35 Best Gay Rappers [LGBTQ]

Have you ever wondered who the top gay rappers are in the music industry? We've certainly asked ourselves the same question after noting that prominent LGBTQ+ representation seems lacking in hip-hop music.

Our deep dive into this topic has resulted in a diverse list of exceptional artists who make great music and proudly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Lil Nas X

Undeniably, Lil Nas X has significantly impacted the hip-hop scene. Proudly embodying the LGBTQ+ community, he declared his sexuality as gay during Pride Month in June 2019. This came when he dominated the charts with his hit song, “Old Town Road.” Not just another catchy tune, this track spent an astounding 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The fact that he is openly gay and references his sexuality in his lyrics makes him stand out in a genre historically known for its homophobia.

Our respect for him deepened after witnessing how bravely he handled homophobic backlash online following his public announcement. Indeed, Lil Nas X's coming out signals a crucial shift within hip-hop culture; it's heartening to see more artists openly identifying as gay or bisexual without fear of retribution or career sabotage.

Young M. A.

Young M.A. is a rising star in the rap industry and is considered one of the best gay rappers out there. As an openly gay artist, she fearlessly embraces her sexuality in her music, setting an example for others to do the same.

Young M.A.'s lyrics touch on topics not traditionally associated with female rappers, such as violence, wealth, and sexuality. This sets her apart from many other artists and showcases her ability to break boundaries.

Despite facing homophobia within the industry, Young M.A. has achieved mainstream success while staying true to herself. She has paved the way for other openly gay women in hip-hop history, becoming one of the few who have reached such heights.

Mista Strange

Meet Mista Strange, a bold and outlandish artist shining in the queer British rap scene. As one of the first gay rappers to grace platforms such as GRM Daily, Link Up TV, Goodmorning Britain, Sky News, BBC 1Xtra, and Capital Radio, he's proved that talent comes in all forms.

His music doesn't shy away from his experiences as a gay rapper in an industry known for hostility and homophobia. Instead, Mista uses these challenges to fuel his artistry.

He's among the resilient LGBTQ+ artists like Young M.A., ILoveMakonnen, and Frank Ocean making their mark on mainstream hip hop. His contributions challenge discrimination and stereotypes within the genre while adding diversity and representation.

Snow Tha Product

Snow Tha Product is an incredibly talented gay Latin female rapper who has made a name for herself in the LGBTQ+ community. Hailing from San Jose, California, Snow Tha Product's independent style and powerful lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide.

She believes coming out can enhance your art and has used her platform to deliver empowering messages of self-expression and acceptance.

One of Snow Tha Product's strengths lies in her musical influences, which range from Mexican legend Alejandra Guzman to international rap star Drake. This diverse range of inspirations shines through in her music, creating a unique sound that sets her apart from other artists.

Angel Haze

Musically gifted and open about their identity, Angel Haze deserves our attention. A Detroit local with a unique talent, Raykeea Raeen-Roes Wilson – famously known as Angel Haze – is a rapper and singer who embodies the true essence of music in all her work.

Growing up around 7 Mile Road, they were influenced by another great artist from Michigan – Eminem.

As we delve into their musical journey, it's hard not to mention Angel Haze's freestyle rendition of Macklemore's “Same Love,” which truly put them on the global map. Always one to speak out fiercely through her music, they have been quite vocal about being pansexual – attracted to individuals regardless of gender identity.

ILoveMakonnen

ILoveMakonnen, also known as Makonnen Kamali Sheran, is an American rapper who gained recognition with his 2014 hit song “Tuesday” featuring Drake. However, it wasn't just his catchy tunes that made ILoveMakonnen stand out in the music industry.

In 2017, he made a brave admission by publicly coming out as gay. This announcement marked a significant moment in hip-hop history and solidified his position as one of the best gay rappers.

What sets ILoveMakonnen apart is his ability to challenge societal norms within the hip-hop community. By embracing his identity as a gay man, he has opened doors for LGBTQ+ representation within the genre. ILoveMakonnen uses female pronouns in his music to further express himself authentically.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean is a trailblazer in the music industry regarding LGBTQ+ representation. As one of the best gay rappers, he has made significant strides in increasing visibility and social acceptance for the queer community.

Categorized as a gay black male singer and rapper, Frank Ocean has never explicitly stated his sexual orientation but has expressed being in love with a man. Despite facing homophobia in the music scene, he makes waves and breaks barriers.

T-Pain, another respected artist in the industry, has shed light on the discrimination faced by openly gay musicians like Frank Ocean. He suggested that some artists refuse to collaborate with Frank because of his sexuality.

Mykki Blanco

One of the leading figures in the queer rap scene is Mykki Blanco, an American rapper, performance artist, poet, and activist. Known for their avant-garde style and nonconformist approach to music, Blanco has become a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ representation in rap.

Their music pushes boundaries and challenges stereotypes, making them a trailblazer in the industry.

Blanco's debut album “Mykki” is a deeply personal work that delves into various aspects of their life, including romance and self-discovery. Through their music, Blanco advocates for equality and celebrates queer culture.

Cakes Da Killa

Cakes da Killa is a highly acclaimed American rap artist who has made a significant impact in the LGBTQ+ rap scene. Known for his unique blend of hip-hop, house, and electronic dance music genres, Cakes da Killa has captured the attention of both music fans and critics alike.

Experts in the industry have praised his cadence and striking sound.

While there have been speculations about Cakes da Killa's sexuality, he has not explicitly confirmed it. However, this does not take away from the powerful themes related to the LGBTQ+ community that he explores in his lyrics.

Challenging societal norms and embracing authenticity are crucial aspects of his artistic vision.

Quay Dash

Quay Dash is a talented transgender rapper hailing from New York City. She proudly identifies as a gay rapper and openly embraces her gender and sexual identity in her music. Known for her fierce and unapologetic style, Quay Dash has been compared to legendary rapper Lil' Kim for her bold delivery and commanding presence on the mic.

One of her notable collaborations includes working with producer SOPHIE on the single “Bossed Up,” showcasing her lyrical prowess and empowering message.

Quay Dash's music speaks volumes about empowerment, resilience, and self-expression, making her an influential figure within the LGBTQ+ community.

Zebra Katz

Zebra Katz is an incredibly talented and influential LGBTQ rapper on our list of the 35 best gay rappers. He is a Jamaican-American artist based in Berlin, known for his intersectional identity and the LGBTQ themes in his music.

Zebra Katz brings authenticity to his expression as he shares personal experiences through his lyrics, contributing to queer representation in rap. He is celebrated for his multidimensional artistry and has a strong social media presence, allowing fans to connect with him on a deeper level.

If you haven't already, check out Zebra Katz's work and witness how he uses music as a platform for queer visibility in the industry.

Big Freedia

Big Freedia is a name that rings loud and clear in the LGBTQ+ community. This emerging artist has made waves as both a rapper and an advocate for gender fluidity. As a gay man, Big Freedia proudly embraces his “feminine side” and believes that gender lies on a spectrum.

His music is characterized by infectious beats that make you want to get up and dance while encouraging listeners to embrace their sexuality.

But Big Freedia's impact goes beyond just the music world. He has become a powerhouse in bounce music, bringing more visibility to gender fluidity, especially within the black community.

His vibrant performances and unapologetic self-expression paved the way for accepting and celebrating different identities.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monáe is an incredibly talented and influential artist in the music industry. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, she grew up in a devoutly Baptist family. With 50 first cousins, Monáe's upbringing was filled with love and support.

As one of the best gay singers of all time, she proudly identifies as pansexual.

Monáe's journey to self-discovery and embracing her queer identity has been remarkable. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she revealed her pansexuality and spoke openly about life as a black queer woman.

This revelation showcased her strength and courage while contributing to her musical and creative liberation.

Syd

Syd, also known as Sydney Bennett, is a talented artist who has made a name for herself in the hip-hop world. As an openly gay rapper and vocalist, Syd brings a unique perspective to her music that resonates with the LGBTQ+ community.

She refuses to let her queerness be overshadowed by corporate agendas, standing strong in her identity and using her platform to advocate for queer representation in the industry.

One of Syd's standout qualities is her silky-smooth voice and genius talent for sound engineering and producing. With a professional background in these areas, she raps and creates incredible beats that perfectly complement her lyrics.

Kevin Abstract

Kevin Abstract is a talented gay rapper who has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ representation in hip-hop. His openness about his sexuality and willingness to rap about being gay have inspired change and provided a sense of hope for others.

At 19 years old, Kevin first spoke out about his sexuality in a recording studio, paving the way for other artists to embrace their true selves.

As a member of the hip-hop group Brockhampton, Kevin Abstract has become known for his unique style and introspective lyrics. He fearlessly shares personal experiences as a gay artist, addressing his challenges with raw honesty.

Jay Boogie

Jay Boogie is a fascinating addition to the list of the 35 Best Gay Rappers. Hailing from Port Harcourt, River State in Nigeria, Jay Boogie is known for his openness as a gay artist and unique music style.

Born on June 26th, 1998, his real name is Daniel Anthony. As a cross-dresser, Jay Boogie challenges societal norms and confidently embraces his identity. He has been compared to Rufus Wainwright, another talented gay artist who isn't afraid to be true to himself.

Jay Boogie brings diversity and representation to the rap world with his captivating music and fearless expression.

Da Brat

Da Brat is a rap legend hailing from Chicago, known for her unique style and fierce flow. She recently made headlines when she came out as gay in a new profile for Variety's Pride Issue.

This decision was not easy for Da Brat, as it took over 20 years for her to embrace her true self publicly. As the first female rapper to go platinum, Da Brat has broken barriers in the music industry.

Her journey to embracing her queerness has been expressed through her fashion choices and masculine rap style, making her an important figure in LGBTQ+ representation in the rap community.

KC Ortiz

KC Ortiz is an incredibly talented rapper who deserves attention and support as a queer artist. Hailing from Chicago, KC Ortiz brings a unique perspective to the LGBTQ+ hip-hop community.

Known for her mixtape “Church Tapes,” which pays homage to iconic cassette tapes of yesteryear, KC Ortiz's music is both nostalgic and fresh.

As part of the LGBTQ+ visibility movement in the music industry, KC Ortiz stands alongside other influential artists like Young M.A and Le1f. Her inclusion on lists of famous gay rappers highlights her impact and importance within the genre.

Brooke Candy

Brooke Candy is a Los Angeles American rapper, singer, songwriter, and tattoo artist. She has made a name for herself in the music industry with her explicit and bold style.

Growing up in the suburbs of LA, Brooke had a slightly warped middle-class upbringing. She is known for her openness about her sexuality and identifies as queer.

Brooke Candy has been vocal about her support for the LGBTQ+ community and has faced challenges with record labels due to the explicit nature of her music. However, this hasn't stopped her from making waves in the industry.

Le1f

Le1f is a prominent LGBTQ+ hip-hop artist who has made waves in the music industry since coming out as gay in 2012. Despite facing negative feedback, Le1f has continued to make his mark with his unique sound and powerful lyrics.

Known for producing tracks for Das Racist, he has proven himself a talented musician and a proficient and charismatic rapper.

One important aspect about Le1f is that he does not categorize his music as “gay rap.” Instead, he focuses on creating memorable tracks that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

Taylor Bennett

Taylor Bennett, the younger brother of Chance the Rapper, is a talented American rapper and LGBTQ advocate. In 2017, Taylor publicly came out as bisexual on Twitter, using his own experience to support others struggling with their sexuality.

Since then, he has become known for his activism and advocacy for LGBTQ rights. Taylor's openness about his identity has made him important in promoting acceptance and understanding within the hip-hop community.

One of Taylor Bennett's notable achievements is his album “Broad Shoulders,” released in 2015. The album features collaborations with artists such as Donnie Trumpet and showcases Taylor's unique style and talent.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is an iconic figure in hip-hop and rap. With her powerful contralto voice, she has made a lasting impact on the music industry. She draws inspiration from legends like EPMD and KRS-One, evident in her unique style and lyrical prowess.

While Queen Latifah has always been private about her personal life, she publicly showed love to the LGBTQ+ community at the 2021 BET Awards. Despite ongoing gay rumors, she remains unbothered and handles them with grace.

Her influence extends beyond her music, as she has paved the way for many female rappers, such as MC Lyte, Rapsody, Lil' Kim, and Monie Love.

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks, an American rapper from New York City, is known for her unique style and controversial statements. She made headlines when she came out as bisexual on Twitter amidst accusations of being homophobic.

Azealia has been open about her support for the LGBTQ+ community and has listed several gay rappers that she admires, including ILoveMakonnen, Frank Ocean, Kevin Abstract, and Angel Haze.

However, Azealia Banks has also faced criticism for her outspoken nature and feuds on social media. She has been involved in Twitter battles with celebrities like Perez Hilton and is known for making bold statements that generate media attention.

Kidd Kenn

Kidd Kenn is an openly gay rapper from Chicago who has been making waves in the hip-hop industry. At 15, he burst onto the scene and quickly gained attention for being one of the first openly gay rappers.

His energetic and commanding presence sets him apart, and he has become a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community.

One of Kidd Kenn's biggest achievements came in 2021 when he made history as the first openly gay rapper to be featured in the BET Hip Hop Awards' annual cypher. This milestone showcases his talent and represents a significant step towards mainstream acceptance for queer artists in rap music.

Kaytranada

Kaytranada is an incredibly talented gay rapper and producer who has greatly impacted the music industry. Originally from Haiti, he has risen to fame with his unique blend of house and disco beats.

Kaytranada's talent extends beyond just rap – he is a Grammy-winning artist who has worked with big names like Madonna. He believes that awards, such as the Grammys, are important for recognizing artists' achievements and hopes to inspire others in the LGBTQ+ community through his success.

Kaytranada's joyful music resonates with fans worldwide, and he continues to sell out shows wherever he goes. With his incredible talent and dedication to his craft, there's no doubt that Kaytranada will continue to make waves in the music industry for years to come.

Kehlani

Kehlani, a talented singer and songwriter, recently made headlines when she came out as a lesbian in a TikTok video. In the video, she confidently proclaimed, “I am gay, gay, gay..I finally know I'm a lesbian.” Pop Crave captured this announcement and quickly spread it on Twitter, gaining attention and support from fans worldwide.

Kehlani's openness about her sexuality is personal and represents an important step towards LGBTQ visibility and acceptance in the music industry. As an R&B artist influenced by Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott, Kehlani's smooth style has resonated with listeners everywhere.

Her coming out story adds to the growing number of Black LGBTQ artists making their mark in hip-hop music today.

Princess Nokia

Princess Nokia is an American rapper, songwriter, and actress who has made a name for herself in the music industry. Born as Destiny Nicole Frasqueri in New York on June 14, 1992, Princess Nokia gained recognition after releasing her breakthrough song “Tomboy” in 2016.

One thing that sets Princess Nokia apart is her diverse musical style – she refuses to be confined to labels and explores various genres in her music. She also incorporates queer elements into her music and persona, which has resonated with many fans.

Before making it big, Princess Nokia started performing at gay clubs, where she built a strong following. Known for being a self-described hippie, cyber-goth, raver, and punk, Princess Nokia brings a unique energy to the hip-hop scene that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Amplify Dot

Amplify Dot, also known as Dot or Dotty, is an English rapper who has made significant contributions to the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community. She is not listed among the 35 Best Gay Rappers but deserves recognition for her talent and diverse sexual orientation.

Amplify Dot signed with EMI in 2012 and has since been active in the music and media industries. Besides being a rapper, she worked as a DJ and television presenter on BBC Radio 1Xtra from 2014 to 2020.

Her involvement in both fields showcases her versatility and passion for creating engaging content that resonates with audiences. As a pansexual artist, Amplify Dot represents diversity and inclusion within hip-hop, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry.

Lil Peep

Lil Peep, also known as Gustav Elijah Åhr, was a talented American rapper and singer-songwriter. Born on November 1, 1996, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lil Peep had music in his blood from the start.

What sets Lil Peep apart is not only his unique sound but also his background. His parents have Harvard Degrees, showing that education and creativity can go hand in hand.

In an interview with PAPER Magazine, Lil Peep fearlessly opened up about his sexuality and the importance of being authentic. He publicly came out as bisexual, following the footsteps of fellow musician Aaron Carter.

BbyMutha

BbyMutha is a rap artist who hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is not your typical rapper, as she breaks barriers and challenges societal norms with her unique style and thought-provoking lyrics.

BbyMutha embraces her identity as a Black queer woman and a mother of four, making her an important figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Her music explores various aspects of queer identity and brings much-needed visibility to queer artists in the rap industry.

BbyMutha's refusal to conform to traditional rap norms and focus on nonconformist topics make her an inspiring feminist rapper who uses her platform for social activism and empowerment.

Chika

Chika, also known as Jane Chika Oranika, is an incredibly talented Nigerian-American rapper who has made a name for herself in the music industry. She proudly identifies as bisexual and uses her platform to speak out against the over-sexualization of women-loving-women relationships.

Raised in Montgomery, Alabama, by Nigerian immigrant parents, Chika brings a unique perspective to her art.

She is part of a new wave of artists, including Lil Nas X and Young M.A, who fearlessly express their queerness through their music. Chika's talent knows no bounds – she even transformed one of Ed Sheeran's songs into a “gay as hell” version that quickly gained popularity.

Y-Love

Y-Love is an incredibly talented gay rapper who deserves recognition for contributing to the LGBTQ+ community. While he may not be mentioned in the list of 35 Best Gay Rappers, Y-Love's presence and impact cannot be ignored.

He has been a powerful voice for queer musicians, using his music as a platform to address issues surrounding homosexuality in hip-hop.

In LGBTQ+ anthems and pride songs, Y-Love stands out with his unique style and thought-provoking lyrics. His music provides an important perspective on gay rights in music, breaking down barriers and promoting acceptance.

Cardi B

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus, is an American rapper and megastar who has taken the music industry by storm. She has received nominations for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for her incredible talent.

But there's more to Cardi B than just her musical accomplishments.

Many people may not know that Cardi B identifies as bisexual. She had to remind the world of her bisexuality after some Twitter users questioned it. However, Cardi B has been open about her sexuality and has spoken about it in interviews.

She uses her platform to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Top Best Gay Rappers, Final Thoughts

This article celebrates the LGBTQ+ representation in hip-hop music and highlights the talent and contributions of these artists. From Lil Nas X to Frank Ocean, they have defied stereotypes and embraced their identities unapologetically. Their success breaks barriers and inspires a more inclusive and diverse industry.