"The Advocate" Names Common One of the "Coolest Straight People"

If you enjoyed the story earlier this week about hip hop teen idol Lil Romeo speaking out in support of gays and lesbians, here is a good follow-up: Socially conscious rapper Common is named one of the year's "Coolest Straight People" by the editors of The Advocate.

"Few of today’s popular musicians are interested in creating work that says something other than 'buy me.' But Chicago hip-hopper Common bucks that trend with thoughtful songs on love, sexual abuse, and politics. The depth of Common’s music stems from his being a Renaissance man. He’s done public service announcements to encourage HIV testing, saying, 'This disease doesn’t just affect a single race or sexual orientation.' "

Make sure you check out the lyrics to "Between Me, You & Liberation", where Common sings about a childhood friend who comes out as gay, and, confronting the homophobia expressed by friends and family.

Many of Common's earlier albums included standard anti-gay lyrics but now says he is done "disrespecting homosexuality." Common, who also fronted an advertising campaign for the Gap, appeared on Oprah and pledged to stop using the n-word. The name may be "Common", but. the rapper's music and message is anything but common. Bravo.

Did You Read ...
Hip Hop Teen Idol Lil Romeo:"Gay is Okay" [R20]
"Taking the Homophobia Out of Hip-Hop [R20]
Busta: Gays Better Not "Touch It" [R20]
Ja Rule: MTV "Promoting Homosexuality" [R20]
First Look: Common for the Gap [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]

Comments

[Derrick from PHilly]

It will get better. Too many HipHop artists have family members, co-workers in the recording industry, other people in the arts they've come to admire who are gay. If you love or admire somebody it becomes more difficult to preach hate and violence against them.

But I still can't stand Rap. Brook Benton, Lou Rawls, Jerry Butler, Jeffrey Osborne, Peobo: that's how a black man sings.

[Dluv33]

Don't forget Donnie, Derrick.

[Dluv33]

Oops, I really meant Donny (as in Hathaway)

[Jimmy]

Love Common and his message.
He's a very positive individual and I have no problem supporting him.
He's one of the few artists I'll support by buying a legit CD of their work.

[sundaydinner]

Ooh that Common... 1 of these days