and

 

Homosexuality and Hip Hop are two words that are definitely not synonymous with each other. During a 2006 MTV special “All Eyes on Kanye West,” the famous rapper addressed the issue saying, “Everybody in hip-hop discriminates against gay people. Matter of fact, the exact opposite word of hip-hop, I think, is gay." Kanye’s words reflect the overall sentiment in the industry and the music it produces. Anti-gay lyrics are prominent in the ultra masculine world of hip hop. Egos, images and testosterone dictate the climate of the super popular music style which is now one of the most celebrated types of music in the world. Many of today’s most popular hip hop artists incorporate homophobic lyrics into their songs; proving hip hop is not ready to admit its deepest, darkest secret.

Beneath hip hop’s rough façade exists a gay subculture. Terrance Dean’s newly released book, “Hiding in Hip Hop” documents the down low lifestyle that is hip hop’s last taboo. The book exposes the secret sex parties in the Hollywood hills, the private New York penthouse gatherings, all attended by many of the industry’s down low elite. Hip hop is now a multi billion dollar industry. More and more pressure is put on artists to have a certain image. That image is what sells at our local music stores. Many times it includes anti-gay sentiment to justify or personify the machismo image that is hip hop.

With millions of hip hop heads, there are bound to be more than a few gay ones. Many of us remember when we first fell in love with hip hop- a junior high dance or that one really hot summer, way back when. Whatever it was, we have been hooked ever since and as gay men, we love hip hop. But does hip hop love us back?

This phenomenon that is hip hop was created on the streets, by the people. Hip hop has always been the voice of the young people. The inner city gave birth to hip hop and gay people have been there since the beginning, maybe not visibly but we have been there. As we all know, there are gay people in every race, every religion, every country and every occupation. Why should hip hop be any different?

Homophobia can’t be exclusively blamed on hip hop. Hip hop is a greater reflection of the communities it originates from. Black and Latino communities have still not accepted the gay lifestyle. As a whole, white America is inching closer and closer to a more tolerant society when it comes to GLBT issues. Minority communities have not. Weather it be deep rooted prejudices, strong religious roots or ultra macho ideals, minority communities and hip hop are not ready for an openly gay artist. As a result, the down low still exists. Many gay/bi people in the hip hop industry may not fit the typical gay stereotype but they all do the same thing behind closed doors. On the other hand, there are trail blazers, ground breakers if you will that are paving the way for GLBT in the hip hop industry. The most significant is the rapper DeadLee who is an openly gay rapper and actually speaks about his lifestyle in his music.

With all these issues and topics in mind, I welcome you, the YOCISCO.com reader to our expose on Homosexuality and hip hop. As we explore the topic, I welcome your comments and questions, feel free to hit me up. Your boy Cisco is a lover of hip hop, have been for a long time. She has carried me through long nights on the go go box and layed back evenings making love. She has comforted me through tough break ups and lifted my spirits when things seemed impossible. She is like an old friend, always there when I need her. As a gay man, hip hop has been there for me since the beginning. I love hip hop and in time, hopefully she will love me back.

CISCO

 

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Gay Rapper, DeadLee talks to YOCISCO.com

Perhaps one of the most significant gay hip hop artists of our time, DeadLee speaks with YOCISCO.com's entertainment consultant, Karlos about his life, growing up and being one of the only openly gay hip hop artists in the industry.

 

Click here for the full story

 

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Terrance Dean, author of "Hiding in Hip Hop" talks

to YOCISCO.com

 

Step inside the entertainment industry with Terrance Dean as he talks with YOCISCO.com about his new book and the DL lifestyle that is hip hop's last taboo

 

Click here for the full story

 

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PLUS

 

The YOCISCO.com Exclusive Homosexuality and Hip Hop Photo Shoot

 

 

 

This shoot was done here in Denver by talented photographer, Mark Stout. Models Maurice and Ben along with your boy Cisco give you our Hip Hop Homo inspired photo shoot, enjoy!

Click here to see the photos

 

 

 

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Thinking about picking up the newly released book from Terrance Dean? Check out Cisco's review of the book before you buy.

Click Here for the review