Arts & Entertainment
Eminem receives backlash for homophobic lyrics on surprise album
The rapper calls Tyler, The Creator an anti-gay slur


Eminem in ‘Fall’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
Eminem dropped his surprise album “Kamikaze” on Thursday which features plenty of diss tracks of other celebrities but his diss against fellow rapper Tyler, The Creator is receiving controversy for its anti-gay lyrics.
On the track “Fall,” Eminem raps “Tyler create nothin’, I see why you called yourself a f—-t, bitch.”
Tyler, The Creator had criticized Eminem back in 2014 for his work on the album, “ShadyXV.”
“I love you Marshall, you are my favorite rapper but dude ShadyXV is fucking ASS hahaha why wont someone who loves him tell him NO,” Tyler, The Creator said at the time.
Eminem’s lyrical track record has included plenty of homophobic lyrics in the past but the rapper was called out by some of his celebrity peers for still using anti-gay language in 2018.
Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon is featured on the song but says he wasn’t in the studio for Eminem’s verses. In a tweet, he says he’s “not a fan of the message” and asked for the song to be changed but was denied.
Was not in the studio for the Eminem track… came from a session with BJ Burton and Mike Will. Not a fan of the message, it’s tired. Asked them to change the track, wouldn’t do it. Thanks for listening to BRM https://t.co/E0wmt732ty
— blobtower (@blobtower) August 31, 2018
Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds, who has recently become a strong advocate for the LGBT community, denounced the use of the term on Twitter.
“it’s never ok to say a word that is filled with hate. I don’t care what year you were born in or what meaning it has to you,” Reynolds tweeted. “if it contributes to hate and bigotry then it is hateful. period. there is never an ok time to say the word fa**ot. I don’t care who you are.”
He continued: “it’s disgusting to be told this is being “overly sensitive” or “millennial”. LGBTQ kids are TAKING THEIR LIVES after being bullied with homophobic slurs. it’s not “sensitive” to take a stand against a word that has been used to spread hate for years.”
it’s never ok to say a word that is filled with hate. I don’t care what year you were born in or what meaning it has to you.
if it contributes to hate and bigotry then it is hateful. period.
there is never an ok time to say the word fa**ot
I don’t care who you are.
— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) August 31, 2018
it’s disgusting to be told this is being “overly sensitive” or “millennial”.
LGBTQ kids are TAKING THEIR LIVES after being bullied with homophobic slurs.
it’s not “sensitive” to take a stand against a word that has been used to spread hate for years.
— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 2, 2018
I’ve lived enough of my life remaining silent on these issues because of fear or lack of education.
I don’t live in fear anymore.
I still have lots to learn. but no. I will not be a silent voice with this platform I have been given.
— Dan Reynolds (@DanReynolds) September 2, 2018
“The Breakfast Club” co-host Charlamagne Tha God, who Eminem also disses on his album, told Esquire that he doesn’t think Eminem cares about offending the LGBT community.
“Well, here’s the thing about freedom of speech, you have the freedom to say what you want, but people are free to be offended—and I’m sure they will be about this line — but he’s actually quoting something Tyler said about himself. It personally didn’t offend me, but I’m a Oldhead who grew up in the era where that word was freely thrown around in records and interviews,” he says. “I’m not a member of the LGBT community. I would love to hear how a hip-hop fan who’s a member of the LGBT community reacts to this line, because I can’t tell them not to be offended. Eminem has to understand when he calls Tyler that he’s not just throwing a shot at Tyler, he’s throwing a shot at millions of gay people around the globe. But I don’t think he cares.”

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)





















The 2025 Silver Pride Resource Fair and Tea Dance was held at the Eaton Hotel on Wednesday, May 21.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)










Out & About
Queer film festival comes to D.C.
DC/DOX to showcase LGBTQ documentaries made by LGBTQ filmmakers

DC/DOX will host a film festival beginning on Thursday, June 12, at the Regal Gallery Place, Eaton Cinema, and the U.S. Navy Memorial Burke Theatre.
This festival will premier LGBTQ documentaries made by LGBTQ filmmakers. Each screening will be followed by in-person Q&As with the filmmakers.
For more details, visit dcdoxfest.com