Odd Boy Out
January 20, 2006
QBoy is an odd boy out
in the pop-oriented British gay community. The reason is obvious. He is
one of the very few gay rap artists that is loud, out and proud
of his sexuality. QBoy riffs to The Malcontent about homophobia in hip-hop, the growing hip-hop scene in the queer community and stereotypical gay music. (The link to The Malcontent is semi work-safe because of some photos. Just want you to have a heads-up.)
He introduces me to the term "homo-hop" that I think is totally
brilliant. He also has a sensible view on tolerance in the very diverse
hip hop community.
"At the end of the day, if we keep calling hip-hop homophobic,
casting a blanket over everyone involved in hip-hop, it will lead to
problems with those very people who are in hip-hop and are presently
open-minded about homosexuality," says QBoy in the interview. "We should be making
allies with them, getting them on our side, not tarring them with same
brush." He all sums it up perfectly when he says, "Masculinity is about
being a man, not a straight man."
The rapper is planning a busy 2006. He writes me that he will soon be releasing his new single, entitled "A Deal With God" that uses a Kate Bush sample and is an anti-bullying campaign track. QBoy will also be featured in the homo-hop film "Pick Up The Mic." (Photo by Patrick Mettraux)
Download QBoy music from his website [mp3]