It’s been weeks since Lauryn Hill released her latest single, “Neurotic Society (Compulsive Mix).” Although the rapper has been embroiled in controversy over her impending jail stint over tax evasion, the song is now coming under fire from LGBT activists and allies who claim that the song is homophobic.
In the rapid-fire song about the supposed ills of society, Hill raps that our society is crumbling to the ground because of things such as “girl men,” “drag queens,” and the lies of “social transvestism.”
Monica Miller at BET.com recently wrote an essay about the hazy message of the song and questioned whether Hill, who typically writes about advocating for the rights of others, has reached her limit in advocacy when it comes to the LGBT community.
“Whether or not Hill is merely using these comments as examples of the smoke screens and sleight-of-hands that pervade this “Neurotic Society” is unclear. Beyond intention, these sorts of statements suggest that society is in a shambles because it’s been taking too many cues from the LGBTQ community, acting like “girl men,” “drag queens” and “transvestites.” Is her beef with oppressive society or is her issue with people who don’t abide by a traditional family structure?” writes Miller.
In a May 6 post on her website, Hill wrote about the meaning of her song, saying, “I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music… but the message is still there. In light of Wednesday’s tragic loss (of former label mate Chris Kelly), I am even more pressed to YELL this to a multitude that may not understand the cost of allowing today’s unhealthy paradigms to remain unchecked!”
We’d like to think that Hill doesn’t see the LGBT community as an example of these unhealthy paradigms, but considering that she used such specific language regarding gender – and gender policing – it does seem as though Hill is taking issue with our nation’s gay, bisexual and trans members.
However, if anything is to bring about the downfall of society, it certainly won’t be because men break the unwritten rules of masculinity and embrace femininity, or because they decide to wear garments that intrinsically have no gender, or entertain people by dressing as women. No, if society is to fall, we’d reckon that it would be over the things Hill has previously written about: social division, discrimination, fear and mental policing. Unfortunately, homophobic lyrics represent all of those things.
But this wouldn’t be the first time a rapper has spoken ill of the LGBT community. Check out some homophobic rappers below. – nicholas robinson
