Image Source: POPSUGAR

Seeing the change in the hip-hop culture's generally perceived hypermasculinity was a taxing thing, but the change did happen. And the best news is that it is Lil Nas X who has changed the driving factor that has now made hip-hop a more welcoming place for people of all sexual orientations. 

Hip-hop has always been perceived as the domain of alpha black men. While they did help set up the stage for this iconic genre of music, hating on and shaming people trying to make their own space in this musical world has only led to pain. Yet, the Grammy winner came with a renowned force and essentially changed the face of hip-hop music by introducing a proud gay revolution through his songs. 

Now, the singer hopes for a better future for the genre where everyone is welcome for their contributions and where inclusivity is appreciated. The star, who recently got to feature on the cover of GQ for 2021 Mean of the Year issue, said that he is also hoping that established straight men rappers in the industry grow up and grow out of their pointless negativity and hate, where different sexualities are concerned. 

Talking about the infamous controversial comments fueled by DaBaby where he seemingly insulted gay men, people with HIV and AIDS, and asked women what their genitals smelled like, Lis Naz X said, "I'm not going to lie, I feel bad for DaBaby. I hope he grows from it. I hope he's able to. But I don't know. The whole landscape is very hypermasculine." 

The "Levitating" rapper had gone on to say, "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 to three weeks, then put a cellphone light in the air."

He continued with his offensive rant, saying, "Ladies, if your p**** smell like water, put a cellphone light in the air. Fellas, if you ain't sucking d*** in the parking lot, put a cellphone light in the air." He defended himself by saying, "What me and my fans do at the live show, it don't concern you n***** on the internet, or you bitter bitches on the internet.”

While several celebrities came to denounce his particularly offensive and hate-filled comments, rapper T.I, tried defending the star by saying that DaBaby can have a right to his opinion and speak openly about it just as Lis Nas X can be an openly gay man. Yet, "Montero ( Call Me By Your Name ) believes that the culture in the hip-hop industry is due to change any time soon. 

He shared, "There's going to be so many gay rappers. There's going to be more trans people in the industry and whatnot." The "Industry Baby" rapper continued, "Ten years from now, everything that I'm doing won't even seem like it was shocking." He also appreciated the female rappers of hip-hop who have necessarily changed the definition of hip-hop, as it was previously believed to be a man's world, and said that "female rappers are the biggest rappers right now." 

Rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Flo Milli, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Rico Nasty, City Girls, BIA have essentially swept all the rapper awards of this year and have created musical masterpieces that will be appreciated for decades to come. 

The rapper Lil Nas X now helps several gay men to feel comfortable while expressing their sexualities and has truly revolted against the straight, alpha men theory of hip-hop. LGTBQ+ artists all around the globe are helping people realize that they do not need to fit inside the box and can create their own definitions.

 As the Black community is particularly harder at gay men for wanting to be different and the shame concerned is ceaseless, an openly gay perception of his art on a big scale by Lil Nas X is helpful.  Also, his being featured on GQ makes a better impression on young adults who might be scared to express their sexuality due to the stigma that their community might impose. 

The rapper himself had fears that him coming out at a younger age would mean being excluded from his community or his near ones turning against him. He shared why he decided to wait until Old Town Road to go big before he came, as he said, "It’s easier for me, I’m not depending on anybody. There’s no one who’s going to kick me out of the house – nobody to start treating me shitty."

He further asked his followers to only come out when they are completely okay with it as he said, "I 100% want to represent the LGBT community. I don’t want to encourage them to do something they don’t 100% want to do. Especially in, like, middle school or high school. Because it’s just super hard."

Lil Nas X openly portrays his sexual orientation in Montero ( Call Me By Your Name ); Credits: Teen Vogue

It is refreshing to see the young community of artists doing what is right and paving the way for self-acceptance and positivity.