Jackson Free Press

"Heterosexuals are very comfortable with the idea of gay boys parodying hiphop, and alot less comfortable with us doing it. And particularly if we do it well" Tim'm West in interview with Reporter Lynne Johnson (2001).

Tim'm West.
The man. The poetry. The music. The mission.
Internationally known spoken word artist and musician
Tim'm West will be talking about this, life as an openly gay black man, his involvement in the emergence of homo-hop, the homo-thug and more in his exclusive interview with MS artist/author C. A. Webb.

This is a special LIVE TAPING of the televised version of "Conversations with C. A. Webb" during National Poetry Month on Tuesday, April 11, 2006. (location to be announced.) Tim'm will also be the guest poet for
C. A. Webb's first Webb Wednesday of 2006 that will be on
Wednesday, April 12, 2006. This is one "Conversations" you don't want to miss.
Visit his website at http://www.reddirt.biz
Find out about this interview and more by visiting http://www.cawebbconversations.com

What do you think? Will Jackson, Miss., have its own homo-hop movement?

Previous Commentsshow

Will Jackson, MS have it's own "homo-hop" movement? You might be surprised what people are saying! The homo-thug is alive and well and living closer than you think. Tim'm is a fascinating person to talk to. If our telephone interview was any indication, this is going to be a highlight for my poetry month events. He's a educator, journalist, poet, rapper and independent thinker. Check him out at www.reddirt.biz

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

I suppose it was only a matter of time. :) Sounds hysterical.

Ironghost

Feb 14 2006

Ironghost: "Sounds hysterical." I'm curious about this. Why do you say hysterical?

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

I received a personal email about Tim'm that I decided to comment on. Yes, he is an openly gay man that is also an educator in Washington D. C. The story he tells abou this love of hiphop and the music he creates I think may get lost on those who just look at his sexuality. He is very comfortable with who he is, but has an interesting perspective on the "same-gender loving" community. You should really check his website out. It's quite a journey to take.

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

I meant it in the nice sense, C A. I'm familiar with hip-hop, so I would be curious to hear how it sounds from a different perspective.

Ironghost

Feb 15 2006

Ironghost, To be honest with you, I have gotten several emails about it. I was unfamiliar with it as well, but I guess it made sense that same-gender loving people would have hiphop that reflected something more than men throwing money at half naked women or the like. I have visited his site, read articles about the group he is a part of, and they seem to have quite a following. Could I hear it being played on 97. 7 FM or 99 Jams? Not any time soon. But it shows talent. Though I think we all would agree that talent doesn't mean everyone will like it. I was just glad he agreed to the interview. He's very intelligent, and if I am honest about something else, I was curious to have someone with his credentials talk about the many facets of his life: educated man/black man/gay man/thug/ It's an interesting combination.

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

gay hip hop? I couldn't see the testoerone driven side of hiphop welcoming gay rappers in to the fold anytime soon. I can see a lot of mixtapes being put out just to dogg them out constantly. It would never end. this could only survive in some niche market of hip hop, but even then, thugs would show up just to kick their a$$e$. Insurance for venues and security rates would skyrocket. Although MTV and other alternative stations would run with it.

JSU

Feb 15 2006

I love the idea of gay hip-hop, for what it's worth, though I'm not any particular authority on straight hip-hop and really have no idea how it'll play out. I think gay hip-hop artists could do a great job of contextualizing hip-hop, though, and so as an outsider I find that fascinating. Whenever you have a really macho culture, there's usually a subtly homoerotic element. One of the reasons I don't listen to more hip-hop is because it's macho. A little of what third-wave feminists call "genderf--king" could be good for the art form. Or not. I mean, I've got some Jay-Z and Kanye in my iTunes folder, plus tracks Moby did with Public Enemy and MC Lyte, but I'm not going to pretend to know what would be good for hip-hop because I just don't listen to much of the stuff. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Feb 15 2006

Just a thought: One thing I have noticed while preparing for this interview is the double standard. Remember the stench that arose from 50 Cent's comment to Playboy Magazine about gays, even after admitting that his mother was bisexual? http://ww.rainbownetwork.com/News/detail.asp?iData=20336&iCat=29&iChannel=2&nChannel=News Why is it that women who love women and men are accepted in hiphop culture and men who love women and men aren't

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

I don't know JSU, Willie Nelson just released the first Gay Cowboy ballad recording.....I think it would be real cool to feed it back to Eniimen..double dose of what his happy ass has been dishin,,,,and if there's one thing I know......a gay guy could match that drip 1000 fold in lyrics and smarts.......

ATLExile

Feb 15 2006

After seing a Hasidic Jew perform reggae on Letterman, I'd say that anything is possible in the music world.

LatashaWillis

Feb 15 2006

ATLExile, One more thing I thought I should mention about my first "dose" of "homo-hop" this week, is that you really can't tell the difference at first listen. What I heard discussed events in life, similar to any other songs, and I heard nothing graphic that I would find uncomfortable... I think the main reason for the homo-hop label is that these guys LOOK just as hard ad the 50 Cents and othes--- they just happen to like either men or both sexes. The sobering thing that I got from the phone interview was that WHO REALLY KNOWS TODAY WHO "GETS DOWN" WITH WHO. Regardless of what they portray to the public.

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

Queer hip hop is nothing new... It's been around as long as hip hop. It's simply been more underground since it's a sub-culture within a sub-culture of a sub-culture... There've been a few documentaries on the topic in the last few years. I know of and listen to a transsexual rapper from the Bay Area that could lyrically run circles around the masses making money in the hip hop scene at the moment. Not only are his words intelligent and deal with everything from identity to sex to sexuality to politics, his flow is beyond words. When we were booking acts for OUToberfest 2005, we were in talks with a recording label that only produces queer hip hop. One of the heads of the label actually has roots in Mississippi. All that fell through because they were doing a queer hip hop festival across the pond. We're hoping to have at least one of the performers at this year's event which we're very excited about.

kaust

Feb 15 2006

besides an end,what is this world coming to? did anyone not watch CNN when the states had to vote for gay marriages,MS HAD A 6 TO 1 RATIO against gay marriage. they didnt accept that, so what makes you think they are going to accept "homo-hop". it seems as if people have forgotten about whats important in life. we as adults need to prepare for the next generation.todays society has lost their minds!!!! children are the most important thing on this earth,we need to focus on their upbringing& an introducing them to "homo-hop" is not what they need to be focused on...if you go into many of the high& middle schools,there are already young kids,proclaiming to be gay.when in all honesty, they just want to be accepted. they are too young to know how they feel, concerning boys& girls on an intimate level. that should be our focus, warning them about life, helping them achieve permanent goals,& helping them develope their character, challenging them to be the best they can be in life. Mr.Tim'm might be a successful, young, black, intelligent man, i don't know him. but i do know that he nor has anyone always been the way they are right now in their life. question to consider,if we could offer any advice to the next generation,what will it be? From me it wouldnt be to live it up,or you only have 1 life to live, but to be careful& use your time wisely& learn to love yourself unconditionally the way no one else could ever love you. when things are wrong they are just wrong& there is no right in it,be it homosexuality or an addiction. there is no way to justify wrongdoing b/c there isnt any right in doing wrong.

Deneka

Feb 15 2006

Deneka, it's not up to the majority of Mississippians to "accept" something like this. (Ought not have been for gay marriage; majorities should not determine rights.) But in this case, it has nothing to do with government. You can disagree, but it's not really your business what other people listen to, or do with their private time, or decide is important in their lives. It's a free country, at least for now.

DonnaLadd

Feb 15 2006

Deneka, PLEASE, OH PLEASE, explain how a kid claiming to be homosexual in high school is wanting "to be accepted"??? As a gay male, I can tell you the last thing to get you accepted in high school is a rainbow flag and a "I'm gay" t-shirt. Your statement makes absolutely no sense. Further, I'd bet almost the same 6-1 ratio applies to hip hop in general. If we were to put it to a vote in Mississippi to "outlaw" hip hop, I suspect you may see a similar voting trend. It's probably not a coincidence either. I am completely repulsed that you place my 8 year relationship in the same box you place addiction. My 8 years with the man I love has helped me with a past addiction, has opened me to new, healthy experiences, and has made me a whole person. I have expanded my art, explored my inner-self, and grown as an adult... An addiction or something comparable does not do that! Somehow "love yourself unconditionally the way no one else could ever love you" doesn't seem to mingle well with your other words.

kaust

Feb 15 2006

i really do appreciate the feedback.Knol Aust, i would expect that comment from a homosexual& i know you wouldnt agree, simply b/c you're homosexual& you are going to offended when someone doesnt agree with your way of life& you cant say it doesnt matter to you b/c your comment reveals how you are still self conscience of your way of life. to ladd, there are some people who have your same view as "its a free country"but until you come to realize life is bigger then you& i , then you will always have that same view.Life is not about an indivdiual, we all need each other no matter who you are or what you do. i pray right now that in the name of Jesus,that you all receive wisdom & knowledge & peace in life that surpasses all understanding.i pray that you receive total fulfillment in life that only God,the heavenly Father can provide in Jesus name, Amen.

Deneka

Feb 15 2006

Thanks for the prayers, Deneka; I never turn one down. But that still doesn't change the fact that it's not up to you to tell other people what to do, or how to believe. One doesn't have to be a homosexual to be offended at the government trying to take away people's right. One just has to be an American.

DonnaLadd

Feb 15 2006

Deneka, I have to play devil's advocate on this one. These children that you talk about that could be affected by homo-hop could just as easily be affected by the talk of how many women can be slept with, what women do in strip clubs for money, how much I smoked herbs, who i had to kill to make my point or mark my territory, etc. It's not always what they hear that's the problem. It's the understanding of it. Granted, there is a lot I don't understand. A LOT. But I am willing to take the time to find out about things before I dismiss them or diss them entirely. That is the sensible thing to do, don't you think?

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

Deneka writes: did anyone not watch CNN when the states had to vote for gay marriages,MS HAD A 6 TO 1 RATIO against gay marriage. they didnt accept that, so what makes you think they are going to accept "homo-hop". 1. I wasn't aware that there was a statewide referendum on "homo-hop." 2. As far as gay marriage is concerned, comparable statistical opposition among whites could have been found in this state if the issue of integration were brought up 50 years ago. 3. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that gay hip-hop's demographic is not the conservative whites who made up the majority of the gay marriage vote. Just a wild guess. 4. The state may have been 87-13, but Belhaven and Fondren were split pretty close to 50/50. when things are wrong they are just wrong& there is no right in it,be it homosexuality or an addiction. there is no way to justify wrongdoing b/c there isnt any right in doing wrong. If homosexual relationships were always wrong, they'd be wrong. Yeah, it's pretty hard to argue with that. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Feb 15 2006

Deneka, using Christianity as a trump card to justify your own prejudices only serves to set up stumbling blocks for other people considering the Christian faith, who will inevitably be turned off by such shallow politicization. And considering what Jesus had to say about those who did the same in his era (a lot) versus what he had to say about gay and lesbian couples (absolutely nothing), it seems to me that you probably need Knol's prayers a hell of a lot more than he needs yours. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Feb 15 2006

Hmm... If I needed a babysitter and/or role model for my kids, I'd pick Knol over Deneka in a heartbeat.

kate

Feb 15 2006

did anyone not watch CNN when the states had to vote for gay marriages,MS HAD A 6 TO 1 RATIO against gay marriage. Does anyone remember that the voters of the state of Mississippi voted to close the state's public school rather than integrate them? But, you know, the majority is always right.

DonnaLadd

Feb 15 2006

You know, Jesus did some of his Ministry in an area of Galilee called the Decapolis. I was reading in "Mark" last night and it dawned on me that the Decapolis was a region of ten Greek cities that were built during the Hellenistic period so that Greeks could conduct business in Jewish land without mixing with Jews and their social restrictions (you know Gentiles and all). The Greeks found them to be very superstitious people. What was accepted norm in Greek society, Homosexuality? Jesus was certainly amoung what was then "Gay" people and he preached in those cities or at least a couple and never said a word. He had to have seen it or been aware of same sex couples. The strictest injunction in Leviticus (which means pertaining to the Levites) against same sex activity is one verse wedged between an injucnction not to hurl you babies into the flamming maw of Molech (a particularly nasty natured god related to Baal) and for a woman not to lay prone, supine, and naked in front of a cow (ladies are you listening? Quit doing that!) It had to do with temple prostitution. Not legitimate same sex attractions. The other tow references were corruptions of that one. When Peter was up on that roof and had that dream concerning the sheet and four corners coming down from heaven, it wasn't about eating pork. It was about including the Gentile nations into the good news. All things are lawful under the law, but not all things are profitable. That means walk with the spirit in all of your dealings and that includes sex...and attractions. Christ does not come to strip and destroy your sentinals of personality and faith, He comes to purify them..... If this hip hop goes violent and starts promoting lewd and outlandish conduct then it is not of the spirit...........promoting the physical over the the spirit is a good indicator of trouble for your walk.

ATLExile

Feb 15 2006

There will always be people that hold onto one snapshot of the Bible to support some inane belief they may have. Its just going to happen. As per Knol not "being completely comfortable"...Honey, you really don't Knol. And, if you wanna make the "he hasn't met the right woman" argument, make it...He met me a YEAR AGO and he's STILL WITH THAT DAMN MAN. (I'm not saying I dislike D, Knol, I'm just saying I'm completely Jealous.) :P Anyway, there are kids YOUNGER than "teens" that already know they are gay. When asked they will tell you they knew since there was anything to really "know". There are studies that explain hormone washes in utero that attribute to homosexuality. God is Love, honey. God is Love. And, I freakin' LOVE KNOL. Because he's beautiful inside and out. Homo-Hop is what it is... A minority population finding an outlet to express themselves. Art is about healing. Just like with all art, there will be people who support it and people who wish to censor it. People judge art based upon their own filters created thru life experience. Sometimes what they see in certain artistic expressions scares them. They then try to have it removed. That's how people work.

Lori G

Feb 15 2006

By the way, you'll have to excuse my grammar and several strange "word usages" in that post. I obviously haven't had nearly enough caffeine. Bad Day.

Lori G

Feb 15 2006

Hi, Deneka. I don't know if you'll read this or not since you may feel like you're being attacked here, but I want to help you out. You sound like you may be Pentecostal or Church of God in Christ, I don't know for sure. Based on that assumption, I figure that you probably come from an environment where isolation from anyone like yourself is probably encouraged. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but that's the vibe I'm picking up. I come from a similar background, and I am a member of a non-denominational church now. However, there is one thing I have learned on this Christian walk: Learn to agree to disagree. You cannot make anyone agree with you, even if you feel you are trying to help him/her. That even goes for other Christians (look at all the denominations out there). In a forum such as this, you have to remember that you are dealing with MANY different kinds of people, so you will be taken out of your comfort zone quite often. However, in the midst of that, you actually learn a thing or two. You can have a general conversation with people of different beliefs and remain saved. If your foundation is firm, you have nothing to fear. Demons aren't going to jump on you for reading any of this, and you won't go straight to hell either. Let God do the judging - it's too hard for humans to do. Just make sure you do what you're supposed to do. If you can be a good example to others without being fanatical, it'll pay off in the long run. Remember, Jesus ate with publicans, healed sinners and touched lepers. One more tip: instead of posting the prayer like the one above, do that in private. If this was a Christian forum, it would be okay, but there are a lot of different beliefs here, and some will not understand. As a result, you open yourself up to criticism you may not be able to handle. If it helps, remember that the Bible says that God will reward you openly for what you do in secret. I also suggest that you pray that God will open your understanding. I will do that for you as well. If you want my email address, let me know and I will give it to you. I'm not trying to embarrass you; I'm posting this for the benefit of anyone else who may need to see this. Have a blessed evening. ;-)

LatashaWillis

Feb 15 2006

This seems a good time to dig through the JFP archives (well, actually google, but same essential thing). It's Mourning in America Values and Voters. It's a lot of reading, but it's worth it. If you are in a hurry, here's a summary Homosexuality is not threatening the sanctity of marraige (Espececially since HETEROsexuals are threaten its sanctity WITHOUT "help" from the gay community - witness that, with the exception of the quicky divorce state of Nevada, the Bible Belt has the USAs highest divorce rates. NON-Bible Belt Massachusetts has THE LOWEST divorce rate among all states.) Laws don't make a society "moral" any more than the 18th Amendment ("Prohibition Amendment") was a cure for alcoholism (It totally escapes me how Knol and his lover are threatening the marriage stability and sanctity of a loving HETEROsexual couple. Please enlighten me about this matter) Not everyone is going to agree what is "Christian", even among Christians themselves (Some here don't even believe in Christianity in any form - although they show respect for the teachings of Jesus) Well, that ought to be sufficient to get my point across.

Philip

Feb 15 2006

Philip, the summary made me curious, so I tried to read both threads. I could only make it halfway on each. Guess your attention span decreases as you age. :-) Not everyone is going to agree what is "Christian", even among Christians themselves Can't agree with you more here. Imagine spending part of your life believing that wearing pants and makeup would send me to hell because that made me a Jezebel. You couldn't go to a movie theater because people made out in the dark, but you can rent a video and watch it at home? People don't "get it on" at home? It doesn't have be a romantic movie, either. That's why I sympathized with Deneka because if she had ever been taught any of the same things, it's going to be hard for her to listen to other points of view without guilt. I'm still learning to replace dogma with truth. Slowly but surely. As I heard someone say once, if you're not careful, religion can kill you spiritually.

LatashaWillis

Feb 15 2006

Yuppers, LW I think these restrictions come about because certain religious people get panicked and afraid that their children will inevitably drift into "sin" if they are exposed to it. No doubt this comes about because they are raised to believe to connect "Christian" with a certain image of behaving. Furthermore, if you read history, an old (now discredited) interpretation of the Bible is that Jesus will come back when society is at it's least sinful. The interpretation may be discredited but the end result still lives on - so many rules about keeping "filth" away from you lest you get polluted. Sure doesn't sound like the Jesus who walked among the Lepers (who under Jewish law itself were ceremonially unclean). You'd think that after all our Bible reading Christians would have gotten the message: It's not divorcing yourself from the "unclean" that makes you saved -- it's the mercy, compassion and love of God that makes you saved! But here we are repeating the same old mistakes as the Pharisees. Some things will just never change, I suppose.

Philip

Feb 15 2006

In addition to the Pharisee mentality, why are these restrictions always so repressive towards women? Women always end up with a longer list of "can'ts". A lot of this stuff turned up around 1900, so I think they were trying to prevent the women from evolving along with the rest of America.

LatashaWillis

Feb 16 2006

c.a. -the problem with tim'm is he's already announced he's homo. his career as a rapper is over already

JSU

Feb 16 2006

c.a. -the problem with tim'm is he's already announced he's homo. his career as a rapper is over already This may seem a little silly, but what you said reminds of a character from "Deliver Us From Eva" (at least I think that was the movie). Remember the hairstylist who appeared to be gay, but at the end of the movie he was talking to someone on the phone sounding macho and said a man can't get a hairstylist job in L.A. unless he's gay?

LatashaWillis

Feb 16 2006

Latasha, In some cases I would have to agree with JSU.... in the mainstream being an out rapper like Tim'm would be a problem. But the funny thing about him is that he has some a wide following---- and mainly from the HIV/AIDS community. They understand what it is like to be looked upon as different, and he has even releases successful albums solo and with his group Deep Dick-Collective (DDC). They are based out of the Southeast. One thing I couldn't help but think was just think about how this would be viewed if one of the "hardcore" rappers today was found to be same-gender-loving as well.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

who cares! if this gay guy gets on stage and has half naked dudes grinding and the like, he's just as wack as the dudes who are straight and have women doing the same thing. if he can spit, he can spit bottom line! (sounds funny when talking about this topic) now honestly, i wouldnt go out and buy it. but if he is trying to be accepted then he has a hard road to hoe, but that is his struggle if he choses to accept it. i equate differences like this if you like it you like but dont try and make me like it

skipp

Feb 16 2006

skipp writes: if you like it you like but dont try and make me like it I couldn't agree more. I just think the dialogue will be a healthy one with him and the audience during the interview. If this thread is any indication, there will be quite a few opinions being given. He has chosen this path and seems happy taking the journey. All I want to do is to allow others the chance to be passersby that he talks with on his way down the road.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

it appears that youre just trying to build steam for your show that provides nothing to anyone else i dont get it webb and i dont like it either

skipp

Feb 16 2006

Skipp, you are allowed to have your opinion. That's the great thing about this country that we live in. What I am doing is opening dialogue. I think others are getting something out of it, at least by the comments that have been posted here. Whether you like it or not, it's working.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

CA, man have you opened dialogue. Whenever the word homosexual appears in print media it's like raising a cap over the trench line. Your gonna draw big fire.....both sides. Nothing wrong at all with this.....

ATLExile

Feb 16 2006

ATLExile, I appreciate the post. The sobering thing that I realized in talking with Tim'm is that I wouldn't buy his music. It's just not my thing. But being a creative myself, I respect and applaud his write to present what he does. He doesn't have dancers---male or otherwise--- on stage with him, according to articles written abuot him, he just does his thing. I can respect and appreciate it without being a consumer. His poetry is different. Spoken word you can lose yourself in because alot is left up to interpretation by the reader. I love his poetry. It's just about accepting the skills for me. I don't know anything about half the people I listen to their music. I just like what they produce. For me the message has to move me regardless of who it come from.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

An underground rapper? A rapper not accepted by the mainstream? I remember when underground was the only way to be not only for hip hop but all music formats... A handful of lasting and rather successful acts in music have been queer including the Pet Shop Boys, Elton John, Ani DiFranco, Joan Jett, George Michael, K.D. Lang, Bob Mould, Cole Porter, Joan Baez, REM, Queen, Village People, Sylvester and more... Believe me, there's more. Sexuality is NOT important if the music is good. I've yet to see anyone really discuss the quality or value of the work produced by Tim'm West. If he has ties to Sugartruck recordings, I would wage his rhymes and beats aren't as "sissy" as most would like to believe. It's very interesting to me that we're judging the artist (mostly) rather than the art. Actually, I find it very, very strange... With Tim'm West, the scandal is who he sleeps with not necessarily the body/content of his work. Can you imagine if all artists were judged for their life rather than their art? What a pathetic world!

kaust

Feb 16 2006

skipp, I think you have the confidence to decide what you like, regardless of what c.a. writes about on his blog. And it is perfectly cool that he is writing about this, and even being self-promotional. The JFP exists in large part to give creative people a way to promote themselves, their art and open dialogue. You are welcome to post forum threads promoting your events if you'd like, and discussing whatever you want, as long as it conforms to the User Agreement. If you don't like the content of this thread, you might just pick another to comment on.

DonnaLadd

Feb 16 2006

I don't mean to me-too on Donna again, but I've had banner ads for my books in the left column of my page, with occasional posts highlighting same, for months now, and nobody's called me down on it yet. Cheers, TH

Tom Head

Feb 16 2006

Knol, You're right. Like I said, I have nothing his music. It's just not for me. I just think he is interesting person to talk to. Thanks, too, to Donna for your post. I think I should also add that I didn't choose Tim'm to interview because of his sexuality. I chose him because for National Poetry Month I thought it would be good for him to discuss his all-around mission, thus the way I introduced this thread: "Tim'm West: The man. The poetry. The music. The mission." His sexuality was brought up by him in the phone interview and how it seeps into everything that he is a part of. I commended him on his honesty and thought that is courage to speak on his life in such an open way was commendable. And he is a part of Sugartruck.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

Well the comments have certainly been good "pro and con" and "societally" (LADD is that a word?) oriented. But I am not a Hipper either. Too Old. But I understand the genre in that it is the most current and expressive form of musical expression to date. So if he's Gay then fine his lyrics and music should reflect the social stance of his the community and his generation. I'll just have to stick with the Symphony and Coffee House crowd and wonder if that hot cellist that I like to watch might be single.....looking at him keeps me awake when the lights go down anyway....oh man...did I blog that out loud.....? It's not the catching....it's the chase....

ATLExile

Feb 16 2006

Many artist describe their art as as who they are, or they say their art defines them,so by commenting on his sexual preference,is commenting on him & his art.you are what you do. tim'm is a homosexual thug,journalist &poet,he chose to put his sexual preference in the open therefore,he doesnt mind people commenting on it.if he wanted to be viewed as just a thug,poet& journalist then he would have left out the fact that he is gay.Many artist such as Kanye West,Jayz, John Legend& etc say their music is who they are....Tim'm is only an issue b/c he is gay. he knew exactly what to say to gain fame.He's saying i'm a homo who can rap,i'm a homo who can write not i'm a man who can rap& write.He's open about it b/c he knows that it will be an issue.

Deneka

Feb 16 2006

c a, I was speaking with Juba (another member of DD) about bringing some of Sugartruck for OUToberfest (as mentioned above). They're an interesting label with some very talented individuals. Please keep me up-to-date on when/where this will happen because I'll certainly be there.

kaust

Feb 16 2006

"Homosexual thug"? Interesting phrase. Not sure I've heard that one before. ;-) Tim'm is only an issue b/c he is gay. he knew exactly what to say to gain fame. I'm sure he decided to "become" gay so that he could have a brilliant career as a homosexual gangsta rapper. Sounds like the easiest road to fame and fortune to me! ;-D

DonnaLadd

Feb 16 2006

Deneka, it is really hard not to agree with you on your points in the last post. Many artists do describe theri art as who they are. I would say that I do the same with my work. It is a reflection of me, experiences I've gone through and things I see. But I do think once we heard his work we would have figured it out--- whether we knew he was gay or not. I can say from the phone interview that he wanted gays to feel as though they could have someone representing for them in the rap genre. He doesn't think he is the first. Just one of the better ones. He reminded me that both VH1 and MTV have done documentaries on the subjet, showing off gay white and black rappers. Deneka, you mentioned Kanye West in your last post. Even he recently admitted that hiphop has been looking down its nose on gays. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-08-18-kanye-west_x.htm?csp=34 He says in this report from the AP that his views changed when he realized one of his cousins was gay. Again, I can respect him as an artist for the courage to do what he does. It is helping people who are looking for a "role model" in that regard as well as educating the rest of us of something more than the stereotype.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

Donna, I'm really loving you on this. You're hysterical! :-) But homothug is one of the ways he describes himself. The pics he sent me kinda gives you that feel: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewevent.asp?AuthorID=3920

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

Knol, Ironically we had reserved a high school auditorium for the interview, having told the principal about the guest and some of the subjects that would be discussed. I don't know if I can keep it there because of the interest out of Louisiana and Tennessee for the interview. We may have to move it, that is the only reason we haven't released the name of the school. But will keep you posted.

c a webb

Feb 16 2006

...I've had banner ads for my books in the left column of my page, with occasional posts highlighting same, for months now, and nobody's called me down on it yet. Dude, you have banner ads? Hey, I want banner ads! Talk to me, Donna. The pics he sent me... Saw the pics. Gay, huh? Is he sure? I mean, a female can take a look at that and get kinda angry. Where's Ali when you need her? :-D

LatashaWillis

Feb 17 2006

L.W., hey he said it, not me. (lol). As for proof, I can't help you with that, you'll have to get with him (smile).

c a webb

Feb 17 2006

Um, C.A., I don't need that kind of proof! :blushes under brown skin:

LatashaWillis

Feb 17 2006

c.a. - skipp is right, your boy is just using his hoho status as a gimmick to get in the game and have a branch of gay -hop form. I won't buy this guy that's for sure and I won't sit in a townhall discussion on his gayness. that's like having a townhall meeting on my bills. who wants to pay this high a$$ car note first?!!!

JSU

Feb 17 2006

and knol you're dead wrong...queer hop IS new. the hip hop community has never heard of this. how can you say it's been around for years...hahahaha

JSU

Feb 17 2006

Sexuality is NOT important if the music is good. then why is c.a. promoting this guy's sexuality as his banner into the rap game?

JSU

Feb 17 2006

JSU, queer hip hop is NOTHING NEW. Do I have to show you my CD collection and the creation dates of MP3s on my iTunes and iPod? It might be new TO YOU but it's not new to the world. Hip hop in many forms (including trip hop and break beat) has even targeted the gay and alternative communities for years. Hip hop acts like Portishead and even Missy have targeted and marketed to the gay scene for years (and it's rumored many of the head females in hip hop have active lesbian relationships). Hell, I'd almost bet Missy's albums dropped in gay bars before ever hitting a hip hop station (since gay bars are often the testing ground for raw pressings of new music). But all that's speculation. Let's just look at some timestamps from articles around the web: 1988 - A Feisty Female Rapper Breaks a Hip-Hop Taboo 2001 - Hip to homo-hop Oakland's D/DC fuses gay and black identities with eyebrow-raising rhyme. 2002 - Homo homies 2003 - They're here, they're queer and they homohop. See, a quick Google lands an article about a lesbian rapper from 1988... I'm sure we could dig further. Does that mean the Source covered it? Hell no... Wouldn't want to lose readers for covering hip hop in its many incarnations. Let's not even get started on why it may seem new to you... Probably because most of the asses making money make money off "kicking some 'nigga's' ass" or stabbing "in the head whether you're a fag or lez".... Should we also mention the huge closet everyone knows exists quietly among successful female artists of hip hop like Queen Latifah and Da Brat? C'mon... Queer is not new and queer hip hop isn't either. Neither is the homophobia that drenches the hip hop community and black community in general.

kaust

Feb 17 2006

I've heard of Queen Pen and as quickly as she announced her homostatus she got banned from the game. not to mention her music sucked. you made your point but I still think that rapping about busting sexual n*ts in another guys behind is not going to go over to well with all the gangster rappers and those that eant to get a reputation as gangsters. to each his own. I guess. Just be careful what you ask for.

JSU

Feb 17 2006

homophobia and using it as a crutch is just a play on words. nobody is scared of gays. it's the principals you insist on others to abide by because you're gay. that's not homophobia. that's reality.

JSU

Feb 17 2006

From Wiki: Homophobia is the "irrational fear of or contempt for homosexuality or homosexuals".

kaust

Feb 17 2006

BTW, JSU, homosexuals are the ones being asked to live by OTHER's principals... From the holocaust to the Federal Marriage Amendment, the queer community -- its individuals, its families, and its businesses -- has been trampled, burned, beaten, left for dead, and restricted by an allowed and accepted dislike for homosexuals codified by laws and tyrants. It's no crutch. Gays being burned in SS ovens is no crutch. A gay man being dragged by a truck down a gravel road is not a crutch. Tell Matthew Shephard homophobia is merely a crutch and no one is fearful or murderous towards gays. Homophobia is very real -- as real as racism -- and more "acceptable" than racism... Sad thing is -- homophobia is being written into constitutions while, fortunately, racism is being erradicated from the books (not necesssarily the minds) of America. Your comment shows how much work this country has to do to become "We the People". You know, that means EVERYONE. You won't ever hear me say racism is used as a crutch... You won't ever hear me say racism is a myth or simply because someone chooses to "act black". How dare you claim homophobia is not real! You get chased at 100+ mph down the interstate and off the road because of your perceived sexuality and tell me homophobia is not real. I don't ask for anything but due respect (like I give everyone else) and equal opportunity... A concept most in the hip hop community should totally embrace.

kaust

Feb 17 2006

i dont' agree that homophobia is not real,it is very real JSU,but i do agree that queer hip hop IS new to the hip hop society& i dont think for one moment that it will be accepted by the hip hop society. he will be seen as a joke,there isnt one heterosexual man that wants to hear about another man with another man.i hope he's ready for the bashing that he's about to get.regardless of who we are black,white , gay ,straight,there will always be someone who won't like you for their own reason, no one is exempt from the trials of life.

Deneka

Feb 17 2006

Your points are mostly true Deneka... To the point that people don't want to listen to his lyrics -- I don't like to listen to hip hop that uses the word "nigga" or other racial slurs... I don't like to listen to hip hop that bashes and belittles women and talks of them as though they are sex objects... I don't like to listen to hip hop that glamorizes consumerism and all things "bling." I especially don't like to listen to hip hop that glamorizes violence against individuals or entire groups of people. Fortunately, there's still an underground in hip hop that embraces diversity not only in people but in sounds, beats/rhythms, and rhymes. You won't hear it on our local radio stations and you'll be hard pressed to find many of them reviewed because many people in hip hop (these days) are in it for the buck not the expression or art. There are many facets to hip hop and your view is only one of them and may even represent a majority... But, that doesn't mean it won't be accepted by even a few. I know all this sounds strange coming from a white, gay guy that prefers acid jazz and NY/Chicago house... But, know that I was breakdancing at 8 years old and still listen to Afrika Bambaataa, Beastie Boys, DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Sugarhill, Mantronix and more (and country, classical, new wave, electro, R&B, and funk)... I was an avid listener of hip hop before half the people preaching hip hop in this city were even in kindergarten. Hip hop goes beyond one person, artist or ideal. It is a culture, an art, and a music form (seperately and collectively)... There's a little room for everyone under that umbrella. Does it mean West will be on the cover of Source Magazine? Probably not. Does an artist need a spread in a magazine or a platinum record to be validated? Not if they're in it for the art! So, we may be arguing two different things. I think most of that's due to the sensationalistic header of this post which seems to almost instigate a "hell no" it can't based on the reality of hip hop as we know it today...

kaust

Feb 17 2006

To be honest, I could have seen the old school of hip hop embracing "homo-hop" since that scene was less about machismo and gangsta attitudes. It was mostly about fun, beatboxing, breaking, and letting loose. [The late early 80s (and late 70s) were not the best of times for many.] I think there would be a decent market for homo-hop here... Of course, it won't be marketed at the "average" hip hop consumer. It will be targeted towards the gay community heavily. I suspect it would fill a club easily with gays and straights alike. Hell, just go to the predominently black gay bars and you'll already hear hip hop... It's not hard to imagine it being accepted. So, if the question is: Will Skipp or Banner or Kamikaze co-emcee with Tim'm? The answer is: Probably not... (though David Banner surprises me with his overly-friendly attitude) If the question is: Is Jackson ready for the emergence of "Homo-hop"? The answer is: Depends on which portion of Jackson you're talking about....

kaust

Feb 17 2006

BTW, it's worth it to at least listen to the tracks before judging. The man is talented without doubt. I just bought his album off iTunes as a matter of fact. Soul, R&B, hip hop, trip hop, and a dash of soul/deep house for good measure. It's an album I forecast will play many more times on my house and car playlists. How I managed to hear about everyone else on Sugartruck and not Tim'm's solo project baffles me. This album is far from his work with DD and more diverse than most hip hop acts are willing to go. When was the last time you heard a house track on a gangsta album? Hell, when was the last time you heard neo-soul on a crunk track? JSU, I've yet to hear a lyric about "busting a nut" though I haven't finished the whole album. Doesn't seem to be the theme of the album at all. So, it may be more accessible to more than I previously believed.... At least until they learn he's queer and allow their prejudice to show.

kaust

Feb 17 2006

JSU, I totally agree with your right to think I am "promoting" Tim'm's sexuality like a "banner," when the truth is I don't ask my guests what their sexual preferences are. My goal is to let the guest talk about themselves. This is all what he offered up. I have had no problem getting people to events without mentioning who they sleep with and what they do. Also, I agree with Knol that the majority of the ones talking about his music have not even HEARD his music, so how can you even have a reasonable say in this discussion. If you had heard it, you would know that it doesn't talk about anything nearly as graphic as what you all have elluded to. I think the good thing about this thread is that is shows how quick we are to assume without really knowing the facts. But that is exactly what the purpose of discussions like this is, right?

c a webb

Feb 17 2006

I think the good thing about this thread is that is shows how quick we are to assume without really knowing the facts. But that is exactly what the purpose of discussions like this is, right? Welcome to the blogging world. :-)

LatashaWillis

Feb 18 2006

Shameless plug: Just wanted to let everyone know, the wait for homo-hop in Jackson is OVER! ;-) We've confirmed the L Word's God-Des and She and Katastrophe for OUToberfest 2006. We'll also have Garrison Starr, Eric Himan, and several other artists. They'll all be playing at Hal & Mal's on October 14, 2006. Over six hours of music for $15 ($10 if bought on Ticketmaster)! And, yes, straight people are more than encouraged to attend! These musicians are top-notch and internationally known! To learn more, you can visit www.outoberfest.com.

kaust

Sep 19 2006