Lauryn Hill’s new song, “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix),” is catching fire for it’s anti-gay undertones. In it, the 38-year old raps about “drag queens” after hinting they are “greedy men and pride fiends.” Hill also mentions “We’re living in a joke time…commerce and girl men…quick scam and drag queens.”
In response, BET’s Monica Miller stated:
“Neurotic Society” proclaims again that Babylon is falling — thanks in part to tricksters like ”girl men,” ”drag queens,” and the lies of ”social transvestism.” Whether or not Hill is merely using these comments as examples of the smokescreens and sleight-of-hands that pervade this “Neurotic Society” is unclear. Beyond intention, these sorts of statements suggest that society is in a shambles because it’s been taking too many cues from the LGBTQ community, acting like “girl men,” “drag queens” and “transvestites.” Is her beef with oppressive society or is her issue with people who don’t abide by a traditional family structure? For those who don’t feel me, would it be okay if her song criticized “neurotic society” for acting like “N—–s,” ”mammies” and ”jezebels?” No! Then why does she think it’s cool to critique society by using stereotypes about a community that suggest the community isn’t as valuable as another?
Additionally, Hill spoke about the meaning behind her song on her website:
“I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music… but the message is still there,” she wrote about dropping her new single with Sony. “In light of Wednesday’s tragic loss (of former label mate Chris Kelly), I am even more pressed to YELL this to a multitude that may not understand the cost of allowing today’s unhealthy paradigms to remain unchecked!“
Lauryn has a right to her opinions (in fact, most times she’s an advocate for the mistreated), but do you think what she said is fair? Click here to hear her controversial song.
Photo Credit: Splash News