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.