If you’re an attractive male R&B or hip-hop artist who’s had a successful single, a large female fan base and lyrics that don’t center solely on misogyny and criminal pursuits, you now have ingredients for your very own gay rumor.
It’s almost as if the “gay” accusation often stands as a jab to discredit an artist’s talent and authenticity. Last time I checked an artist’s sexual preference didn’t determine their lyrical ability, vocal talent or creativity.
Here are a few male celebs whose ballads have taken a backseat to their bedrooms:
1) Trey Songz
“I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t get a little nasty,” the cut crooner remarks on his latest release Passion, Pain and Pleasure. Despite his rumored relationships with Lauren London and the legions of adoring female fans that are hypnotized by the baby face, Trey found himself at the center of a rumor questioning his sexuality when an unnamed source revealed that Trey was possibly involved with a male employee of Roc Nation.
2) Usher
A serious relationship with Chili of TLC fame, bitter criticism over his marriage to stylist Tameka Foster and two beautiful sons later and Usher’s sexuality is still up for debate among many. The rumors started early in Usher’s career when he learned the ropes through mentor, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Some question until this day that a relationship between the two is more than professional.
3) Ne-yo
Ne-yo is a triple threat: a talented dancer, award-winning song writer, and a soulful singer. Where romance is concerned he’s been linked in the past to voluptuous back up dancers and most recently fathered a child with friend Monyetta Shaw. In response to rumors, Ne-yo offered this poignant response, “”There’s this whole gay thing that keeps following me around. [People think] Anybody that sings and has a penis is gay. So I’m part of that elite squad, according to multiple blog sites and whatnot. I guess it’s because I’ve never shot a person, or talked about shooting a person or had a desire to shoot a person…that I’m gay.”
4) Drake
Drake is not your typical hip-hop artist. His latest release “ThankMe Later” remarks on everything from failed relationships, being robbed at gunpoint, and strained family relations. He also provides listeners with a nice blend of hip-hop as well as harmony and never makes any attempt to present himself as anything more hardcore than what he really is. Over the course of one year he’s been linked to Maliah Michel, Bria Myles and Nicki Minaj, all gorgeous well-endowed women. With a charming demeanor that is anything but disrespectful, Drake of course found himself the perfect target for many gay accusations.
5) Kanye West
A penchant for fashion and art, Kanye West sets himself apart from what most have to come to accept as a typical hip hop rapper. He too played with the idea of blending singing with rapping on his 2008 release “808s and Heartbreaks” where he made commentary on heartbreak and relationships. He also found himself in the middle of controversy including outbursts at award shows and a highly publicized relationship with Amber Rose. In defense of constant questioning of his sexually, West had this to say on his blog: “I have some ego problems, b**ched out at award shows, have control issues and make some questionable fashion choices but never question MY manhood. This is a message to everybody out there!”
6) Chris Brown
Chris Brown broke the hearts of female fans everywhere when news of his intense romance with Rihanna became public and he has spent every day earning their forgiveness after being found guilty in a violent assault against the Barbados beauty. Since the controversy, publicity surrounding “C. Breezy” has less to do with the lyrics he’s laying and more to do with who he’s laying down with. Although a pic of Chris with another pretty face hits the blogs every day, skepticism still surrounds Chris’s sexuality after a pic surfaced of Chris getting dressed with another man. (Mind you, both of the men are clothed, standing apart and Chris is simply putting on a shirt.)
7) Sean “Diddy” Combs
He’s managed to father children with several women, and has rumored to have been involved with several more at one time or another. In addition to being a father, managing a music empire with several artists and being responsible for other business ventures, Diddy also spends his days defending himself against rumors of being involved with the Illuminati and having romantic relationships with men. Radio personality Wendy Williams first accused Diddy of being gay after alleging she possessed video of Diddy and rapper Loon involved in sexual activity.
8) Lil’ Wayne
Lil’ Wayne doesn’t fit the typical profile of a celeb that might fall prey to a gay rumor. Like Diddy, Wayne has also managed to populate the Earth with several women, but a photo emerged of Wayne kissing Cash Money founder “Birdman” on the lips. In an interview Wayne explained the kiss, “If anybody think I’m gay, come test me. I light you up. I probably smash your girl…twice! Her and her best friend.”
