I like to think that my work can make a difference. Here I add an opportunity to tackle the subject of LGBTQ in hip-hop music.
I always want to avoid the typical “bling-bling” trap of using an objectification of women. I was doing my art show in Los Angeles with Bright, and this project fell on my lap.
A few months ago, I had the chance to direct a music video for a bi-sexual artist, Deshaun.
I decided to depict a love story between two men, but far away from the usual cliche and the general idea that some people can have about Homosexuality.
Keeping the codes of a powerful and masculine male representation in this music video was imperative. My objective was to show that despite their sexual orientation, men can be men, and everything is basically the same.
I also used specific codes from gangsta rap music videos and religious symbols. Two things deeply connected to American and hip-hop culture. Definitely, an easter egg; the typography I used for the title is directly inspired by a blacksploitation movie, “Jackie Brown.” Another symbol of black emancipation in pop culture.
“Eloise” Director’s cut.
Before diving further into the subject, I invite you to discover the music video:
Music by Deshaun.
The album is available now on iTunes.
Credits:
Director: Olivier Hero Dressen
Director of Photography: Pascalie
Gaffer: Tom Leduc
Producers: Charlotte Choo Vyr, Olivier Hero Dressen, Tom Leduc
Focus Puller Slaughter William
Editing: Kevin Pham
Final Cut: Olivier Hero Dressen
VFX and Color Grading: Olivier Hero Dressen, designhero.tv
Music producer @lasersouptwinkle
Mastering @arochottetotheheart
Written by @singer.deshaun
LGBTQ representations in hip-hop music
LGBTQ representations in hip-hop music have been historically low. Hip-hop has long been portrayed as one of the least LGBTQ-friendly genres of music; (along with heavy metal and country music); with a significant body of hip-hop music containing homophobic views and anti-gay lyrics.[1] However, since the early 2000s; there has been a flourishing community of LGBTQ hip-hop artists, activists; and performers breaking barriers in the mainstream music industry.[2]
Labels such as homo hop or queer hip hop group; all artists identifying as members of the LGBTQ community into a subgenre of hip hop based solely on their sexuality. These subgenre labels are not marked by any specific production style. As artists within it may simultaneously be associated with virtually any other subgenre of hip hop; or may also make music that falls outside the subgenre entirely.[3] Instead, the terms are defined by direct engagement with LGBTQ culture; in elements such as the lyrical themes or the artist’s visual identity and presentation.[4][5]
However, artists who have been labeled as part of the genre have varied in their acceptance of the terminology. Some have supported the identification of a distinct phenomenon of “LGBTQ hip hop”; as an essential tool for promoting LGBTQ visibility in popular music, while others have criticized it for essentially ghettoizing their music as a “niche,”; an interest that circumscribed their appeal to mainstream music fans.
Many artists have contributed to the increased visibility and social acceptance of the LGBTQ community’s presence in hip-hop music, most notably Frank Ocean, who penned an open letter addressing his sexuality in 2012.[2] Artists such as Mykki Blanco, Big Freedia, Le1f, and cakes da killa; are also at the forefront of creating a more inclusive representation of bodies in hip-hop. There has also been an increased presence of LGBTQ allies in the mainstream hip-hop community, such as Jay-Z,[6] Murs, Macklemore, and Ryan Lewis.[7]
Courtesy of Wikipedia, you can find the full article on this link.
Hip-Hop & Its Fear of the Gay Rapper
With recent rappers like Lil Nas X coming out of the closet as gay, the conversation of hip-hop being homophobic has become more significant than ever before. On today’s Complex News Presents, we meet with members of both the hip-hop and LGBT+ communities; to discuss the origin of these homophobias and try to unpack why homophobia in hip-hop still exists.
(Text extract from Complex News Youtube Channel).
Here you can discover the full interview of Lil Naz X.
I remember being on set that day, and I suddenly realize that my music video aesthetic reminds me of the Oscar-winning movie Moonlight. Subconcently I admit I am probably influenced by this beautiful movie, so I invite you to check it out; here is the movie’s IMDB.
Speaking about films, you can definitely check out my articles about my great suggestions for movies to watch.
If you want to see more videos, I made, you can check this video I did for the city of Wuhan just before the Coronavirus outbreak, or simply check my website www.designhero.tv.
Don’t hesitate to share this post and the music video or leave a comment below!
Thank you!
Eloise LUTs Package.
We will update our LUT’s collection regularly, so don’t hesitate to check out our shop regularly; you can also see the other kit we used for our Corsak Story Ep2.
Here are a few things to know about this kit and this LUT pack:
This pack includes 14 Color LUTs.
It works within Resolve / Adobe CC / FCPX (with LUT Utility installed).
All the LUTs are designed to work with RAW / LOG / FLAT gamma space.
It also works with all FLAT picture profiles (SLOG / VLOG / etc.).
We really looking forward to seeing what you will achieve with those packs!
Wishing you the best results, and have a creative day!
Hero,
