Homo hop

Hip hop has been mainstream for so long that it's hard to recall it was once underground. But as pop culture has embraced rap, rap has also reflected pop culture's ambivalence about gay people. Radio friendly rappers can sell millions, and many will cheer or look the other way when homophobic rhymes start to flow. So queer rappers remain underground. But they're mad as hell and they're not going to take it anymore.

In 2007, out rapper Deadlee organized The HomoRevolution Tour, which introduced audiences across the country to queer hip hop artists like Johnny Dangerous and Delacruz. "We are standing up, gathering our voices and speaking out in the form of hip hop and rap," says Deadlee. "It is not just a revolution against those who oppress us sexually but also musically. Those who would say 'Don't come out of the closet, don't be a gay rapper,' or those who would keep the Gay Hip Hop genre a niche market. We revolt and rebel against that concept."

This year the tour is still going strong, and has picked up more homo hoppers. A diverse group of eight emcees will rock the mic in Boston this weekend, including Deadlee himself, Melange Lavonne, Big Nugg, Shorty Roc, Da Lyrical, Unecc, FoxxJazell, and Cateyez. Local artists Cathy Cathodic and Mystique round out the set. In an era when watered-down hip hop flies off the Wal-Mart shelves, these artists are still doing what rap does best: telling it like it is.

HomoRevolution hits Boston Sunday, March 16 at 9 p.m. at Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston. 18+, $8.
info: www.truthserum.org