There has been a long running idea that Hip Hop is a lot of things...abrasive, expressive, gangsta, lyrical, gimmicky, but one word that rarely comes up when speaking about Hip Hop is "inclusive".
Though there may be some push back for acts like Lil Pump, Lil Xan, Nav, and others who often times are seen as mocking the art of rap, they are still accepted for what hip hop culture has always existed to be...free expression. As generations move forward the culture of Hip Hop has reached more people, and impacted more lives. Today, there is an artist for every experience or situation you can find yourself in.
In this article, I'd like to shine the light on a community that has significantly increased their space in Hip Hop and has introduce some dope new music while doing it.
The LBGTQ+ community has found new ground in Hip Hop and though there are various artist at the forefront, like Sissy Nobby, Queen Latifah, Big Frieda, and Tyler, the Creator; I would like to shed some light on the lesser know artist and let the world know how awesome there music is.
Here are 7 LBGTQ+ Hip Hop artist you should check out:
1. Taylor Bennett
He looks familiar right? Some would even say he looks like Chance the Rapper...well surprise! Taylor Bennett, brother of Chance Bennett aka Chance the Rapper is a Chicago native who is not just another artist in the shadow of a superstar sibling, he is a witty and creative artist in his own right.
Taylor Bennett spent time as an underground artist and burst onto the scene in 2017 after releasing the Restoration of an American Idol EP. The project was lead by "Grown Up Fairy Tales" featuring Chance the Rapper. The collab was creative, organic, and also lyrical. Taylor does share a similar voice to his brother, but Taylor has a flow that is nearly unmatched, and though he was raised in the same home as Chance, his life experiences are completely different, and make him just as interesting. Taylor blends rapid fire flow with witty and insightful lyrics, and is never ashamed to speak his mind, making Taylor a compelling rapper that you shouldn't miss out on.
2. Angel Haze
Angel Haze is rapper who represents New York (but was born in Detroit) reminds me a lot of what the everyday New York artist possesses when it comes to fashion, aggression, and deep lyrical cuts. What makes Angel Haze so different is the vulnerability in her music and the various topics she speaks on. For instance, the track "Cleaning Out my Closet" delves deep into the childhood trauma Angel survived in vivid detail, and sometimes it can be tough to sit through. Then there are the lyrical cuts like "No Limits" that have a more accessible sound with clever lines surrounding the theme of empowerment.
Angel Haze is no casual listen, there is also something deeper to take away from her music, and she is great at invoking emotion through her words.
3. Kevin Abstract
If you have heard of BROCKHAMPTON then you have definitely heard of this man. BROCKHAMPTON has considered themselves a boy band with talents that range across various genres and artistic styles that go beyond music, but as far as Kevin Abstract he is seen as the lead rapper of this diverse boy band.
Kevin has established himself as a solo artist with his project American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, which was followed up by BROCKHAMPTON's 1st studio album Saturation, which received very positive reviews. Kevin's style is very "in your face" and aggressive, but he can also slow things down and give you a good story. Lyrically, he isn't the most dominant, but his charisma and storytelling abilities are superior to a lot of artist in his age group. Tracks like "Peach" and "Empty" give you plenty of insight on the mind of Kevin, and relay how is everyday struggles are just like our own. Most of all, Kevin Abstract is relatable. His ability to connect to his fans makes Kevin a staple in the LBGTQ+ community, and it's very easy to see why so many people gravitate towards him.
4. Yaeji
Yaeji is just cool...simple as that. From her fashion to her fusion of eletro and hip hop, Yaeji has really come into the scene as her own artist. Yaeji combines her Korean roots with house production and monotone, yet entertaining rap style to changes the expectations for New York artist. Yeaji is truly unique and though she does not have a lot to offer in the lyrics department, rather in Korean or English, her straight to the point bars and laid back delivery are extremely inviting, and her production choice is outstanding.
Tracks like "Drink I'm Sippin On" and "Feel It Out" are quirky, but infectious at the same time. If you are fine with only understanding half the words in the song, but love some dope and creative beats...you can count on Yaeji for a good time.
5. AO: King of the Damned
Texas native, AO: King of the Damned is the type to get the party started and also drop some clever lines while he's at it. If there is one thing to enjoy about AO is you can certainly feel the authenticity in his music, he is himself in every track and you can sense it in every hook and bar. Songs like "Lil Dip" are not only a peep into the AO's life, but is really fun and catchy.
Of all the artist on the list it seems that AO is the most rooted in the region he comes from...and that can be a great thing! The bass driven beats, "I don't play tone", and straightforward lyrics make for an easy listen that you can put on repeat on your way to work, at the club, or at a party. It's easy to get into AO's music and makes the anticipation for Cake by the Pound a highly anticipated release.
6. Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia isn't so unknown now, but she's still a great artist to recommend to just about anyone. Princess Nokia first burst onto the scene with her single "G.O.A.T" and lead a to believe she would strictly be another artist capitalizing off of the trap sound, but she's way more than just some "one hit wonder" following up with tracks like "Flava", a spoken word about empowering women and their diversity, and "Hands Up" showed the world that Princess Nokia is not to be boxed in.
In a world of female artist who maintain relevance by showing their bodies and selling sex, Princess Nokia has amassed a much larger following by empowering her fans to live the life they want to lead, to own their flaws, and to feel/be sexy no matter what assets they may or may not have. Princess Nokia's music is one hell of an experience.
7. Kaytranada
This man here is a legend in the making. Kaytranada is well known in the industry, working with the likes of Goldlink, Mick Jenkins, Thundercat, Anderson Paak., and Rick Ruben, but still isn't a household name. What makes Kaytranada so different from other artist on this list is the fact that Kaytranada is purely a producer. As a producer Kaytranada has influenced a lot of up and coming beat makers with his electro, funk, and hip hop style production and creating sounds that were often seen as foreign to hip hop fans.
Songs like "Communicate" by Mick Jenkins, "You're the One" featuring Syd, and "Meditation" by Goldlink you can clearly hear the iconic sounds of Kaytranada. No matter what kind of music you like, there is an alluring sound that Kaytranada produces that is able to draw in fans from any genre. If you haven't heard a song by this man...change that today.
In this article I wanted to focus on the music that each artist creates and for them them to be seen as they would like to be seen, as musicians. Your sexual orientation or gender identity does not define what you are capable of, but gives you a story to share with the world so they better understand who you are and what you stand for.
Happy Pride Month!!!
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