Top LGBTQ+ Rappers Redefining Hip-Hop

Hip hop has always evolved through new voices and bold perspectives, and LGBTQ+ artists are expanding that legacy with fresh sounds, fearless storytelling, and vital community ties. From chart toppers to underground innovators, these rappers bring regional styles, independent hustle, and collaborations that keep the genre moving forward. They use their platforms to spotlight identity, celebrate joy, and push for safer spaces at shows and online. Here are twenty artists whose work is shaping the conversation across studios, stages, and social feeds.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X blends rap, pop, and country influences to craft catchy singles that dominate radio and streaming charts. He pairs playful hooks with high concept visuals that drive conversation across platforms. Collaborations with major producers and brands keep his rollout strategy front and center. Touring sets feature choreography and theatrical staging that attract large crossover audiences.

Young M.A

Young M.A broke through with a street anthem that went viral across clubs and radio, cementing her Brooklyn presence. She releases projects through her own imprint, keeping creative control over visuals and rollouts. Freestyle appearances and guest verses highlight sharp punchlines and a calm delivery. Her videos lean into neighborhood settings that reflect her independent grind.

Mykki Blanco

Mykki Blanco merges performance art with rap cadences to build a dynamic live reputation across international festivals. Their discography spans mixtapes, albums, and poetry, often recorded with electronic and experimental producers. Music videos use fashion and conceptual imagery to comment on identity and nightlife culture. They also run multimedia projects that mentor emerging queer artists.

Le1f

Le1f helped popularize an avant club approach to rap with tracks that spread quickly through indie blogs and dance floors. His releases showcase inventive flows over sub bass heavy production rooted in New York scenes. He collaborates with designers and choreographers to extend his music into fashion and performance. Festival sets highlight athletic movement and crowd interaction.

Kevin Abstract

Kevin Abstract balances solo work with his history as a founding member of the collective Brockhampton. His albums mix introspective rap with melodic choruses and cinematic videos. He often directs or co directs visuals to keep a unified aesthetic across projects. Collaborations span indie rock producers and hip hop beatmakers for a genre bending sound.

ILoveMakonnen

ILoveMakonnen earned a breakout hit that climbed charts after a major co sign, opening doors to wide reaching collaborations. He experiments with lo fi melodies and understated rap that suits late night playlists. Independent releases arrive frequently on streaming, keeping his catalog active. He connects with fashion and art scenes for pop up events and capsule drops.

Zebra Katz

Zebra Katz draws from performance art and runway culture with minimalist beats and commanding delivery. His tracks became staples for fashion shows and club nights worldwide. Albums explore industrial textures that pair well with stark visual direction. He frequently collaborates with European producers to push his sound into experimental spaces.

Rico Nasty

Rico Nasty brings punk energy to trap beats with distorted textures and shout along hooks. She developed a visual identity that includes bold makeup and spiked styling that fans replicate. Mixtapes and studio albums showcase partnerships with producers known for abrasive sound design. Festival sets emphasize mosh friendly pacing and fan interaction at barricades.

Princess Nokia

Princess Nokia moves between boom bap, cloud rap, and alternative rock influenced tracks across her projects. She uplifts New York community spaces through local events and mutual aid initiatives. Releases often arrive with zines and personal essays that build a broader narrative. Global touring connects her with DIY scenes and major festival audiences alike.

Cupcakke

Cupcakke is known for explicit, sex positive lyricism over bass heavy beats that thrive on club systems. She releases music independently with quick turnaround from snippet to official drop. Viral singles drive steady streaming numbers without heavy label infrastructure. She uses social media to coordinate charity efforts and direct fan support.

Chika

Chika gained traction through viral freestyles that showcased technical writing and topical commentary. A major label EP introduced polished production and orchestral touches alongside clear enunciation. She has received recognition from major award bodies for breakthrough work. Brand partnerships and soundtrack placements extend her reach beyond traditional rap channels.

Angel Haze

Angel Haze combines double time raps with confessional storytelling across mixtapes and studio albums. Their catalog includes collaborations with electronic producers from Europe and North America. Live performances switch between aggressive delivery and spoken word interludes. They address identity and mental health in interviews and lyrics to engage listeners beyond the music.

Kidd Kenn

Kidd Kenn emerged from Chicago with playful battle ready tracks that celebrate queer confidence. Early singles gained traction on regional radio and streaming playlists geared to new artists. He collaborates with stylists and dancers to craft colorful stage shows. School and youth outreach appearances help build a loyal teen fanbase.

Big Freedia

Big Freedia champions New Orleans bounce with call and response chants that transform crowds into a chorus. She appears on high profile tracks with superstar artists and contributes unmistakable ad libs. Television and book projects document her role in popularizing bounce culture. Her tours are known for twerking segments and participatory crowd moments.

Snow Tha Product

Snow Tha Product delivers bilingual raps with fast switching flows that showcase breath control and clarity. She runs an independent label operation that oversees merch, touring, and video production. Live streams and vlogs keep fans updated between releases. Collaborations with regional Mexican and hip hop artists highlight her cross genre strategy.

Brooke Candy

Brooke Candy blends rap with electro pop aesthetics, often partnering with avant pop producers and visual artists. Her music videos feature elaborate styling and performance art elements. She has released EPs and albums that span club ready tracks and darker experimental cuts. She frequently headlines queer nightlife events and fashion collaborations.

Lil Peep

Lil Peep fused emo melodies with trap drums to create a moody rap sound that influenced a wave of artists. His releases grew through SoundCloud and DIY tours before reaching larger stages. Posthumous projects collected unfinished sessions into cohesive albums. His legacy continues through fan communities that analyze lyrics and share archival footage.

Da Brat

Da Brat became the first solo woman rapper to earn a platinum album in the United States with a breakout debut that shaped mid 90s radio. She worked closely with So So Def and appeared on high profile remixes that boosted her visibility. Her catalog spans multiple studio albums and guest features across pop and R&B. She later expanded into television and radio while continuing to perform her classic hits.

Taylor Bennett

Taylor Bennett announced his bisexuality early in his career and used that visibility while building an independent path in Chicago. He released mixtapes and albums that feature live instrumentation alongside modern trap drums. Collaborations include work with regional producers and guest verses from established peers. He also runs community focused events and a label that supports emerging artists.

070 Shake

070 Shake blends rap and sung cadences over atmospheric production that fits festival stages and late night playlists. She broke through with features on major albums before expanding her solo catalog. Touring includes headlining shows and support slots with arena acts. Visuals favor moody color palettes and cinematic settings that match the music.

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks pairs rapid flows with house and club influenced beats that travel well across Europe and North America. Her breakout single became a fashion and runway staple and led to international touring. She releases singles, EPs, and full projects that experiment with tempo and accent work. Visuals lean into high concept fashion and choreography.

Shygirl

Shygirl records over bass heavy and experimental club production while keeping clear rap phrasing in many tracks. She collaborates with forward thinking electronic producers from London and beyond. Releases include EPs and an album that attracted remix projects with global DJs. Festival bookings place her on both dance and hip hop aligned stages.

Ashnikko

Ashnikko mixes punchy rap verses with pop structures that perform well on short form video platforms. She developed a blue haired visual identity that carries through videos and stage design. Records feature collaborations with alternative and hip hop producers. Her live shows use high energy choreography and crowd interaction.

BbyMutha

BbyMutha built a following through candid lyrics and homegrown visuals that traveled quickly online. She records over minimalist beats that keep the focus on storytelling and cadence. Projects arrive independently with strong Bandcamp and streaming support. Touring prioritizes intimate venues that cultivate a dedicated fanbase.

Baby Tate

Baby Tate writes and produces much of her music and uses bright hooks to anchor confident rap verses. She first gained traction with viral singles that moved into television placements. Collaborations span pop features and Southern rap guest spots. Her releases arrive with colorful visuals and coordinated choreography.

Cazwell

Cazwell is a fixture in LGBTQ+ nightlife with singles that target club DJs and Pride stages. He collaborates with drag performers and dancers to craft memorable videos. Tours emphasize party centric sets that encourage audience participation. Merch drops and fashion tie ins extend his brand beyond music.

Big Dipper

Big Dipper centers queer themes with humorous and explicit lyrics over boom bap and club beats. He hosts live shows that double as variety events with local performers. Releases include albums and singles that feature producers from independent scenes. His podcasting and content work help keep fans engaged between tours.

Aja

Aja transitioned from reality television into music with a catalog that leans into aggressive rap delivery. She releases EPs and albums that feature producers from the ballroom and club world. Tours include LGBTQ+ venues and festival dates across the United States and Europe. Visuals showcase fashion partnerships and performance art influences.

Tokischa

Tokischa is a Dominican rapper who brings dembow and trap elements into bilingual releases. She collaborates with Latin superstars and crosses into global pop markets. Videos often highlight street culture in Santo Domingo and bold fashion choices. Festival sets place her alongside urbano and hip hop acts on major stages.

Silvana Imam

Silvana Imam is a Swedish rapper whose catalog addresses politics, identity, and community. She tours across Scandinavia and Europe and appears at activist events. Releases include award recognized albums and collaborations with artists from indie and hip hop scenes. Videos feature stark imagery and location shoots that underline her themes.

Medusa

Medusa the Gangsta Goddess is a veteran of Los Angeles underground hip hop and a key figure in queer rap history. She came up through Project Blowed and has mentored younger artists. Performances emphasize live band arrangements and crowd engagement. Her community work includes workshops that support youth in the arts.

Doechii

Doechii blends sharp rap verses with theatrical performance that suits large festival slots. She first gained attention through viral tracks before signing with a major label. Releases showcase Florida roots and dynamic beat switches. Videos and stage design use choreography and costume changes to build a narrative arc.

Young Miko

Young Miko is a Puerto Rican rapper who raps and sings over Latin trap and reggaeton production. She has collaborations with top urbano artists that push her songs onto international charts. Touring covers Latin America, the United States, and Europe with growing venue sizes. Visuals highlight streetwear styling and island scenery.

Villano Antillano

Villano Antillano is a Puerto Rican trans rapper whose lyricism and flow brought widespread attention through a viral freestyle series. She releases singles and an album that combine reggaeton, trap, and hip hop structures. Collaborations include features with prominent producers and rappers in the Spanish speaking world. Her shows emphasize powerful vocals and a strong connection with LGBTQ+ audiences.

Share your picks for LGBTQ+ rappers who are pushing hip hop forward in the comments.