This story is several weeks old, but, in light of recent events, positive pro-gay news from hip hop and rap should always be mentioned. Teen hip hop idol Lil Romeo (MySpace, IMDB) took issue with the recent ridiculous, homophobic rants of has-been rapper Ja Rule and says not only are gays "alright", but, called Ja Rule "ignorant."
"It was ignorant of him to say. Gays are everywhere in the industry and society in general. That’s not changing. So why shouldn’t they get to be on TV and in the movies like everybody else?! He can’t really believe that none of the peeps who bought his records were gay, and I bet that he wouldn’t give any of ‘em a refund."
Ouch. Romeo, who was born Percy Miller, Jr., is the son of legendary New Orleans-based rapper and producer Master P. The young singer-actor-basketball phenomenon says sexuality is much less important than character. "It doesn’t matter. I’m cool with everybody who is cool with me. So long as you’re not hurting nobody, I’m not gonna hate on peeps for who they are. I have a few friends who are gay and why not? They alright with me."
Romeo, who is 18, has been performing since he was ten years old and has developed quite the impressive résumé. Six albums, acted in in seven feature films, and, recently starred in his own feature Nickelodeon series. Romeo is no longer so little: He now stands 6'2 and currently attends the University of Southern California and hopes to hoop for the Trojans.
We need more Romeos on our team.
Did You Read ...
Ja Rule: MTV "Promoting Homosexuality" [R20]
"Taking the Homophobia Out of Hip-Hop [R20]
Busta: Gays Better Not "Touch It" [R20]
Busta's Homophobic VIBE [R20]
Ne-Yo: "You're Nobody Until They Say You're Gay" [R20]
Shemar Moore: "I'm Not Gay" [R20]
Rodney Chester of "Noah's Arc": "I'm Still NOT Gay" [R20]
R&B Singer Tyrese Will Ban ALL MEN [R20]
Kanye Responds to Gay Rumors [R20]
Has-Been Rapper Beanie Sigel Demands Kanye and Pharrell "Come Out" of the Closet [R20]
Kanye Responds to Gay Rumors [R20]
R & B Singer Amerie Against Homophobia [R20]
John Legend & Cornel West vs Homophobia [R20]
Kanye on Gay Bashing [R20]
Kanye: "My Own Homophobia" [R20]
Hip-Hop and Homophobia [R20]
Pharrell Sets the Record, umm, Straight [R20]
MUCH MUCH MUCH RESPECT TO LIL ROMEO. THANKS ROD, FOR SHARING THIS STORY.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 06 November 2007 at 11:16
Romeo is a vivid illustration that parental instruction, education, and just plain intelligence make such a difference in how a person's outlook on life and issues.
Posted by: Lucas | 06 November 2007 at 11:20
This was good to hear. We need more people like him in society.
Posted by: Cadence | 06 November 2007 at 11:37
It's somewhat typical for a young black male growing up today in Los Angeles to hold such a liberal and accepting viewpoint towards LGBT people. Romeo grew up in Beverly Hills which is a stones throw from one of the world's largest gay enclaves, West Hollywood. So no doubt he's been exposed to a lot of alternative lifestyles. Wish I could say the same about a lot of other hip-hop heads.
Posted by: CaliCat | 06 November 2007 at 18:12
yeah but south of Olympic/east of La Brea its a different story CaliCat
Posted by: DFS | 06 November 2007 at 19:57
Lil' Romeo is a distant cousin...so nice to see a relation talking and acting responsibly. "Refreshing".
Posted by: Aaron C. | 07 November 2007 at 12:03
Lil' Romeo is a distant cousin...so nice to see a relation talking and acting responsibly. "Refreshing".
Posted by: Aaron C. | 07 November 2007 at 12:04
romeo thes hater just hate your money they got no money like you
Posted by: anthony | 05 May 2008 at 18:30