Healing Toxic Masculinity With Figgy Baby
Figgy Baby is a queer Latinx rapper and community builder. The nationally touring rapper, dancer and performer based in Los Angeles was recently invited to perform in his first international show at the University of Montreal in Canada this July, and last month the artist was covered in a major LA media outlet discussing my work around healing toxic masculinity through music.
The emerging artist continues to use his voice heal from the violence surrounding toxic masculinity. The artist has recently released a single and music video for the new track “Seams.”
“In an era of ‘me too’ we find ourselves at a crossroads: continue this violence or heal,” said Figgy Baby. “As men, we’ve been raised to fear vulnerability and hide from ourselves. Raised by men who were raised by men who have continued this cycle of toxic and violent behavior for generations, ‘Seams’ is about breaking that cycle.”
Figgy Baby’s aspirational lyrics matched with iStandard Beat Battle Champion, Dee Minor’s indie inspired hip hop production provides a soul-stirring and uplifting track. Accompanied by violinist Gabby Mogul, “Seams” evokes a sense of intimacy. One that allows listeners to engage with challenging themes in an accessible way.
“Seams” was produced by a predominantly queer and women of color team. The music video directed by Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy writer Aeryn Michelle Williams breaks open the box of perceived masculinity with vibrant colors, wild, uninhibited dancing, and the exposure of the male body. Figgy Baby, donned in pale pinks, a smear of blue eyeshadow across his face like war paint, raps and joyfully dances his way through the wide landscapes of Los Angeles. In a period of mass redefinition, “Seams” is a necessary and timely track that offers a new perspective into what it means to be a man.
“Seams” is now officially streaming on all sites. You can also watch the new music video below.