A UK rapper is sharing his thoughts on homophobia in the music world. Mr Strange is a UK rapper who says he’s the first of his kind in the UK drill/trap scene. Unfortunately, as he shared with BBC 1Xtra, that has created a target on his back for homophobia and anti-gay hate.
“I’ve had people message me saying they came out after watching my video,” he said. Mr Strange has noted how there are many fans and fellow artists who have accepted and welcomed him. But, he’s noted how no one in the drill and trap rap world are among them.
“Fans are becoming more accepting, but the scene as a whole needs to catch up. The artists themselves,” he shared. “A few artists have messaged me with praise, but nobody who does drill or trap rap.” Even worse, Mr Strange shares that he’s not surprised by the reality of homophobia in the rap world.
“I’m not blind to the fact there’s a lot of hate that comes with being a gay rapper, so for me to expect another rapper to endorse me and potentially jeopardise their career? I can’t ask that of them,” he said.
He then added, “There’s always that chance of streams going down, of tickets not being sold. Nobody wants to be the first person to endorse something that could potentially ruin their career.”
Unfortunately, homophobia in the rap community, and in the black community as well, is a common occurrence. One that affects both gay rappers and listeners. As Lil Nas X shared last year, he grew up feeling stifled when it came to his sexuality.
It’s thanks to openly LGBT rappers like Taylor Bennett, Lil Nas X, and Mr Strange that the world is changing. Hopefully thanks to them, there will be a future where gay youth and rappers won’t be met with hate and ridicule.
Via Instinct Magazine
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