It’s not easy to be a queer rapper in the often hypermasculine world of hip-hop, but it's not without precedent. To understand an artist like Big Body Kweeng, it helps to know something about her mentor — and primary artistic touchstone — Big Freedia. Big Freedia is perhaps the most famous performer of a New Orleans style of hip-hop called bounce. Proudly gay, with a gender-fluid style and a fondness for big hair and loud jackets, Big Freedia made queerness in hip-hop not just visible, but cool — you've probably heard her featured in songs by Beyoncé and Drake.
-Ameilia Mason
WBUR
About
Big Body Kweeng
Massachusetts' Favorite,Big Body Kweeng is a ground breaking Hip Hop/ Rap Trans Non Binary artist who has opened many doors for the community as the 1st queer rapper to win the NPR Tiny Desk competition in 2021, also is one of the Top Performers of 2021 shown in Out Magazine. After growing up
between New York and Boston, the 28-year-old artist was exposed to
the evolution of the hip-hop music scene at a young age. Through her
upbringing and commitment to the art as a Music Vocal major at
Boston Arts Academy high school, it was easy for Doll to find her
musical inspirations in rappers Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, and Big Freedia.
