"It's not easy but it's always important to be yourself and know yourself; Have a solid and concrete understanding of who you are."
This is what Chicago native and rapper, Taylor Bennett told Windy City Times is the key to owning your identity. The rapper recently came out as bisexual and since then has become the spokesperson for Urban Outfitters' ( UO ) Pride campaign.
When asked about his recent campaign with UO, Bennett said that it just felt right since he and his brother, artist Chance the Rapper grew up shopping at Urban Outfitters. According to Bennett, UO was the hot place to shop at growing up. "I got my first pair of skinny jeans from Urban Outfitters," he said with a light laugh, adding that he's happy to be their spokesperson.
Bennett said that deciding to be UO's spokesperson felt like "killing two birds with one stone" because he gets to wear what he calls "dope clothing" and bring awareness to the community. ( The chain's digital and in-store campaign launched May 30 and will run through the end of June. ) According to Bennett, all proceeds from the campaign go to GLSEN, a nationwide organization that focuses on improving education environments for LGBTQ students in grades K-12. Bennett said the mission aligns perfectly with his values since he is a prominent community activist in the LGBTQ community as well as around Chicago.
The rapper's Chicago pride shone through as he talked about his love for Chicago ( even recommending Connie's Pizza on Archer Avenue ), saying that if he was from any other city, he wouldn't think he would be the person he is today—even going so far to say that every time he's away he misses Chicago immensely.
Bennett opened up a bit about his experience coming out as bisexual and gave some advice to LGBTQ youth. He said, "Be yourself. I won't lie and say that it's easy or there won't be people that say things. Know that there are artists like me, and companies like UO, GLSEN and Windy City Times. Don't feel like you're alone or that you don't have a community that's willing to accept you. Always be yourself."
He added that being UO's spokesperson as a Black and bisexual hip-hop artist is a big step for the company, adding that he thinks that businesses are starting to help communities more—which he considers a big deal. He also discussed how there are major companies that are starting becoming more supportive of the LGBTQ and hip-hop communities. He mentioned that he is close friends with fellow rappers Lil Yatchy and Migos ( although the latter has been involved in some anti-LGBT controversy connected with Katy Perry ), who Bennett said been accepting of him. He added that society is finally getting to the place where "you can where what you want to wear, talk how you want to talk and be who you want to be."
Despite Bennett's hectic life, he said he still manages to find the time to rejuvenate and have fun with friends and family. When he's not in studio or being a voice for the community, Bennett said he likes to do normal things that any other young person would, including hanging with his friends, going to movies and visiting restaurants ( "typically fun things that I think normal people do" ).
Regarding his soaring music career, Bennett ( whose newest project is the album Restoration of an American Idol ) said, "I try not to let this get to my head." He added that he is working on new music and said fans can expect "anything that can benefit our community; I'm always down to do it."
Bennett will be at Navy Pier's 2nd Annual Pier Pride—a daylong celebration consisting of activities and performances along the lakefront on June 24. When asked what fans could expect at his upcoming performance, Bennett said, "You know, I don't like giving away too much but it's going to be very exciting." He did say, however, that fans will get to hear some new music from him.
Pier Pride will be Saturday, June 24, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; visit navypier.com/events/list/ for more information. For more information on Bennett, see taylorbennett.co/ .
