By Paul Hutnick
Photos: Colin Pearce, Nikita Antonov
Rap music hasn’t always had the most inclusive reputation. In fact, there was a time when artists’ careers were at stake due to suspected homosexuality. However, as new generations of music creators and consumers emerge, it’s becoming increasingly encouraged to wave whichever flag you carry.
That includes the International Bear Brotherhood Flag. In his songs, Bryce Quartz, a self-identified lil’ cub hip-hopper, ruminates on the pups, cubs, bears, and daddies that make up his community – and their kinks. “Queer people have had to endure years of listening to the sex lives of hetero rappers. It’s time queer fans feel seen and celebrate their authentic selves,” he says, adding, “As long as consent is given, all should be empowered to explore their wildest fetishes.”
His latest track, “C*m Pirate”, the second single from his upcoming “The Sextape” EP, is out now.
What sparked the idea for your new track?
I wrote the hook during a demo writing session. One of my friend’s told me it sounded like I was rapping a sea shanty. It made me laugh because I could totally see it, so I went with it.
Is “C*m Pirate” the “WAP” for gay men?
I liken it more to Cupcakke’s “Deepthroat”. It’s overtly horny, extremely direct, and made for underground mass appeal for all gay nymphomaniacs.
Female artists like Azealia Banks and Cardi B have been open about their sexualities and it hasn’t hurt their careers, but there’s still seems to be resistance to male rappers coming out.
There’s definitely a double standard in hip hop, however, over the past few years, things have changed with a new generation of listeners and the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.
Is the double standard the reason you are determined to be bold with your queerness? Is the idea that you can’t bust down walls with subtlety?
It’s a form of protest for me. I hope my music makes cishet people uncomfortable. That said, I think both subtle and bold approaches are essential to breaking the glass ceiling for queer acceptability in hip hop. All of us, as queer musicians, are important to the movement whether we choose to be as direct as my music or as indirect and subtle as early Frank Ocean songs.
Are you a fan of queer rappers like Lil Nas X and Taylor Bennett?
Taylor Bennett was actually one of the first artists that inspired me to be out and proud. I remember jamming to “Nobody Tell a Name” in my car years ago and it’s still a bop today. His lyrics are insightful, a bit lighthearted, but still thought provoking. I identify with him, and Lil Nas X too, because they put the music first before their sexuality, and although my lyrics are extremely sexually charged, the bars and technicalities always come first.
“C*m Pirate” is a well-crafted song and fun to listen to… but does it have a chance of crossing over to mainstream?
To be honest with you, I didn’t make this song for a crossover into mainstream. The world just isn’t ready for something like this, however, I’m still gonna deliver it, and I know my fans will love it along with many new fans who will also love it.
They’ll love the music video too.
I filmed two videos. A safe-for-work visual and an explicit version with hardcore porn that matches the energy of the song.
How graphic does the explicit version get?
It features porn stars Brooklyn Bear, The Rhino, and pup Tango Foxtrot and there are scenes with The Rhino ejaculating on my face and scenes of me in a sling getting slammed senselessly and a scene with Tango putting a dildo deep in me while I rap to the cameras. I swear Tango was testing me in that scene because damn, bitch! I really took that dildo all the way up my bum and didn’t miss a line at all!
How will you measure success of “C*m Pirate”?
By how many new fans find it and love it, and by how many dick and ass pics I receive in my DMs after the video drops.
Visit BryceQuartz.com. Follow Bryce @RealBryceQuartz