"Taking the Homophobia Out of Hip-Hop: A Progress Report"
After Elton examines rap, hip-hop and black gays in a very thoughtful and comprehensive survey, Taking the Homophobia Out of Hip-Hop: A Progress Report. Their findings: "Although progress has been made in combating hip-hop's entrenched homophobia, problematic issues remain," namely hardcore reggae-dancehall acts such as Buju Banton or the "faggot" dissing illustrated by Busta Rhymes and the Touch It remix.
The editors also note the positive: "It's possible that old anti-gay sentiments from the early careers of some rappers do not represent their current views on homosexuality. Case in point, U.S. rapper Common's first four albums contained some pretty rabid anti-gay lyrics. Yet in a change of heart his 2002 CD Electric Circus contains the thoughtful track titled “Between Me, You & Liberation”. In it Common speaks of a childhood friend who reveals his gayness to him, and of his own conflicting feelings in confronting his own homophobia towards his friend."
Some of the best analysis comes on page six where they essay hip-hop homophobia as a symptom of larger social issues: "Solving the lingering problem of homophobia in hip-hop is inextricably linked to solving the larger problem of homophobia in society. In what may be a turning point, there currently appears to be a newfound, unprecedented opening up of discussion on gay issues in the black community" ... exactly what we've seen here and here.
The After Elton report is great reading, especially if you're about to take that morning coffee break.
Taking the Homophobia Out of Hip-Hop: A Progress Report (After Elton)
John Legend & Cornel West Against Homophobia (Rod 2.0) Busta: Gays Better Not "Touch It" (Rod 2.0) Busta's Homophobic VIBE (Rod 2.0) Busta Remix Homophobic (Jasmyne Cannick) Hip Hop and Homosexuality (Keith Boykin) Rough Trade: Busta Loves the Gays (Novaslim) Stuff Like This (Scott Poulson-Bryant) Maurice Jamal: Kanye West For President (Vibe) Is Hip-Hop Homophobic? (Vibe) Kanye on Gay Bashing (Rod2.0) Kanye: "My Own Homophobia" (Rod 2.0) A "Gay Friendly" Voice (Rod 2.0) Anti-Gay Acts Dropped from Awards (Rod 2.0) Brit Campaign Against Black Homophobia (Rod 2.0) My Jamaican Guy (Rod 2.0) Beverley Knight on Gay Bashing (Rod 2.0)
This is great, thanks. I like After Elton.
Posted by: greg | 01 June 2006 at 13:10
It's interesting how many rappers and hip hop artists ignored Kanye's comments. But history will judge him as being ahead of the curve.
Posted by: marc | 01 June 2006 at 14:38
That was great. Thanks for the info on AfterElton Rod. Never heard of it before and will link to it on my blog.
The homophobia is totally effed up.
You still rock, Rod!
Posted by: johnozed | 02 June 2006 at 07:32
Wow... I actually thought Common was gay! No BS for the longest time I was under the impression that he got down for the get down. Must have been that "just back from the spa" look he's always sporting! LOL!
Posted by: Jahleyal | 02 June 2006 at 08:56
you and me both Jahleyal.
Posted by: ff | 02 June 2006 at 18:25
Hey Rod -
Thanks for the positive feedback on my "Taking the Homophobia Out of Hip-Hop" article that I wrote for AfterElton. I'm enjoying reading the other pieces on your site. Keep it up! - Robert Urban, URBAN PRODUCTIONS, NYC
Posted by: Robert Urban | 03 June 2006 at 07:21
I REALLY DON'T CARE WHAT THESE OTHER RAPPERS SAY ABOUT GAY ISSUES WHEN THERE ARE OPEN GAY RAPPERS LIKE MYSELF FIGHTING THE BATTLE AND NOT GETTING SUPPORT FROM OUR OWN COMMUNITY- BUT THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE - JOIN THE REVOLUTION - WWW.PICKUPTHEMIC.COM WWW.GAYHIPHOP.COM
Posted by: DEADLEE | 04 June 2006 at 13:37
Yea!!!...We have a choice...We can just continue to question these dumbass minded people like busta...OR,we can just start throwing our dollars at wikid artists like JenRo,or Deadlee,Or The DDK..."Can a homosexual make it in hip hop" Well,plenty of homosexuals DO make rap,and just as there are "large" blingie rapper,there are people who WANT to make that style of music,but there not famous as some...so how do those people count anymore as "comin up" ANY more/less than any of the wikid homo artists that are DEF comin' up!... ...I am a 27y/o white hetero sexual male,for the "record" of showing definit support!... I do think/hope that sooner or later,the moves of people like common and kanye will grind deeper into the art form...!
Posted by: RoaR3000 | 20 November 2007 at 21:16