Lil B's I'm Gay: Marketing Genius Or Just Offensive?
Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday (that isn't a national holiday) Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture.
This Week's Panel: Bun B, A.D.D., Kiotti, Fat Tony, Delo, Brad Gilmore, JD, H-Kane, Mug, Kritikal, KAB, Renzo, Kritikal, Show
Photo illustration by John Seaborn Gray
Not Invited: Lil B
This Week's Prompt: Lil B has decided to call his forthcoming album I'm Gay. How you feel about this? Smart move? Stupid? Controversial? Unnecessary? Go.
Bun B: Well... I guess... you know... ummm... I think... well maybe... if you look at it like... in a perfect world... sorry. I got nothing. Uh... swag?
A.D.D.: I thought it was tight and funny as shit. If only half the rappers had the courage Lil B has then the rap game would be tighter. I think him doing that has exposed a big issue about homophobia in the rap game. Because a lot of people don't know who they are and are scared to say certain things.
It's smart that he chose those words to express how he feels. What ever happened to applauding rappers that bring a different approach to music and raise the social status bar?
Kiotti: First: Who's that? [laughs] I think he looking for that shock factor. I don't know any of his music. I heard Puff brought him out at SXSW. Heard he wanted to sex Kanye. He may be gay. Shrugs.
Fat Tony: It's smart and stupid all at once. I like it.
Delo: I really don't care. I don't think he is really calling it that. Plus it would just be controversial 'cause he is not an open[ly] gay [man].
Brad Gilmore: I think it's just Lil B doing what has made him famous: Having titles of albums and songs that really make people say "WTF," such as his songs named "Paris Hilton" or "Ellen Degeneres." It's something to get people's attention. He thinks I'm Gay is the next thing he can do to up his hype and his swag.
JD: I believe it was a smart move on his end. Dude has literally created buzz over the Internet with no mainstream promotion. Word of mouth has been his best friend. Truthfully, I feel his hype is bigger than the talent. Nonetheless, he's making smart moves.
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