Gay Rapper, Deadlee talks to YOCISCO.com
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KARLOS: Congratulations on all the success and exposure you’re getting, it’s good to see a successful Latino such as yourself breaking stereotypes and climbing over obstacles, especially in such a cut throat industry. You’re doing big things pa.
DEADLEE: “Thanks a lot man, I appreciate that”
KARLOS: So, how was it growing up in a Latino home being that your sexuality is not very well looked upon in our community? How was the support from your family when you “came out”?
DEADLEE: “Growing up in Colorado, I came from a Latin family who was big on machismo. I came out at the age of 20. I still have family members who don’t accept it. They would call me typical derogatory names. I actually got a tattoo on my chest that says Puto, Spanish for fag. It’s to those who don’t accept me and would call me those names; to let them know that yea that’s me and what. I really don’t give a fuck about what people in my family say. All I care about is my mom’s approval and acceptance. I grew up in a single parent home. I came out to my dad and he wrote a letter to me saying that he wasn’t gonna have a gay son. That’s the last time I ever heard from him. It’s been 12 years now. I do have a cousin who supports me 100% though. His name is Carlos and surprisingly he’s straight. He has shown me mad love and respect.”
KARLOS: Was music always your goal and passion in life? Were there any second thoughts when you decided to step into the industry as an openly gay artist, being that your sexuality was going to raise eyebrows?
DEADLEE: “It all happened by accident actually. I wanted to record my stuff and I found a producer who was willing to work with me. He told me to be myself and well, I started to record about my truth. I never cared about what people would say about me being a gay rapper. I was down to be myself and be daring. I had a nude photo shoot in a European gay magazine and they classified me as the Gay Rapper. It all went from there. I was doin’ my shit and never thought how that could hurt or make my career, that magazine was not seen here in the country. I think I started to think more seriously about my work when I got national exposure for just simply being myself and gaining that respect. I appeared on the Tyra Banks show, Howard Stern and CNN.”
KARLOS: Did it ever cross your mind to keep “it” on the down low in order to further your career?
DEADLEE:“Down from the get-go I knew I was going to just be myself. I’ve gotten attention and
recognition I would not get by being on the down low. I didn’t even know there was a scene for gay hip hop artists. PEACE OUT Festival in Oakland was one of the first gigs I ever did. I’m tryin’ to step up my game here on my third album; tryin to do something more mainstream, not just catered to the gay community. I’m not walking away from who I am, I’m simply reaching out to the public in general. Songs on this album will be easy to relate to weather you’re gay or straight. I’ve been tryin’ to get the respect I deserve, now that I got people’s attention I feel like I can compete with the big dogs.”
KARLOS: Tell us how Deadlee came to life, what is the meaning behind your name? You’re described as rough, explicit, fearless, groundbreaking, aggressive and confrontational, but also a “Queer bastard child of DMX and Lil’ Kim,” explain this.
DEADLEE: “At first I came out as Killa Joe, but never really liked it much. So one day Deadlee came into my mind, Lee being part of my name. I liked it and stuck to it. I didn’t classify myself as child of DMX and Lil’ Kim, that’s a label people made for me based on my image and sound. I’m not tryin’ to be gangsta, I’m being myself. If I were to classify myself I guess it would be a cholo-fag, but to me it’s whatever, I’m being myself.”
KARLOS: How would you describe your music? What sets you apart from others doing what you do?
DEADLEE: “I think my music is a mix between rap, rock and old school. The new shit coming up is more main stream, I’m tryin to be more accessible. When you knock people over the head being aggressive and making a point, it can easily drift people away. I realized that being more kick back and letting things flow, shit will come together. My first fans were white punk rocker kids, the Latino community never cared for me as much; that is until the last five years and thanks to myspace because I gained major exposure. What sets me apart from others artist like me is that I’ve been kind of an activist working for the community, I feel it’s important for me to put it out there that im an activist and a rapper. A lot of other gay artists just focus on their music and not so much about the community as a whole.”
KARLOS: How important was it for you to be part of The Homo Revolution Tour? There was a lot of buzz over it. Did you guys experience any homophobia while on tour?
DEADLEE: “I think it was groundbreaking, and it was shocking to know we got more love in other parts of the country than here in California. I realized how much people respect us in other parts of the country. Boston was crazy, it was a full house and the love they showed was incredible. No negative feedback while we were out on tour, basically it’s all talk when people talk shit. The worse I ever got was when I did a straight show here in LA. When it was my turn to perform a bunch of people turned their backs and walked out.”
KARLOS: In your blogs you bring up the very much talked about book by Terrance Dean, “Hiding in Hip Hop,” which is a memoir of his life and experiences with other “down low” men in the industry. Surprisingly you didn’t seem to care for it much.
DEADLEE: “Fuck that shit. I just feel like being on the down low is weak, that shit is dumb. The worse part is that he had an important title while working for MTV. Instead of helping us out in gaining exposure and respect he was hiding with the rest. What’s the point of it all [the book] if you aren’t even naming anyone.”
KARLOS: According to Terrance Dean, there is a sub-culture in Hollywood which he calls Gay Hollywood; a “down low” community within the Hollywood we are exposed to. Can you agree with his statement? If so, have you experienced it first hand?
DEADLEE: “You do you. I do me. I’m not down with the down low shit, I know fools who got kids and family and are creeping with men on the side. That’s bullshit. Yea, I’ve heard some shit here and there about some people in the industry, big name people I’m not gonna mention. I really don’t care much about the Gay Hollywood scene he talks about.”
KARLOS: On a more personal note, is Deadlee single? Professionally your doing it, how’s the love department? Do you see a family in the future? What’s the hardest part of being an entertainer and holding a same sex relationship?
DEADLEE: “I feel like im always hooked up. I’ve been in a relationship for a year now. I don’t really like the dating scene. There is always temptation with guys who look like you and Cisco, I’m like god damn! (Laughs). I wouldn’t mind having kids, but I don’t really think much about it. When I’m dating someone, they gotta be down with my job and understand that its work, it’s not about hooking up it’s about doin my job, trust is the key.”
KARLOS: There have been constant rumors of Lil’ Wayne and his questionable sexuality. People like 50 Cent and Juvenile have openly expressed their opinions on the topic surrounding Lil’ Wayne. What are your thoughts on Lil’ Wayne?
DEADLEE: “I think he’s just really close to Birdman. I think its affection on that video of them kissing. It’s his mentor. I believe if he was gay he would be out with his shit, he looks like he don’t give a fuck. I think if he’s straight it’s tight that he’s down with his emotions.”
KARLOS: If you could work with anyone in the industry who would you love to collaborate with, if the chance was given?
DEADLEE: “I’m kinda feeling Lil’ Wayne, he’s hot right now. The Game would be nice to work with too since he’s west coast. I would also like to do something with Females like Missy Elliot.”
KARLOS: We know you contributed music for movies “On the Down Low” directed by Tadeo Garcia and “Vengeance” directed by Daniel Zirilli. You also appear in the critically acclaimed documentary “Pick Up the Mic” as well as the focus on “Hip Hop Homos,” a reality show on Logo. Seems like your coming up. What can we expect to see from next? Any big projects?
DEADLEE: “You know what, I just got my first lead role in a movie and I’m doing three songs for the soundtrack. It’s called “Sharpie”, a comedy about a group of chola girls and the stereotypes. I play a straight role. My third album is coming out in the fall as well. We’re just finishing touches on it. I’ll hopefully have a music video to go with one of the songs for the movie titled “that’s right that’s right”. The movie should be out in the September/October 2008.”
KARLOS: Before we wrap this up, tell us where we can catch you next, any appearances we might want to look out for?
DEADLEE: “I’ll probably go on the Howard Stern Show once my album comes out. I really want to go on Ellen. I wanna hit her up and be like, look girl you gotta help your people out, Tyra did it, and you should too.”
Check out more on Deadlee at DeadLee.com or visit his myspace page by clicking here
