In 2021, then-18-year-old rapper Kidd Kenn made history by becoming the first openly gay male rapper to participate in BET's coveted Hip Hop Awards Digital Cypher. His performance was well-received, showcasing his fiery delivery and lyrical skills. The BET Cypher is an annual tradition where only the most skilled lyricists are invited to freestyle at the Hip Hop Awards.
Since then, Kidd Kenn, also known as Dontrell Smith, has achieved significant milestones in his career. He released a vinyl and limited edition doll set at Target and had his music featured in popular video game soundtracks like Madden NFL 22 and NBA 2k23.
In an interview with BuzzFeed's Black, Out & Proud series, Kidd Kenn shared insights into his journey as a trailblazing Black queer artist. He emphasized that while he is openly gay, his music transcends labels, and his focus is on the quality of his artistry.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Kidd Kenn recalled coming out in the fifth grade and receiving unwavering support from his family and friends. This support has been instrumental in shaping his confidence and artistic expression.
Despite facing online hate and trolls, Kidd Kenn remains motivated by the negativity, using it as fuel to continue creating music authentically. He dismisses claims of pushing a 'gay agenda' in the media, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness.
One of the surprises in his career was discovering that fellow openly gay artist Lil Nas X is a fan of his work. The unexpected message of encouragement from Lil Nas X left a lasting impact on Kidd Kenn.
From attending Rihanna's Savage x Fenty Show afterparty to being featured in prestigious lists like GLAAD's '20 Under 20' and OUT Magazine's OUT100, Kidd Kenn remains humble and grateful for his achievements.
As he continues to navigate the music industry, Kidd Kenn acknowledges the importance of patience and doing things the right way. His dedication to his craft and authenticity have positioned him as a rising star in the music scene.
With a string of accomplishments under his belt, Kidd Kenn's journey as a pioneering artist is marked by resilience, talent, and a commitment to staying true to himself.
