tiina teal

FRIDAY, MARCH 30: Originally, I was just going to check out renowned local homo-hop artist Deadlee. We got to the joint early and decided to stick around a while and… well, it turned into an entire night of some of the most underground shit we’ve seen in a long time. I don’t care what you say, breeders, it doesn’t get more hardcore than gay hip-hop, and the Homo Revolution Tour brought it on, big time. Hip-hop started as an in-your-face middle finger to the mainstream, and this would be the hugest one you’ve ever seen, with the street smarts and muscle to back it up. Cholos, bandanas, bald heads, wife-beaters and talent were in the house—beautifully breaking down the stereotypes of what a gay man (or woman) is supposed to be. It started with show opener Shorty Roc, whose lean and mean bling could have fit right in along with Jay-Z’s polished pop rhymes. JFP (Julie Fucking Potter) kicked it hilariously white-girl style, but then tears were rolling down my face when she brought out her wife to play violin on the pointed song, “San Francisco Values.” Ohio native Bigg Nugg, one of our personal faves, personified a very KRS-One old-school vibe with his positive, physical energy—down to the sports jerseys and dual raps that he shared with scene mentor Tori Fixx. Which brings me to Deadlee… another originator. Actor, rapper, gayngsta…this man brought everyone to their feet when his energy hit the stage. Believe it, he is not playing around—Deadlee is deadly serious about his message, along with a big FUCK YOU to those who think that being gay is some kind of illness or sin, especially on the urban streets. Along with his B-Boy back-up dancers (equally masculine & tough), Deadlee’s lyrics were explicitly sexual and aggressive and could rival any gangsta raps in style and flow. Strong, hard and real. The creative inclusions of the soulful Micah Barnes and Phantom-esque chanteuse Dorian Wood singing over the beats brought things to another level. None of our pop/top-40 rappers could rival the kind of courage and life experience it has taken to become Deadlee, I guarantee it. Take a listen to the lyrics on Deadlee’s latest album, Assault With A Deadlee Weapon… if you’re man enough to handle it. This is the new revolution—and revolutions always start with the oppressed. (TT)