Almost two weeks ago, the comment thread on Raz B's decision to perform in Washington DC quickly escalated into a ridiculous referendum on straight performers who "only try to make money" from gay audiences. "Ridiculous" because it's the nature of the entertainment industry—or any industry, for those of us who understand the basics of micro-economics and a capitalist society—to maximize market share. One comment suggested that Raz B said in a magazine interview that his playing for gays "was just a gig" and his intent was only to make some coins.
The December interview was in Sister2Sister and a reader sent the link. Of course, Raz B says absolutely nothing of the sort. Instead, the former B2K member says that he wanted to set a good example.
Raz B: Oh yeah. I performed at the Pride festival and it was very controversial.
Ericka: Why did you do it?
Raz B: You know, God led me to do that. And to get my confirmation, two days after I did the performance, Kanye's on TV talking about issues with a lot of gay people and stuff like that, you know what I mean? So no discrimination to anybody. I come here with a heart of love.
The young heart-throb also says that since the event, he's had to deal with rumors that he's gay. We all know the intense peer pressure on black men, especially the younger ones, to appear hard and to reject the gays and any behavior not deemed "masculine." Kanye West has said that since his statements in support of the gays, he's had to cope with the exact same drama. So let's give Raz B a break. No one said that the singer was a super sensitive, socially responsible politically progressive activist. But at least Raz B is showing more love than the majority of his peers.
Raz B Talks (Sister2Sister) Trade Alert (Rod 2.0) Take Raz B Home (Rod 2.0) Raz B (Official Site) Ray J's One Wish (Rod 2.0) No Ray J (Rod 2.0) Is Hip-Hop Homophobic? (Vibe)
I hope that opens the eyes of those who think he's making a bad career move. For every homophobe he loses as a fan, there's a new gay fan thanking him for respecting us as an audience.
Posted by: Bernie | 22 January 2006 at 12:51
Rod
I am really proud of the way you handle things on your site. It makes my soul happy to see the way you just shut it down AND lift it up.
I have known Raz-B/DeMario for ALL of his career and know him to be a wonderful young brother and it is JUST LIKE HIM to be bold enough, loving enough and open enough to show up at Pride and just do what he's SUPPOSED TO DO. He's a performer and he performs for the people--BLACK, WHITE, YOUNG OLD, GAY, STRAIGHT--and I am glad that we are talking about him.
Like Bernie says, I am looking forward to seeing who among us will really start supporting THOSE who support us. I am hurt and shamed to see that MARTHA WASH, RUPAUL, ULTRA NATE and OTHERS WHO SHOW UP AT PRIDE AND AIDS EVENTS, ALWAYS SHOWING LOVE!!!
It is time for US to put up or shut up!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 22 January 2006 at 17:32
mad props go to u raz.b now thats a true man for you.somer older black men need to take heed and learn somthing
Posted by: algie | 23 January 2006 at 01:12
WHAT ABOUT THE REAL GAY ARTIST? DO WE SHADE THEM OUT?
Posted by: Tab | 23 January 2006 at 13:46
Raz B was great at the club in DC I went to see him and try to get an interview and he was very open and willing to talk about why he was there and about homophobia in the music industry. If you want to hear it from him check out my podcast at www.PinkMafiaRadio.com
Posted by: Steven | 26 January 2006 at 22:42