Rapper NLE Choppa addressed a regrettable but persistent criticism against him at the end of January. This time, the problem was a picture from a recent Playgirl photo session.
The X user asserted that “the gay baiting is seriously out of control now.”
NLE Choppa, whose real name is Bryson LaShun Potts, responded on X by writing, “Never been gay baiting.” “I’m demonstrating my freedom. Nowadays, anything is referred to be homosexual or baiting. In actuality, I feel enough at ease and am completely confident in the quality of God’s creation for me. Whatever you want to call me, I am a heterosexual man who is at ease with myself.
Following up on his original remark, NLE Choppa posted a video in which he discussed the Playgirl photo’s androgyny and ass cheek.
“I’m comfortable enough to flaunt the perfection that God has orchestrated over my physical, mental, spiritual, and even emotional aspects, so don’t call me a gay-baiter,” he stated. “I don’t publish a picture in the mirror to flaunt my beauty, so I’m not a gay-baiter. If I share a photo of myself showcasing how much God has given me from below the waist with something that made women go crazy, I’m not being gay-baiter. Because I displayed a bit of my ass during the Playgirl shoot, I am not a gay-baiter. Can’t I display a bit of my own ass without getting a name?
The rapper, who has performed at Pride celebrations, has claimed on multiple occasions that he is a heterosexual man who happens to respect every member of the LGBTQ+ community. Because of that support, he has received a lot of criticism. Queer folks are now accusing him of “gay-baiting.” The phrase, which is also occasionally used to describe “queer baiting,” describes heterosexual entertainers or celebrities who make an effort to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences through artistic expression, fashion, or other means.
His need to clarify to outsiders that exposing his body does not amount to gay-baiting is disheartening. Some guys are unaware of their inflated sense of entitlement, even if they are attracted to other men.
Since he rapped, “If I was a bad bitch, I’d wanna f**k me too,” in “Slut Me Out 2,” NLE Choppa has had to deal with a barrage of foolishness and projection, and I truly feel awful for him.
That video and accompanying performances sparked the continuous criticism of NLE Choppa’s fashion sense. The “Slut Me Out 2” video and this new Playgirl photo scream Rick James and Prince more than any other bunch of people, which is what I find most ridiculous.
In a 2022 interview with Paper magazine, Choppa acknowledged James as an influence, stating, “The main inspiration was actually Rick James from the ‘Give It To Me Baby’ video.”
Regarding James, Prince, Michael Jackson, Cameo, and other celebrities with androgynous appearances, R&B singer Tank stated last December on the “Holdin’ Court” podcast, “That meant you were in.” You weren’t necessarily gay.
Many people are now reverting to outdated ideas about how Black guys should and shouldn’t express themselves.
In recent years, Tank has suppressed homophobic remarks, which has led to LGBT allegations about him. He’s straight.
He stated on the show, “Whether you are gay or not, the first thing someone is going to hint at when they’re trying to kill your character or get off the greatest joke imaginable is that they’re going gay first.” The stereotype that there is a scheme in place to make Black guys gay is a result of something in our culture. Strong Black guys are being attacked, and you can see it everywhere. However, from whom is the attack coming?
Hip-hop’s mainstream has always promoted hypermasculinity. In addition to social media algorithms that promote incel culture and the deterioration of public education, including arts programs, we now live in a society where Black males are seldom permitted to take a daily shower without being asked about their sexual orientation.
Indeed, a lot of conspiracy theories assert that there is a plan to make Black guys gay. If only I were as strong as others thought I was, I would not have been accused of being a part of such an agenda. Years ago, I would have incorporated “Basketball Wives.”
At the beginning of his career, Prince had to deal with LGBT rumors. Because of their stage attire during this time, he, Rick James, and numerous others would be the targets of more intense and persistent rumors regarding their sexual orientation.
The nation is currently dealing with more serious issues than a showy rapper being made fun of by ordinary people on social media. NLE Choppa will be alright in the end.
It’s really annoying to see how far we’ve fallen in real time, but straight males in hip-hop are able to flirt with androgyny and achieve mainstream popularity in ways that their homosexual counterparts in rap cannot.
The least we can do at a time when true liberties are being violated is to give each other the ability to express ourselves without it being linked to our sexual identity.
NLE Choppa is right when he says that many people believe that everything is “gay,” and he should be free to dress whichever he pleases.
This kind of thinking is unimaginative, but I’m happy that NLE Choppa is unwavering in his refusal to join that homophobic wave, regardless of what others may say about him.
I hope that people would allow him to be a nasty guy without interference.
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