February 18, 2012 15:02

A$AP Rocky: 'Homophobia needs to stop in hip-hop - or the genre will fail'

Rapper argues 'close-mindedness' in rap world is 'retarded'

Photo: Dan Dennison/NME

A$AP Rocky has spoken out over the issue of homophobia in hip-hop, claiming that the genre will "fail" if artists don't become more open-minded about sexuality.

The rapper - real name Rakim Mayers - said that although he is heterosexual, he is concerned that sexual orientation is too much of an issue among many hip-hop artists.

Speaking to Spinner.com, he claimed that while pop "doesn't discriminate against people", hip-hop is "so retarded" when it comes to issues of sexuality and homophobia.

Mayers commented:

I'm not saying that hip-hop needs gay rappers or anything, but they need to stop being so close-minded because that will just cause the genre to fail.

He continued: "Who gives a fuck? I like women. I love women. I'm not going to not be your friend because you like men. As long as you're a great person and, aside from that, y'know, you don't bother me and make me uncomfortable, then let's be friends, dude."

The rapper released his debut mixtape 'Live.Love.ASAP' last October and is set to release a new EP in April, before touring the UK in June.

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