A new song by Lauryn Hill has raised eyebrows for its seemingly anti-gay undertones.
In her new song, "Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)," the 38-year-old activist sings about the ills of society. Coupled with lyrics about psychological massacre and superficial vanity, Hill's song seems to make anti-gay statements, slamming ”drag queens,” "girl men" and ”social transvestism," BET's Monica Miller notes.
Though she's a musician who consistently advocates on behalf of the oppressed, Hill "might not extend her concerns to gay and lesbian communities," Miller writes.
Via BET:
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?
Hill raps about "drag queens" after naming "greedy men and pride fiends." She also mentions "social transvestism" and "subliminal dressed up as piety."
OUT magazine's Andrew Belonsky ponders whether Hill's "drag queens" lyric is about those who vilify gay pride and whether her "social transvestism" lyric is actually a jab at the Catholic Church.
Still, there was some confusion over whether Hill was actually saying "guru men" and not the potentially offensive "girl men." However, Hill's official website reveals the lyric is, in fact, "girl men."
In a May 6 post on her website, Hill spoke about the meaning behind "Neurotic Society."
"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!"
The Huffington Post reached out to Sony for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Earlier this month, Hill was sentenced to three months in federal prison for tax evasion. The singer pleaded guilty last year after failing to file tax returns on more than $1.8 million in earnings between 2005 and 2007. She must turn herself in by July 8.
Listen to Lauryn Hill's "Neurotic Society" in the video below.
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