Who would have thought, ten years ago, that there would be a hip hop album entitled 'I'm Gay'? Homosexuality in the rap game has always been one of, if not the most, furiously contended subjects. Who, then, could have imagined that the very same album would actually be quite good?
California's resident crazy-person Lil B, of rap group The Pack, began gaining real recognition last year when his seemingly drug addled, lurching, stream of consciousness rapping style was admired by the Christmas jumper wearing, thick rim glasses donning, shit Hitler haircutted hipsters across the western world. Perhaps this is why Lil B polarises opinion so much, his fame perhaps the result of a trend obsession; knee jerky morons overtly claiming love for something then dashing it away for the next peculiarity du jour. But Lil B doesn't deserve that at all. I'm Gay is an odd record, but the overriding vibe is a summery and certainly a positive one. The productions on the tracks are great - sublime in places, like on 'Gon Be Okay' which ingeniously samples the theme from anime fantasy Spirited Away - and I Hate Myself, an atmospheric song akin to a more sombre Cunninlynguists track.
Lil B's unconventional style and flow may be a bit off putting to people, but it certainly gives him character, a massive plus in a marketplace inundated with genericism. His lyrics are honest, and his delivery, whilst at times difficult to process, is often fitting with the theme of the song.
Even if you didn't like his older stuff then I'd still implore you to give I'm Gay a try. Just make sure you say 'no homo' afterwards, of course.
