Just when you thought you had seen it all in the ever-changing world of hip-hop, there is something new on the scene: Rapper Lil B, a rising hip-hop MC and former member of The Pack, is coming out as a gay straight man.

He is taking it one step further, people. He is going to title his upcoming album “I’m Gay,” despite again not being homosexual. Holy show tunes, Batman, this sounds confusing!

Lil B is re-appropriating the word “gay” and using it to support the gay community and their struggle.

He recently told MTV: "I'm very gay, but I love women. I'm not attracted to men in any way. I've never been attracted to a man in my life. But yes I am gay, I'm so happy. I'm a gay, heterosexual male," he told MTV. "I got major love for the gay and lesbian community, and I just want to push less separation and that's why I'm doing it."

This guy could be a new example of a contemporary civil rights leader, or is this just a publicity stunt to sell more records?

This Berkeley, Calif.-based rapper says he wants to break barriers in the hip-hop world. That might be true, but some fans want to break other things, including his skull. The album title has spawned a wave of backlash against Lil B.

"Many of my supporters have turned on me," he said. Some have sent messages saying "I'm gonna bash your head in," "you f-----," and 'I'm gonna kill you."

Now that is some angry fan mail.

The homophobic culture in hip-hop is nothing new. In fact, we rarely see any artist speaking up about the subject. Kanye West is about the only rapper to publicly denounce gay bashing in lyrics. Remember when he publicly supported his gay cousin a few years ago?

Terrence Dean, a former MTV producer and hip-hop expert, recently wrote a book titled "Hiding in Hip Hop: On the Down Low in the Entertainment Industry From Music to Hollywood.” That’s a long title for a subject many do not want to discuss.

Dean shares this observation: "Hip Hop is a culture and environment which does not provide a safe place for an artist to come forward or to come out. If you listen to many rap lyrics, they promote hate and gay-bashing. It is an environment where the thug and gangster mentality is prevalent.”

An example of this homophobic culture is using the phrase “No Homo.”

“No Homo” was coined in hip-hop to distance oneself from any insinuation that one might be gay.

If you Google the “Boondocks” Tyler Perry episode, they give you an entertaining yet accurate explanation of the appropriate use of the phrase.
An immediate example would be like saying, "Dude, you are getting more diesel. No Homo." Translated: I am admiring your muscular physique, but not in a homosexual way.

Could Kanye and Lib B be onto something here? This could be a brand new area of building relations between the gay community and homophobic hip-hop groups?

Rapper: "Does this gold chain, shagging jeans and my incessant use of misogynistic images of women make my butt look big? No Homo." I am just saying.
Maybe we should continue this type of re-appropriation in support of Lil B’s efforts.
I offer Professor Locs’ Top 5 similar “No Homo” phrase adaptations:

5. We need to schedule a meeting, and bring proof of your last three years of itemized deductions. No IRS Audit.

4. I want to supplement my income by standing on the corner selling crack rocks to the disenfranchised while sporting the latest in prison-inspired fashion. No Drug Dealer.

3. I like barking orders at out-of-shape people and making them do embarrassing and grueling tasks in front a large mirror that reflects all their imperfections for all the world to see. No Personal Trainer.

2. I like dressing in all white and keeping you from knocking yourself unconscious while you flail about like a fish out of water screaming “Praise Him.” No Church Usher.

1. I like to drop by your house unannounced and ignore the 25-feet restraining order. No Stalker.
If you support a progressive movement of inclusion, I challenge you to submit your own “No Homo” adaptation.
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Professor Locs, aka Charles Easley, is an educator who explores race, class, gender, sexuality, media and popular culture with humor and insight. Click here to read his blog.

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