in their own homes is their business, and you can choose to love whoever you love. That's their business. It's no different than discriminating against blacks. It's discrimination, plain and simple."