MISTA STRANGE

Musician

What do you stand for?

Primarily, I stand for my community, for people like me that never had a voice. But at the same time, I have to represent more than just one community. Being Black, gay and, I guess, masculine means that I have to stand for people like me, which is challenging because I know first-hand how hard it can be to find your place in the world… I stand for those like me who’ve always felt too hood for the gays, but [too] gay for the hood.

The hip-hop and rap scene have a reputation for, sometimes, being homophobic. What has your experience been?

Yeah, the scene is definitely homophobic, but it doesn’t stop me from doing anything. I don’t really see myself as any different to the next rapper — like, we’ve all come from the same place and we’ve all grown up doing the same things — the only difference is I’m gay. From my experience, if you can get past the mental barriers and sometimes the physical ones, the world is your oyster.

What is the most memorable response you’ve had from a fan?

I remember somebody saying that they never actually planned on coming out; they were convinced they had to keep it in for the rest of their life, but after finding out about me, they decided that they might not have to keep it in any more. I mean, reading that had to be one of the most fulfilling moments, because I know where they were and how deep that hole is and to think me and my music helped them get out is a blessing.

Have you been paying attention to the ascension of Lil Nas X?

The guy’s got balls; he stands on what he says, and I rate that. I don’t personally listen to his music, but I like how bold he is. He takes the hate and flips the script right back onto them in a funny, idgaf sorta way and I love that.

In what ways do you feel he is pushing the boundaries?

For the kids he represents he is a big inspiration for them and very necessary. There’s kids that want to wear dresses and express themselves differently and they need to see someone like them doing that; especially if they are up-and-coming artists, it can be very powerful seeing someone do what you never thought was possible.

“I don’t see myself as any different to the next rapper — the only difference is I’m gay”