Is Hip Hop Finally Ready for LGBT+ Community?

The hip hop industry is not known for its support of the LGBT+ community. This had made it hard for LGBT+ artists trying to make a name for themselves; they have had to build their own fan base, or rebuild fans after their sexuality is revealed. Does it really matter the sexual orientation of the artist if the music is good?

Frank Ocean was one of the hottest R&B and hip hop artists in the industry for a while. Almost two years ago, after revealing that he was homosexual, his fan base took a huge dip. T-Pain said he wouldn’t work with him anymore. The most positive support was when Rick Ross said it was none of his business and someone’s personal life was their own.

Three years ago, Azealia Banks came out as bisexual. She was the next big thing. Did this comment on ehr sexuality make her rise to stardom fall flat? She just finished a fall tour where she opened for The Weeknd, not the other way around.

Travis Scott made hateful homosexual slurs in March of this year. In September, he apologized.  His words were blamed on how he was “turned up” at the concert and didn’t like the audience’s low energy level. The incident at least brought attention to the hurt and exclusion of the LGBT+ community.

The hip hop industry is known for it’s lack of including homosexual artists; they don’t approve of them. It’s very hard for the rappers that come out to expand their career and gain supporters.

There may be some hope for LGBT+ artists. Bounce music has been building since 2010. It is a chant like bouncy beat based out of New Orleans. Many artists have found a home with this community. It might be the first home comfortable for gay hip hop.