Veteran rhyme-slinger Snoop Dogg says that hip-hop is ready for an openly gay rapper. In an interview with the Associated Press (via HipHopDX), the West Coast native feels that fans are becoming more receptive to people’s differences.

“People are learning how to live and get along more, and accept people for who they are and not bash them or hurt them because they’re different,” he said. Snoop, who recently changed his name to Snoop Lion, was referencing Frank Ocean‘s decision to come out in an open letter to his fans. While reaction was mixed, the media and other artists embraced the news and saluted the Odd Future crooner for his brave move.

“When I was growing up, you could never do that and announce that,” adds Snoop. “There would be so much scrutiny and hate and negativity, and no one would step (forward) to support you because that’s what we were brainwashed and trained to know.”

Fellow artists like Beyonce praised Ocean for coming out. Even OF leader Tyler, the Creator, who is often criticized for his homophobic lyrics, supported Ocean. “[I've] know for a while, he told me a long time ago,” he said. “Yeah thats my n—a [though], s— is hard for him but he did that.”

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