Shifting Canons in Hip Hop: African American Rappers and the Visibility of Homosexuality

Abstract

International audienceThis paper aims to probe the shifting that is occurring in the hip hop movement in terms of lyrics, representation, and behavioral codes. Hip hop culture has codified its participants’ attitudes and oral expressions, even their clothing styles. These are fixed in traditions that are inextricably linked to the song lyrics. Therefore, I will examine the way words and postures are being de-canonized to create new canons. As Black gay rappers (and other LGBTQ+ individuals) are more and more visible, I will concentrate on Lil Nas X—whose notoriety has brought new light to the presence of Black gay men in that culture—and on Kevin Abstract