This episode of "In the Key of Q" features a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Mel Lennon, a self-taught, German-born, New York City-based Black queer artist who is making his mark as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer.

Mel shares his journey of blending infectious pop melodies with hip-hop beats and provocative lyrics that speak authentically to queer experiences. He candidly discusses overcoming profound insecurities (themes central to his debut EP "Overthinking Out Loud"), the pain of family disownment, experiences with housing insecurity, and the continuous journey towards self-acceptance and representation. 

Ultimately, Mel offers a powerful message of compassion, empathy, and the importance of challenging stigma, all while creating music that invites joy and celebration.

Timestamped Key Takeaways

• [00:02:36] Mel Lennon on his musical style: He describes his music as pop, aiming for an inclusive feel that's open to everyone.
• [00:03:18] The origin of his name "Mel Lennon": Mel explains how his name humorously references his identity in performance spaces and his desire to move beyond racial caricatures.
• [00:04:01] On being the "only": Mel shares the experience of being the only Black person in a room and draws parallels to how queer individuals can feel "othered" in heteronormative spaces.
• [00:05:15] Education on race: He discusses the problematic expectation that minorities should educate the majority about racism and systemic issues.
• [00:08:22] Religion, empathy, and self-hate: Mel reflects on his religious upbringing, which instilled a sense of morality and empathy but also led to self-hatred due to homophobic teachings.
• [00:09:28] Hypermasculinity in queer spaces: Mel addresses the fetishisation of Blackness and the pressure for Black queer men to conform to hypermasculine ideals, even within the LGBTQ+ community.
• [00:12:32] Conviction over confidence: His drive to create music stems more from a deep-seated conviction than from confidence alone.
• [00:14:09] The purpose of being an "out loud" artist: Mel aims to make others, especially those feeling isolated, know they are not alone and that it's okay to be themselves.
• [00:15:51] Loneliness and trauma: He opens up about enduring loneliness.
• [00:18:18] Housing insecurity: Mel shares his personal experiences with homelessness after dropping out of college and how New York's resources eventually helped him find stability.
• [00:20:44] Black queer youth as "the culture": He emphasises the immense cultural influence of Black queer youth and the importance of ensuring their visibility and voices are at the forefront.
• [00:25:01] Joyful music with serious messages: Inspired by artists like Missy Elliott, Mel explains his approach to embedding social commentary and serious themes within celebratory and danceable music.
• [00:29:27] Mel's message to the world: He advocates for leading with compassion and empathy, stopping stigma, investing in facts, and embracing love for things that don't cause harm.
• [00:31:56] Upcoming Music: Mel announces his third EP, "Think less, feel More," is anticipated for New York City Pride.
• [00:32:56] Gateway Track "Freaky": Mel identifies "Freaky" as the song that best represents his sound—a hip-hop base with a fun, flirty pop exterior and lyrics exploring hypersexuality and self-acceptance.

Guest Bio

Mel Lennon is a self-taught rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, born in Germany and now a vibrant part of New York City's music scene. Known by handles like @thatgaypopstar or @MelLennonPop, he crafts genre-bending pop and hip-hop that authentically delve into queer experiences. His debut EP, "Overthinking Out Loud," garnered two top 40 singles on the LGBTQIA urban charts. Discover his music on all major streaming platforms and connect with him via his Linktree: linktr.ee/MelLennonPop.

Resource List

• "Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge. (Note: This book was not immediately found via search at Gay's The Word or Clapham Books. It is available from major retailers and the author's website: renieddolodge.co.uk)
• Kendrick Lamar
• Lil Nas X
• Missy Elliott: "Get Ur Freak On"
• Gateway Track: "Freaky" (Find on Mel Lennon's YouTube channel: MelLennonPop on YouTube or via streaming platforms: Song Whip - Freaky)
• Listen on Apple Music: Mel Lennon on Apple Music
• General social media handle: @thatgaypopstar (on most platforms except X)

Links

Read deep dives into our queer lives at the blog HERE.

Check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify. 

Follow the podcast on:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook

See producer and presenter Dan Hall’s other work HERE (subtitled version HERE).

Listen to other episode at the homepage.