Super producer, rapper and fashionista Kanye West continues to speak out on sexuality, masculinity and homophobia. Which is a good thing. In an MTV interview the 808s & Heartbreak star criticizes gay-obsessed rapper 50 Cent and many others who gay-bait him. "I'm so
secure with my manhood," Kanye West tells MTV personality Sway Calloway. "That's why I can go to Paris and have conversations with people who are blatantly gay."
Well, it's like when people say, "Give me a natural pose." You can't pose natural. If you're posing, then it's not natural no more. So it's statements that people say. "Dressing gay" you can't dress like ... Your dress don't give away whether or not you like a man. Think about actors that straight dress up like a woman or something like that. People wanna label me and throw that on me all the time, but I'm so secure with my manhood. And that's the reason why I can go to Paris, why I can have conversations with people who are blatantly gay.
'Cause I used to be scared to talk to a gay person. It's designers that's scared of people in hip-hop. And in hip hop, there's people—and let's not even say scared like homophobic — but they're scared of the way people gonna look at them. If you see a person be like, "I don't wanna stand next to Marc Jacobs 'cause I don't want that to bear on me because I'm just so cool." One of the reasons why, the perspective I come from with my raps and my songs, the reason why can't nobody dis me — no gangsta rapper, nobody can really dis me is 'cause it's so authentic.
Kanye West says hip-hop's homophobic gay obsession created the uproar over a photo taken in Paris, France where some of his posse was outfitted in colorful vintage chic. "I didn't check out everybody's outfit that hopped in the picture with me—I can't be completely responsible. You go right into my outfit, my outfit is good. [But] people are so gay-conscious now. That's like the whole thing like with the Internet—every day [is like], 'Oh I can tell he gay now!' "
"I can't help but respect [Kanye]," notes Son of Baldwin, an black gay Brooklyn-based blog. "He speaks the truth when it isn't fashionable and lucrative to do so."
Hopefully some of Kanye's security in his masculinity rubbed off in the interviewer. Sway Calloway is the (in)famous New York City DJ who told actor Michael K. Williams that he was "repulsed" by his character Omar's passionate, on-screen same-sex kiss in The Wire. Omar, the black gay stick-up artist, was later revealed to be the favorite television character of President Barack Obama.
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That's right Kanye! You tell 'em man!
Go Kanye ...
Posted by: jaysin | 10 February 2009 at 16:19
This is wonderful. We need to spread this far and wide. You don not have to gay bash to be a man or to be successful in music or hip hop. Look at Kanye and look at Pharrell.
Posted by: Pharrell Luvr | 10 February 2009 at 16:28
***Love Kanye.***
Now this is an inspiration. Later for those ghetto acting fools who try to out-degrade each other.
Posted by: Hendly | 10 February 2009 at 16:32
daps to kanye
Posted by: Daniel | 10 February 2009 at 16:34
As always I am very impressed with Kanye West
He is confident, creative and fashionable
Very much a 'renaissance man'
We are also very lucky he contiunue to advocate for gays
Posted by: Shane Moseley | 10 February 2009 at 16:42
Bravo Kanye. I know some of us suspect him of being gay or bi, but I almost hope that isn't the case, because we need more heterosexuals to stand up to their fellow straights and speak out against homophobia.
Posted by: ReggieH | 10 February 2009 at 16:52
I agree Reggie and thank you for saying what some of us feel. I have my suspicions but ultimately Kanye West does far more good as a straight ally.
Great interview and everyone needs to read this.
Posted by: Junior | 10 February 2009 at 16:56
I don't get it. Why did Sway interview Kanye for a second time and not have 50 cent, LL Cool J, Gay Unit... I mean G_G_G_G-Unit!, Jay-z, Busta, Baby and his baby Lil' Wayne, J Dupri, Bow Wow, Dr Dre, Emniem, Shug Knight.
OOPS! I've mentioned everyone who has been suspected.
I'm so bad. This discussion would full BS.
Posted by: Anti-believer | 10 February 2009 at 19:12
That foto is killer. Kanye has style, grace, confidence and plenty of mascilinity. I love his confidence and his over top aura. I am so glad he is doing more than his part to help gays.
Posted by: Bradley | 10 February 2009 at 19:12
What I trying to say there needs to be a discussion show with the hip hop artist. But of course it won't happen and if it did everyone would bring their "model girlfriends or wives"
Posted by: Anti-believer | 10 February 2009 at 19:14
I'm trying to get over those gold LV duffel bags. That *issh is off the chain. I would be the fiercest queen in Maryland if I had those pieces. lol
Posted by: Baltimore Femme | 10 February 2009 at 19:28
Good for you, Kanye! We need more industry people to encourage reason and tolerance. Kanye, keep it up!
Posted by: Nathan James | 10 February 2009 at 22:23
ditto!!!
i love kanye too!
he makes us all proud as a chicago homie...
and i say SWAY is gay!!!...he sets my gaydar off far more than kanye!
ps: has anyone ever seen what's under sway's hot nasty hats!...those sweaty hats he dons incessantly are what repulse me!
see more on kanye at:
http://www.geocities.com/ambwww/katrina.htm
peace
alicia
Posted by: alicia banks | 11 February 2009 at 09:44
as much as kanye loves fashion and fashion trends and design..he really had no room to be homophobic..the fashion world is basically held together by gay men!!! good to see he's not afraid to speak on it
Posted by: me | 11 February 2009 at 11:11
Right on Kanye!!! Keep being a trail blazer and continue doing you. This is exactly part of the reason why I love Europe culture, there in so many ways light years ahead of us. Alot parts of America needs to stop leaning on the pause button and catch up
Posted by: Quest | 11 February 2009 at 20:44