Topping the MTV Top 100—and that's ahead of Justin Bieber, Ke$ha and the ubiquitous Taylor Swift—is "Love" by Nhojj. If you aren't familiar with the black, openly gay, Guyana-born independent artist, he made OUTMusic Awards history when he became the first black male to win an OMA. That was for the soulful, haunting ballad "Love", the theme song to OUT 100 honoree Kirk Shannon Butts' critically-acclaimed black gay love story "Blueprint".
Nhojj appears as the angel of love in the video, which, like the film, is about the instant attraction of Keith and Nathan, two black college students, and and the day they spent together. "Blueprint" was critically-received on the LGBT and art film circuit. It's available on VOD and the DVD will be released next week.
You may recall that Nhojj was part of the Gay by God campaign, joining Pastor Joseph W.Tolton other black gay activists with a full page newspaper advert in response to Donnie McClurkin's hateful "ex-gay" and anti-gay rants. Says Nhojj: "God is love, so wherever love exists, God exists. Same gender love is just as right and good as any other – because love is at the core. hat is what I want to share with the world.”
Nhojj and Kirk-Shannon Butts are friends to Rod 2.0. Congratulations to them both for their success and congratulations to Nhojj for his incredible reception by MTV's audience. Watch the video AFTER THE JUMP...
i LOVE this song!
thank you! it's so positive and i love the scenes from the movie
black gay love is a beautiful thing...
Posted by: Keith C | 11 March 2010 at 19:44
Good for him! But am I the only one who thinks is very reminiscent of Jill Scott's "You Love Me"? Did they sample that track?
Posted by: Tasha | 11 March 2010 at 19:49
I am so proud of Nhojj.
Posted by: Kelvin | 11 March 2010 at 19:56
Smashing tune, and I'm hope it continues to perform well. We need something break the monotany on the radio.-QHH
Posted by: QH | 11 March 2010 at 21:06
I am have got to see this movie, I am headed to Flickeria now. Oh and the video is awesome.
Posted by: Antwan | 11 March 2010 at 21:11
Rod, you made my day on Tuesday by posting the wedding photos of those beautiful black gay couples. And now this. I love it!
I love Nhojj for persevering and doing the best he can, he is a trailblazer! Much success my brotha!
Posted by: A. Ronald | 11 March 2010 at 21:27
Just love it...It sounds, looks, feels right..go Nhojj.
Posted by: ETIENNE | 11 March 2010 at 21:29
This is so beautiful! Such a fantastic song! I love it!
Posted by: MW09 | 11 March 2010 at 21:58
In 1969, when men first landed on the moon, Archibald McLeish wrote in the New york times of how this event had "a meaning to us". So, too, does Nhojj, have a meaning to us, as an out, proud, incredible vocalist. Reaching number one on the MTV Top 100 is a dramatic testimony to his musical gifts, and I expect to see only greater things from Nhojj in the future. "A meaning to us"..."O, A Meaning!" Yes, indeed.
Posted by: Nathan James | 11 March 2010 at 22:29
it's a great song and i just ordered the DVD
can someone tell me how you pronounce his name?
Thanks
Posted by: Rodney B | 11 March 2010 at 23:46
If I had seen this video when I sixteen or eighteen, I would have been transformed. It probably would have changed my life.
If the Right Wing ever loses its war on behalf of Fear and Sadism, it will be in no small part because of cultural creations like this one.
Posted by: Jim | 11 March 2010 at 23:47
This is awesome. When I heard Nhojj's LOVE I knew this was Keith and Nathan's love song - the theme song to BLUEPRINT.
Yes the BLUEPRINT DVD is available at:
WWW.FLICKERIA.COM.
BEST. . . .Kirk | DIRECTOR | Blueprint
Posted by: kirk | 12 March 2010 at 01:40
Nhojji is invoking Sylvester in a big way. The first, since his death topping charts, making room for his gift. Being out and proud!!
Posted by: JG, III | 12 March 2010 at 05:47
I luv this song and a few others he has. The vid is simple and sweet. This brother is finally getting his Ray of Lights. You can go to iTunes and check out some of his work there. I am waiting on my copy of Blueprint now.
Posted by: Cedric | 12 March 2010 at 06:26
I'm adding Nhojji to the new music I'm buying this weekend...along with Steph Jones. Thanks Rod for spotlighting the music of these talented brothas.
Saw Blueprint at one of the past Chicago gay lesbian film fest. Ordering my copy.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1266233294 | 12 March 2010 at 12:40
O...M..G... I am quivering. There is so much honesty in his voice. The simplicity and truth just touched me in a way I haven't been in a long time. I just close my eyes and listen and allow myself to be taken away and fly to a land of love without boundaries. This was so pure.
Posted by: Diva1961 | 12 March 2010 at 13:47
This is the business! Soooo love this!!! Thanks Rod
Posted by: D.bARR | 13 March 2010 at 10:40
Beautiful People ~ thank you so much for all the love... your words and courage move and inpsire me.
Keep walking in your Truth & Light - a change is coming!
Rodney my name is pronounced naj (similar to naz:)
Thank you so much Rod for the great feature:)
Posted by: Nhojj | 13 March 2010 at 17:24
As always, much love and support. God bless.
Posted by: Anna | 19 March 2010 at 16:34