Notes on Queer Articulations in Ballroom Rap

Le1f and the Emergence of Queer Rap

• On March 13, 2014, Le1f, a New York City producer-turned-rapper, performed his single "Wut" on the Late Show with David Letterman.
• His performance was notable for being the first time an openly gay rapper performed on a major late-night show, marking a milestone for queer representation in hip hop.
• The songs featured lyrics that openly embraced his queer identity, indicating a shift in the hip hop landscape.

The Rise of Queer Hip Hop Artists

• Le1f is recognized alongside other emerging queer hip hop artists, particularly from New York, including Zebra Katz, Cakes da Killa, Mykki Blanco, and Azealia Banks.
• Critics such as Carrie Battan (Pitchfork) and Clare Considine (The Guardian) have noted the emergence of a wave of LGBTQ+ rappers who challenge traditional hip hop conventions.
• The discussion around queer rap highlights a blurring of lines between mainstream and underground hip hop, offering a new space for non-heteronormative expressions.

Shifts in Hip Hop Norms

• Some mainstream artists, like Jay Z and Kanye West, have voiced support for LGBTQ rights, signaling a cultural shift within hip hop.
• Despite an improvement in visibility, challenges remain as many still perceive hip hop and queerness as mutually exclusive, perpetuating a false dichotomy.

The Influence of Ballroom Culture

• Ballroom culture, associated with LGBTQ Black and Latinx communities, is integral to the performance styles and lyrical content of contemporary queer rap artists.
• Ballroom culture emerged in the 1960s, with competitions hosted in Harlem that allowed marginalized individuals to showcase their artistic expression, often through drag and vogueing.

The Connection Between Music and Gender Performance

• Many artists use references from the Ballroom scene to express their Black queer identities, combining hip hop's traditional bravado with the realities of queer experiences.
• Le1f has noted how voguing and Ballroom culture have influenced his performances and lyrics, shaping how he articulates his identity.
• The music genres within this creative space can be referred to as Ballroom-influenced rap or Ballroom rap, which reflects shared cultural references rather than merely a class based on queer identity.

Lyrical and Musical Diversity in Ballroom Rap

• Various artists, including Cakes da Killa and Zebra Katz, uniquely embody elements of Ballroom culture in their work, proving that the framework for understanding their music lies not only within queer identity but also in the shared cultural practices of Black queer communities.
• Songs often incorporate Ballroom slang and themes related to dance and performance nuances, addressing intersectional identities.

Visual Aesthetics and Performance Styles

• Visual elements play a crucial role in expressing LGBTQ identities within rap. Music videos often feature high fashion, voguing, and drag that resonate with both hip hop and Ballroom aesthetics.
• For instance, Katz in his “Tear the House Up” video, showcases designer outfits while emphasizing the visual spectacle associated with both rap and Ballroom culture.

Conclusion: Defining a New Genre

• The evolution of queerness in hip hop, especially the emergence of Ballroom rap, challenges traditional norms and emphasizes a more inclusive understanding of gay hip hop.
• This genre does not conform to the traditional idea of 'gay rap'; rather, it reflects a fusion of various musical styles and cultural references, bringing visibility to diverse artists who serve as cultural representatives for both LGBTQ+ and racial identities.