Hip Hop and Homosexuality

Paper Summary:

Those outside of its culture generally perceive hip-hop as very homophobic and misogynistic. While it is undoubtedly hyper-masculine and grounded in a culture that has traditionally not been very accepting of homosexuality, hip hop is not generally perceived by those within the culture as being homophobic. This study shows that a majority of hip hop fans are more accepting of homosexuality than the white Christian majority and that the perceived homophobia of the lyrics may be a misunderstanding by those outside the culture of the hip hop dialogue, which uses extreme language and extreme metaphor to express social truths.

Paper Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Investigation and Statement of the Problem
Qualitative Study
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"As mentioned earlier, there are two significant reasons why such homophobia may be present in the hip-hop genre. The first is religious. While Hip-Hop lyrics are generally extremely profane and amoral (to say the least), it nonetheless has deep roots in a religious culture. According to Umar ben-Ivan Lee, one hip-hop defender of anti-gay lyrics, " Hip Hop has always celebrated God... unlike Hollywood or American pop culture which vilifies [religion] ... in Hip Hop Islam is generally held in high regard. [Meanwhile] countless rappers pay tribute to their faith in Jesus over the years ... [because] God, Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad have not been removed from the Hip Hop Lexicon." (Political Palace) Certainly historically Hip Hop, like most other culturally black music, has its roots in soul and gospel. Additionally, it draws strongly from a culture where religion continues to be one of dominant forces for goodness. Just as hip-hop has a tendency to be misogynistic and yet demonstrate great respect for motherhood, it is often irreligious and yet inspired to anti-gay sentiment from these religious sources. It is this religious sentiment which gives a sort of moral legitimacy to the more rabid expressions of homophobia."

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• Research Paper # 3331 : "Hip Hop and Rap as Political Expression"

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