QBoy was the first male UK Hip Hop artist to come out as gay and ever since has received much praise and respect for the music he puts out there. Set to release a music video for ‘Music Makes Us Dance’ in July, to promote his upcoming show at Birthdays in Dalston, we wanted to find out what else he’s been up to!

You were the first UK Hip Hop artist to “come out” as gay. Do you find that people are surprised to know that you have a passion for Hip Hop because of your sexuality?

Yes, moreso in the beginning, but even now some people who have just met me act shocked to hear that I am rapper. People love to put others in boxes. It’s how they understand.

You regularly DJ at East Bloc. How do you think the clubbing scene has changed over the years, in regards to the music played?

In the UK it has become much more diverse. I started playing R&B and hip-hop to gay crowds back in 2002 and it was hard work then. Hip-hop in the UK was not so mainstream and gay clubs were not open to the notion that gay people want more than house music. However, there is a 90’s revival right now and with that, 90’s R&B and hip-hop is really popular again. Plus hip-hop is now so mainstream it is considered ‘pop’ so there any many visible rap artists getting plenty of attention and play, so overall the clubbing scene has become much more diverse, and this is just one way in which it has.

Will there be any 2013 QBoy music releases?

I am releasing the music video to ‘Music Makes Us Dance’ start of July to promote my upcoming show at Birthdays in Dalston. It’s a live event for GULLY – one of the parties I promote and I am performing some of my new material alongside US gay rap artist Cakes Da Killa. I am excited to get my new tracks out there.

You’re an unsigned artist and have done all of your music production, promotions, digital content and social media by yourself. Where do you find the time?!

What else is there to do in life but the things you love?

What’s your biggest inspiration?

The fear of failure.

Who do you think is the “one to watch” for 2013’s music scene?

Me.

QBoy’s Upcoming Dates!

Saturday 29th June – R & She at Summer Rites Pride In The Park, Urban Tent, Shoreditch – https://www.facebook.com/events/355191447920678

Saturday 29th June – R & She at Vogue Fabrics, Dalston – 10pm-3am – https://www.facebook.com/events/147567618766939

Sunday 30th June – R & She at Glastonbury Festival, Vogue Fabrics, Block9 – midnight-4am

Thursday 4th July – YO! at Mind The Gap, Madrid – 11pm-3am – https://www.facebook.com/events/537416722987889

Thursday 4th July – PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH at Dalston Superstore – 9pm-2.30am (with DJs Neil Prince & David Oh) – https://www.facebook.com/events/485977784813343

Thursday 11th July – GULLY LIVE at Birthdays, Dalston – 8pm-midnight – https://www.facebook.com/events/391737800944486

For more details see: about.me/theonlyqboy

________________________________________________________________

Here’s a little treat for you! One of our favourite QBoy tracks, called ‘Fight For Me (Equality Anthem), in all of its glory! ENJOY!