Rapper 5ive Star Spits for Individuality in New Video

Florida rapper 5ive Star has released a new single and video advocating for diversity and encouraging listeners to be themselves. The video for "What They Think" features a catchy bass line and several visibly queer folks throughout the video.

While 5ive, 25, raps about how he "don't care when they stare [at] what I wear," the music video features lesbian and gay couples and a butch-presenting person who makes frequent appearances in the video.

"This was something I came up with as a concept to say just be yourself," 5ive Star says in a release. "I wanted to confront stereotypes and make people feel uncomfortable in a way. ... It's a statement on individuality and being comfortable with who you are as person, enough to show yourself to the world regardless of what people think about you."

5ive, who was born in California but grew up in South Florida, got his start as a spoken word artist, doing commercial engagements for McDonald's and Nike. 5ive Star identifies as straight, but it's clear the artist values diversity and inclusion, something relatively uncommon in the rap world.