Hip-Hop's Reaction To Taylor Bennett Coming Out | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Hip-Hop's Reaction To Taylor Bennett Coming Out

It has yet to be seen how the hip-hop community at large, and fellow rappers, will also support Taylor.

90
Hip-Hop's Reaction To Taylor Bennett Coming Out
wordkrush

The LGBT community and hip hop are not often considered to be synonymous with each other. For years, hip hop music has largely been degrading to women and people whom identify as gay or lesbian. This was attributed to being “just a part of the genre.” While this is obviously not the way it should be, it was, and is simply looked past by fans of rap. However, as the world advances and becomes more accepting of all peoples, so should hip hop.

In recent years there have been a few members of the hip hop community who have come out as being gay or bisexual. Many of these artists have not been critically or commercially successful, though this certainly does not give us as fans reason to not applaud them for their strength and bravery. That being said, their impact has not been felt as much as some other hip hop artists who are more popular using their platform to come out.

A few years ago, after the release of his award-winning album Channel Orange, Frank Ocean revealed through his tumblr that he was once in love with a man. Now, Frank himself has not really ever come out and said “I am gay” or “I am bisexual.” He has been extremely supportive of LGBT rights and campaigns and it is often assumed that Frank is bisexual.

While Frank’s tumblr post was a big moment for hip hop/R&B, it was not quite the moment that I as a fan of rap music and a supporter of gay rights was looking for. Frank is a great artist and helped to spur this movement in the rap world, he is not an MC. Frank’s music pushes much farther towards the realm of R&B rather than hip hop.

But, just a few days ago we finally had a popular, a well known MC come out as bisexual. Taylor Bennett, whose first mixtape Broad Shoulders has been performing very well online and via streaming services, came out to the world in a series of tweets. Taylor may be better known for being the brother of the VERY famous Chance The Rapper, but now he may be known as the leader of the LGBT movement for the rap community. Chance also tweeted in support of Taylor.


It has yet to be seen how the hip-hop community at large, and fellow rappers, will also support Taylor. I can only hope that they will. This is a very big moment for hip hop because it is a moment in which the hip hop community can reveal itself and how it truly feels about LGBT rappers and community members.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

12804
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5639
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4170
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3647
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments