Caushun: music's most homophobic genre is about to get an awakening

Three years ago, Caushun was styling the celebrity tresses of Jennifer Lopez and Renee Zeliweger. But after a call to a New York City radio station during which he was dubbed the "Gay Rapper," sparking a series of outrageous on-air appearances, what started as a lark became serious business. Having already drawn comparisons to Lii' Kim for his campy persona and X-rated lyrics, Caushun is prepping his debut album, Proceed With Caushun (Baby Phat), an ode to a different kind of thug life.

Although he grew up in the same tough Brooklyn neighborhood as the Notorious B.I.G., the 25-year-old rapper didn't fret much about his sexuality. Nevertheless, the early reaction of industry folk was to capitalize on his orientation. "They wanted me to become the RuPaul of rap, to put out club music."

Because radio listeners have already embraced his flamboyant character, Caushun is confident that he will be accepted as more than a novelty act. "When I'm being witty in my music, people feel me," he says. "Straight rappers portray themselves as gangsters when they're church boys from Jersey. So what's the novelty--them being thugs, or me being who I really am?"

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