(AllHipHop News) Over the weekend Chicago native Vic Mensa dropped “Free Love.” The song is a statement of support for LGBT rights and a criticism of anti-gay rhetoric.
The Fader spoke with Mensa about “Free Love.” According to the Roc Nation rapper, the coming out of a loved one played a major part in the creation of the track.
“The song ‘Free Love’ was inspired by a family member of mine who recently told me they identified as queer and also by the tragedy in Orlando,” stated Mensa.
There has long been the perception that rappers generally do not advocate on the behalf of gay people. Brand Nubian member Lord Jamar has even suggested homosexual performers do not belong in Hip Hop.
Mensa touched on the subject of homophobia in Hip Hop.
“I think rappers aren’t coming out and standing with the LGBT community because they’re scared,” proposed the There’s Alot Going On creator. “There’s such a macho, man persona that they have to make. They don’t want to have fingers pointed at them and be like, ‘You’re gay.'”
It should be noted that Hip Hop figures such as Jay Z, Kanye West, Eminem, Russell Simmons, Macklemore, A$AP Rocky, Tyler, The Creator, Fat Joe, Lil B, and others have shown support for the LGBT community.
Watch Vic Mensa’s interview below.