Spitting Bars and Subverting Heteronormativity: An Analysis of Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator's Departures from Heteronormativity, Traditional Concepts of Masculinity, and the Gender Binary
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Date
2018
Authors
Elkins, Lizzy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This paper seeks to investigate an emerging movement of rap and pop artists who
actively subvert structures of the gender binary and heteronormativity through their
music. The main artists considered in this research are pop/rap/R&B artist Frank Ocean
and rap artist Tyler, the Creator, both of whom have claimed fame relatively recently.
Artists like Ocean and Tyler make intentional departures from heteronormativity and
the gender binary, combat concepts such as ‘toxic masculinity’, and hint at the
possibilities for normalization and destigmatization of straying from the gender binary
through lyrics, metaphysical expressions, physical embodiments of gender, expression
of fluid/non-heteronormative sexualities, and disregard for labels in their sexual and
gendered identities. I will discuss the history and context around music as an agent for
social change and address privileging of the black heterosexual cisgender man as the
central voice to pop/rap/R&B in the following research. This project will draw on
Beauvoirian philosophy regarding gender as well as contemporary sources of media like
Genius, record sale statistics, and album lyrics. By illustrating and evaluating how
these artists subvert traditional concepts of gender and sexuality, I hope to also shine a
light on how their music, which reaches millions of people who are less aware of or
accepting of gayness, catalyzes social change and is significant in this current political
moment, which is an era of increasing public tolerance of queer ideas and less binary
gender expression.
Description
17 pages
Keywords
Heteronormativity, Gender, Rap, Hip hop, Sexuality, Music, Social change