Frank Ocean gave the world one big you can kiss my
behind. I love it when people do
that. It takes guts to stand in the
midst of potential retaliation to embrace your freedom.
For those who have been hiding under a rock, Ocean is
the talented songwriter who will soon release his debut studio album. Ocean shocked the world with lyrics about his
love for a man, and announced to the world he is gay.
It’s the type of news that has destroyed the careers
of some of the top male R& B crooners of all time. Tevin Campbell was on top of the music world
until he was arrested after soliciting a lewd act from an undercover male
police officer during a sting operation in Van Nuys, California. Maxwell was a
walking hit machine until rumors circulated that he is gay.
It’s an issue that has plagued many in the
business. The media’s gaydar has become
a source of contention for any black male with talent and a line of women
waiting to throw panties on stage when they sling that voice. Consider the list. Neo, Chris Brown, Trey Song, Usher, the list
of those accused of being gay is too long to remember. Virtually everyone with a few hits and some
whip appeal gets called out for not being a real man.
It’s happened to Will Smith before the breakup with
Jada Pickett Smith. The rumor makers
claimed the Fresh Prince got kicked to the corner due to his love for men. It’s the type of brutal attack that people
ache to hear. Gossip conductors like
Black Planet and the Russ Phar Morning Show website carry the load on their train
of destruction.
Ocean’s decision not to play the game deserves two
GRAMMY’s and a lifetime achievement award.
In coming out he has taken the power away from those who use rumors to
invalidate the music of men in love with other men. Ocean shouldn’t have to pretend by singing
songs about his love for women. Doing
that makes his music more about a role play than an authentic expression of
what he feels when belting out those tunes.
My concern is that Ocean will be punished by those
unwilling to embrace the significance of gay love. His talent is unquestionable. He has written songs for Beyonce', John Legend, Justin Bieber and Brandy. He’s working with Kanye West and Jay-Z on
their collaboration project. His debut mix tape Nostalgia, Ultra was met with critical acclaim with two singles, Novacane and Swim Good achieving chart success.
But how will the public receive him now? I’m hoping he doesn’t fall into that category
of amazing talents who underachieve because of hatred. It’s maddening that Rashaan Patterson, who is
openly gay, has failed to become a household name. No one denies that Meshell Ndegeocello is one
of the most talented music makers in the business. She’s a singer, songwriter, poet, bassist and
vocalist who incorporates funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, R&B, rock and jazz
in her work. Ndegeocello has teen career
GRAMMY Award nominations, but has not gone home with the trophy.
Her project Bitter
shares her pain after the breakup with her girlfriend. Peace
Beyond Passion delved into the agony of gays and lesbians due to the
teachings of the church. The song Leviticus: Faggot is one of the most
gripping songs I have ever heard.
Despite her talent you get the feeling that Ndegeocello suffers due to
her lyrics and gender identity.
Patterson, Ndegeocello and Ocean are making a
statement to those listening to their music.
It’s a bold declaration followed by a series of exclamation marks. They’re saying this is who I am, and I really
don’t care how you feel about it. Listen
to my music for the music. Stay out of my business.
Maybe it’s the first step toward destroying the nation’s
obsession with who’s gay. It would help
if others would follow. The power needs
to be taken away to enable people to be free.
Give that man a GRAMMY for courage. Pull out a couple for Rashaan Patterson and
Meshell Ndegeocello while you’re at it. They
have been punished long enough.
Just listen to the music.
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