Gay rights organization challenges rapper to stand by his word.
Over the weekend, Lil B sparked a lot of discussion among hip hop fans when he announced that his next album would be called I'm Gay. Since B is a self-described lover of women, debate has focused on whether the provocative title is merely a publicity stunt, a genuine show of solidarity with the gay community, career suicide or some combination of the three.
Weighing in with a statement to XXL Magazine, gay rights organization GLAAD has expressed cautious optimism for Lil B's next effort, challenging the rapper to really stand behind the potential impact of his statement.
"We hope that Lil B’s album title is not just a gimmick, and is really a sincere attempt to be an ally," said a GLAAD spokesman. "He has the platform and the voice. We hope he uses it in a positive way.”
Like many onlookers and fans, however, GLAAD isn't entirely sold on B's reasoning. As a part of his initial explanation for the album title, given while on stage at Coachella, the Berkeley, Calif., rapper argued that "words don't mean sh*t." Taking exception to this line of reasoning, GLAAD said Lil B should know better.
“As a lyricist, Lil B knows that words matter. Slurs have the power to fuel intolerance," the spokesman said.
It's still early and few details on the rapper's next album are available. Fans will have to wait and see whether the tentative album title will actually stick.
Lil B isn't the first rapper to attempt to stir up the public with a controversial album title. Just three years ago Nas made waves by announcing that he intended to name his 9th album N---er. However, after widespread scrutiny and high-level discussions with his label, the hip hop veteran thought better of it, and simply left the album untitled.
(Photo:Ben Hider/PictureGroup)
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