Hip Hop Masculinity Essay

Despite these possible explanations about whether rap and hip hop artists use homophobic language as an attack against white men, homosexuality or as a way to affirm their masculinity, it does not change the fact that the use of this homophobic language is wrong and not a viable solution. However, there are artists who currently resist the masculine gender representation of rap, hip hop and even alternative R&B. In Frederik Dhaenens’ “Resistant masculinities in alternative R&B? Understanding Frank Ocean and The Weeknd’s representations of gender” he writes, “Hegemonic R&B and hip hop masculinity is grafted onto a history of racism and systematic oppression by White Americans of African-American men… the manhood of Black men has been constantly scrutinized, questioned and defied” (285). When black manhood is threatened oftentimes

As mentioned earlier, the success of Frank Ocean is changing hip hop culture. Continually, rap artist iLoveMakonnen just recently came out as gay this year. Brooklyn rapper Young M.A who identifies as a lesbian came into the rap scene with her hit “Ooouuu” last summer. All these queer artists who are able to truly express themselves and their identities and be successful in our current hip hop industry represent the progressive nature of hip hop culture today. Most recently, popular rap artist Lil Yachty who is considered a new wave rapper just recently unveiled his new album cover which depicts him in the center of a movie theater, surrounded by individuals that one doesn’t always see represented in mainstream media especially when it comes to media in rap and hip hop: a girl with vitiligo, an albino boy and a young gay couple making out. This image goes to show that not only is the inclusion of the LGBTQ community improving within the hip hop community but also individuals from other walks of life as