S. Samuel
A week after Odd Future affiliate Frank Ocean revealed his bi-sexuality, West Coast rap veteran Murs has released his new "Animal Style" music video which tells the struggle of a gay couple.
Murs also plays the role of his song’s protagonist in the emotion-driven music video.
In Murs’ new video for his song “Animal Style” off Love & Rockets Vol. 1, Murs plays the part of Roderick, a teenager who is secretly in love with another male student at his school, Jonathan. The song tells the sad tale of their hidden relationship, and how a slip-up in front of Roderick’s friends by Jonathan (he goes in to kiss Roderick in front of them) leads to their ultimate demise. Murs sports a “Legalize Gay” t-shirt in the video in support of Proposition 8 while he’s rapping as himself, and as Roderick, he holds hands and cuddles with Jonathan, and at the very end of the video, kisses him on the mouth. Props to Murs for supporting a cause he believes in through his art. (Complex)
Last fall, Murs discussed his motivation for penning the record.
“I don’t know, man. On this record, I’m trying to bring the Hip Hop community up with me. I’m concerned about how the world feels about the homosexual community. Obviously, I’m concerned about Hip Hop – we’ve got to start [making changes], but I want that song to touch people outside of the community. I made “Dark Skinned White Girls,” and a lot of people [responded thankfully with the recognition]. There’s a lot of gay people who probably feel out of place or feel like no one cares, and I think it’s good when it comes from someone [who is different]. “Okay. He’s not just saying that ’cause he’s gay too. This is a straight person sayin’ it ’cause he’s tryin’ to understand me” – even if I didn’t get it right. I don’t know how the gay community is gonna react. I’m more worried about that, to tell you the truth, than how the Hip Hop community is gonna react. If I can make straight people be kinder to gay people, I guess that’s a bi-product [of my intentions in writing the song]. (Hip Hop DX)
In spring 2011, fellow West Coast rapper Lil B revealed death threats he received after naming an album I’m Gay (I’m Happy).
“People been hitting me up like, ‘I’m gonna bash your head in,’ ‘you f—-t,’ ‘I’m gonna kill you,’ ” Lil B said in an interview. “I’m not gonna stop and I’m not scared of anybody on earth. That’s why I [titled the album I’m Gay] and nobody gonna stop me…I’m very gay, but I love women. I’m not attracted to men in any way. I’ve never been attracted to a man in my life. But yes I am gay, I’m so happy. I’m a gay, heterosexual male.” (MTV)
This week, a vast showing of hip-hop artists have come forward to show support for Frank Ocean revealing his sexuality.
“A huge part of the industry is insecure,” Royce Da 5’9 explained. “So, like, I embrace integrity. Definitely. I think it’s awesome. I think a lot of other artists should take a page out of his book and be themselves,” said Royce. “Because you don’t have to listen to it – that’s your choice if you’d rather listen to it or not. The fact that he’s telling you the truth is awesome.” (FUSE TV)
Check out Murs’ “Animal Style” below:
