Out rapper Damez’ new song “Agenda” reveals and discusses the central role and importance the role the barbershop plays in the Black community and how it affects the everyday lives of gay Black folks and contributes to the hyper-masculinity in hip-hop.

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Damez writes on Instagram:

i was very intentional about shooting this video in a Black barbershop. i used to get my haircut here as a kid, and swept the floors on weekends for $13/day…

growing up i always found the Black barbershop to be one of the most interesting spaces — our culture, hair textures, sense of decor, aesthetic, is all very unique to the Black barbershop. it’s a space full of history, aging furniture, and autographed memorabilia on the walls. its a space where you may possibly enter feeling like less of yourself, and yet you leave with a sense of self-confidence and reassurance that is unmatched…

sometimes, though, i left the barbershop with mixed feelings. sometimes, in my experiences, it was a space that protected hyper-masculinity and anything seen as less than that was condemned in conversation with great disgust and degradation. having to sit in a chair and wait for your hair to be cut as you overhear a group of older men around you exchange explicitly hateful and judgmental rhetoric, giving your money (as a child) to someone who basically just made it clear that he hates everything you are, all while you’re still trying to figure it all out on your own… is an experience i can only now really put into words at 28 years old. it’s an experience i know a lot of Black LGBT+ people can relate to, and it’s an experience that can’t be erased.

i’ve been writing lyrics since before i even knew what sexuality was, so it’s pretty interesting to see how much people allow it to affect how they receive music & art. but we making progress and that’s what matters.

there’s space for all of us, and why would i wait around for my seat at the table when i can just create my own?

damez 🤝🏾 bridging the gap

“Agenda” is our now everywhere 💈 s/o to Nick’s barbershop off Redan….if you know, you know!!

 

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Speed On the Beat:

“Agenda” is a track that addresses homophobia in the rap community. However, instead of just focusing on how the rap community can possess a varying range of homophobia, Damez uses “Agenda” to speak on a wide variety of topics. I think that’s what makes the song work on several levels, his inability to be boxed into one category or sound. Throughout the song, the Atlanta rapper bounces over the boombap beat to speak on crooked police, religion, politicians, his own life and hobbies–not to mention just delivering bars on top of bars.

I also like the barbershop aesthetic of the video. Considering some Black men talk a lot in barbershops (some of which may have a bit of sexism or homophobia within it), this is an important setting. That’s because it also speaks to the male gaze of hip-hop while giving Damez his props–both as a Black LGBTQ+ artist and a soul-reaching activist in his own right. This is especially seen with how comfortable Damez is spitting his truths while the patrons bob their heads along with Damez’ bars, giving their agreeance with and “blessing” to what he’s putting down. I’m here for this, especially because the brother’s got BARS.

Watch the video below.

The lyrics to Damez’ “Agenda:”