Los Angeles, CA -
As fans and the music industry are left wondering if Lil B's new album title, ‘I'm Gay,' is merely a publicity stunt or a declaration, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has something to say about the rapper's proclamation.
"As a lyricist, Lil B knows that words matter," a spokesperson for GLAAD told XXLmag. "Slurs have the power to fuel intolerance. We hope that Lil B's album title is not just a gimmick, and is really a sincere attempt to be an ally."
As GoPride.com previously reported, Brandon McCartney, the 23-year-old rapper better known as Lil B, informed the crowd at Coachella, an annual music festival in California, on Saturday that he was about to shake up the music industry with the name of his new album.
"I'm gonna do the most controversial thing in hip-hop," said Lil B. "Ya'll heard it first. And I'mma just show you that words don't mean s--t. I'mma make an album called 'I'm Gay,' right."
Lil B later explained the title did not define his sexual preference, but rather brings into relevance the influence of words.
"I'm happy to see young hip-hop heads move [away from] homophobia. Regardless of what your stance is on gay people, homophobia or the act and practice of it is extra wack," rapper Talib Kweli told XXLmag.
While GLAAD and others seem skeptical, the GLAAD spokesperson concluded,"He has the platform and the voice. We hope he uses it in a positive way."
"As a lyricist, Lil B knows that words matter," a spokesperson for GLAAD told XXLmag. "Slurs have the power to fuel intolerance. We hope that Lil B's album title is not just a gimmick, and is really a sincere attempt to be an ally."
As GoPride.com previously reported, Brandon McCartney, the 23-year-old rapper better known as Lil B, informed the crowd at Coachella, an annual music festival in California, on Saturday that he was about to shake up the music industry with the name of his new album.
"I'm gonna do the most controversial thing in hip-hop," said Lil B. "Ya'll heard it first. And I'mma just show you that words don't mean s--t. I'mma make an album called 'I'm Gay,' right."
Lil B later explained the title did not define his sexual preference, but rather brings into relevance the influence of words.
"I'm happy to see young hip-hop heads move [away from] homophobia. Regardless of what your stance is on gay people, homophobia or the act and practice of it is extra wack," rapper Talib Kweli told XXLmag.
While GLAAD and others seem skeptical, the GLAAD spokesperson concluded,"He has the platform and the voice. We hope he uses it in a positive way."
