Nomun-Erdene Surkhiisaikhan
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Abstract
Since its formation as a Black cultural movement in the late 1980s, hip-hop has quickly emerged as one of the most prominent artistic spheres that has influenced popular culture across the world. However, as hip-hop has gained mainstream success, it has simultaneously affirmed hypermasculine and homophobic messages that undermine its emancipatory potential. This paper argues that a radical rethinking of hip-hop is necessary to challenge and subvert these dominant ideologies, emphasizing the importance of a ‘quare’ lens that acknowledges and uplifts the experiences and perspectives of queer Black artists in hip-hop. Later sections will introduce the works of Frank Ocean and Lil Nas X who are being considered trailblazers in the rap industry for the ways they challenge traditional notions of masculinity and heteronormativity in the hip-hop sphere.
Keywords: hip-hop, hypermasculinity, gender studies, quare theory, Frank Ocean, Lil Nas X
In the summer of 2021, controversy surrounding hip-hop artist DaBaby took social media by storm. The rapper’s homophobic rhetoric at Miami’s Rolling Loud music festival quickly enraged spectators and commenters when he said, “If you didn’t show up today with HIV/AIDS, or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that’ll make you die in two or three weeks, then put your cell phone light up. … Fellas, if you ain’t sucking dick in the parking lot, put your cell phone light up” (Johnson). His remarks prompted the industry to respond by canceling his upcoming gigs and making public statements against him. At the same time, a significant number of influential hip-hop artists like Tory Lanez and T.I. came forward to DaBaby’s defense by asserting that he is simply “living his truth” (Johnson).
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