According to Wale, the world is much more inclusive than it once was. In fact, the D.C. rhymer thinks the world is ready for a gay mainstream rapper. He made his assertion as many question iLoveMakonnen's sexuality.
Wale recently sat down with Larry King and shared his thoughts on the controversial topic.
"I think 2015 is another world, as compared to 1995," he said. "It used to be taboo to be a part of the gay community, now it's taboo to speak bad on the gay community."
Fans and music critics have become very inquisitive in regards to the sexual orientation of rising stars like iLoveMakonned and Young Thug. In a profile of Makonnen featured in the New York Times, the "Tuesday" rapper offered an ambiguous response pertaining to his preference.
"The rap world thinks I'm gay," he said. "A lot of people out there do. They think I'm a homosexual, which is not a problem. I don't want to say I'm gay, I'm straight, I'm bisexual or any of that, because that's just. ..." he said, trailing off. "Who cares? All that's doing is dividing us."
Young Thug's actions and appearance have generated just as many questions. From his use of feminine lingo towards other men to his occasional nail polish to his leopard print shirt that looks like a blouse, Thug has pushed the limits in terms of perceptions of masculine hip-hop.
While Wale hopes for a world of equality for all, including gay rappers, others, like Snoop Dogg, believe the rap world is too focused on preserving the masculine culture to fully accept homosexuality in its genre.
"It's like a football team," he said back in 2013, according to TheGrio. "You can't be in a locker room full of motherf*cking tough a** dudes, then all of a sudden say, 'Hey, man, I like you.' You know, that's going to be tough."
Any thoughts? Sound off in the comment section below.
