One of the most notable openly gay artists of our time is the lovely Frank Ocean who first addressed his sexuality in 2012, encouraging other queer artists to step forward and be proud of who they are. More recently US rapper iLoveMakonnen came out and unfortunately suffered the wrath of homophobic rappers. But his courage has helped the hip hop scene flourish, giving strength to queer artists pursuing their passion. Mykki Blanco and Cakes Da Killa have been hailed as hip hop’s queer pioneers, helping push the LGBTQIA+ movement forward. Witness Blanco’s raw honesty and fierce flow on tracks ‘Wavvy’and ‘Haze.Boogie.Life’and embrace Da Killa’s femininity and ferociousness on his mixtape ‘The Eulogy’. Zebra Katz is best known for his electronica-infused beats and his 2012 single ‘Ima Read’and Kevin Abstract from internet boyband Brockhampton is about to become your newest boy crush.
With his distinct NYC-based sound and bouncy, pop tracks Le1f has spent the last few years standing up for the queer community with some politically charged party raps. ‘Wut’ is a stand-out track with an infectious bubbly beat laced with flirty lyrics and the music video for ‘Soda’ is a seductive neon masterpiece with beautiful boys and lots of colour. The Harlem rapper will grace us with a visit to Australia early next year as the headlining act for music camping festival Gaytimes.
Returning for its third year at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Gaytimes is limited to only 1000 patrons and hosts and eclectic line-up of music, performers, visuals arts, food trucks and more. Don’t miss out on performances by Australian hip hop duo Slippy Mane x Lalic. Their latest single ‘2 Much’ is reminiscent of old Odd Future but embraces a unique style that will make you fall in love with their work. Brisbane Baddie Miss Blanks will also take to the stage, performing her fire raps ‘Clap Clap’, ‘Freq U’ and ‘Skinny Bitches’. Gaytimes Festival will take place from Friday February 16 until Sunday February 18.
If camping isn’t your thing, don’t stress. You can celebrate by witnessing Miss Blanks at the Gasometer on Friday January 19, with support acts Jesswar, Baby Mama, Matka and Kish. Or catch Sydney electro-soul artist Okenyo when she performs as the opening act for American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish at Howler on Thursday February 8.
