Hip-Hop

At 50, We Need Hip-Hop To Reignite Its Advocacy for HIV Awareness

Nearly 20 years before the songs Old Town Road and Despacito peaked at #1 on Billboard’s charts, another song seemed to be played on an endless loop. Released in 1995, ”One Sweet Day” by Boys II Men & Mariah Carey sat at the top of the charts for 16 weeks, tying it for 2nd longest reign in Billboard’s history.

At 50, We Need Hip-Hop To Reignite Its Advocacy for HIV Awareness

‘Between Me, You and Liberation:’ How Rapper Common Made A Righteous Departure From Homophobia 20 Years Ago

In 2023, hip-hop turns 50, and in 2022 it’s time to give Common his flowers. It was 20 years ago that the Chicago native and conscious MC bravely denounced his previous homophobia on “Between Me, You & Liberation,” a track from his 2002 album “Electric Circus.”

‘Between Me, You and Liberation:’ How Rapper Common Made A Righteous Departure From Homophobia 20 Years Ago

The Liberation of Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X is a self-affirming Black gay millennial, a megastar still rising, and an impresario of social media. His releases shatter sales and streaming records. His videos and live performances display unambiguously queer Black sexiness before mainstream audiences.

The Liberation of Lil Nas X

Not to Pile On, But DaBaby’s Recent Comments About HIV Were Not Just Anti-Black, They Were Anti Hip-Hop

If you were unfamiliar with DaBaby (born Jonathan Kirk) before July 25, 2021, you’re likely all caught up on who the rapper is by now. Born in 1991 in Cleveland, OH, and hailing from Charlotte, NC, DaBaby rose to fame in 2018 and has since been a mainstay on mainstream urban radio.

Not to Pile On, But DaBaby’s Recent Comments About HIV Were Not Just Anti-Black, They Were Anti Hip-Hop

'Leviticus: Faggot' 25 Years Later - A Visual Musing On A Black Queer Musical Achievement

On June 25, 1996, Meshell Ndegeocello released her sophomore album Peace Beyond Passion, and “Leviticus: Faggot”, released the day after my 19th birthday on May 21, 1996, was one of the lead singles. The sky opened and the way I listened to music shifted.

'Leviticus: Faggot' 25 Years Later - A Visual Musing On A Black Queer Musical Achievement

“One Situation Involved a Young Man”: How Lauryn Hill’s Classic Album Told This Black Gay Man’s Stories, Too

The first time Lauryn canceled on me, she had a legitimate excuse. I was in the middle of my junior year of Montclair High. The African American Awareness Club’s faculty advisor had a connection to Lauryn’s family, and had arranged for her to attend a meeting one afternoon.

“One Situation Involved a Young Man”: How Lauryn Hill’s Classic Album Told This Black Gay Man’s Stories, Too