Lindsey Arceci
Opinions Editor Emeritus
As our generation begins to show the older generations how accepting and understanding we are of all types of people, I see a change where more people start to give rap by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning individuals a listen. I say someday because there are still people who I can imagine would look at African-American rapper Mykki Blanco as just a confused guy trying to rap. At first, we see him as a tall slender man, then later on in his music video for Wavvy, we see him in a wig and fierce makeup with just some lingerie on. The only feeling this gives me is jealousy. I mean this guy has fierce rap game but can still look stunning in women’s clothing. Although I may not know why he makes these choices or prefers to be called a female, I say we respect his wishes and just enjoy his music, which reaches over 500,000 views online.
It’s a little surprising at first when you do give his music a listen because he’s not rapping about being a transgendered person, a transvestite, or advocating for the LGBTQ community. He’s actually just rapping about going to the club and partying with friends and his rap lifestyle in general. Lyrically it is catchy and will not make you gasp, but the overall attack of the vocals and music is intense and very intriguing. It seems to me that if you can look and talk like a girl as well as a guy, there is generally more available for you as an artist to embody.
One rapper who is in the LGBTQ community and does advocate for other women and LGBTQ individuals, is female bisexual rapper Brooke Candy. Candy’s songs address her issue with girls not being able to really speak their mind and do what they want without being judged. In her lyrics she discusses for example how if a guy sleeps with three girls, people say that he’s the man, but if she sleeps with two girls, people would say she’s a slut (one example from her music). She describes the word ‘slut’ as an attractive female who is confident and in control. Having such a young voice (she’s only twenty-three years-old surprisingly) encouraging contemporary women to ignore the opinion of privileged men who believe that women cannot behave the same way as men, is a necessary thing. There is still rap being produced by male rappers in this day and age who continue to talk down to women. I think it is important for women to know there are artists out there who are willing to stand up for them and inspire confidence. Candy is also part of a harmless mob of young gay individuals called Fagmob who create art, collaborate and sometimes rap with each other. She is trying to be a vessel for other gay and LGBTQ people can come through and continue to share their art and be open with who they really are. Other rappers who are friendly with Candy include rappers Kreayshawn and Dj Lil Debbie. Both are twenty-three and bisexual, and rap about anything from hanging with their girls to simply speaking their mind. The three have been known to collaborate and all have grown in popularity over the last several years with social media and blogging. I think it is important to at least reflect on how significant it is that talented people can finally be open and create art, and people will appreciate it no matter what. I admire the strength and confidence needed to achieve such popularity when society’s view of different sexualities is still so misunderstood. I encourage anyone reading to take a listen. I know that every time I plan Mykki’s single Wavvy for someone, they always get intrigued.
Lindsey Arceci can be contacted at
larceci@keene-equinox.com