Rahsaan Patterson on Sexuality and the Music Industry 

One of the most unsung talents of our time. He mesmerizes me every time he sings. I hope he knows how we feel about his gift!

I always knew his sexual preference but that did not deter me from his talent. I love him and his vocals!

He DESERVES all his flowers right NOW! Masterful voice Elegant writer Awesome live performer The entire package All these perception boxes ....he had to make his own, when he fits in everyone of them at the same time R&B, NEO SOUL, URBAN SOUL, alternative, house....the list continues on and on and on ❤💋

One of the coooooldest singers on the face of the planet! Caught him live in 97' with his initial album and will NEVER forget it and have told countless others about him. He's a vocal BEAST...💯🎙💯

Yes! Rahsaan is the REAL DEAL. He is an amazing Black man who lives and breathes honesty, integrity and bravery. And he's a DAMNED TALENTED artist!

Had he hid his sexuality, he may have been more of a commercial success, but he made a conscious and ORGANIC decision and CHOSE to live his life HIS way, with his SOUL in tact. Been a fan since the gate. Saw him perform live numerous times and he blew my wig off at each experience. Your true fans love and respect you AND your art. Never change Honey. 🏳️‍🌈🖤🎼🦋

Regardless of Rahsaan's sexuality, I love his music! That's what he's here for, to give us music not his personal life. His lifestyle is between him and God. I will continue to play his music and purchase new music if he ever blesses us with more material. One of the best voices of my generation and I am 52.

Who Cares about his sexuality he is amazing! The way he sing is like no other....I love his style and his personality!....He hasn't received his recognition!....Legendary Artist!!!

He was a vocal beast as a KID! Like a literal KID. I grew up on him on Kids Incorporated in the 1980s. Always loved him! He is so underrated. Michael Jackson, him, and Tevin re the few I know of that already had amazing voices as young kids. He also had a long relationship with Tevin and they are still great friends.

honestly, when i bought his album in 1994, his sexuality never occurred to me. in 2007, i saw him in concert, and then i noticed it. For a second, oh he gay, and got back to enjoying the show and still love his music to his day in 2022. hey brother, don't sweat it. you got it going on.

A Legend! I love this man's voice, talent and music. He is the truth of musicality.

His music stands the test of time.

I'm a big fan of Rahsaan. I play the mess out of his music. Keep that good music coming Rahsaan.

Rahsaan is highly underrated, especially his debut album. I love his background singing on Tevin Campbell's Back To The World , and i remember him from Kids Inc.

I’VE LITERALLY GROWN UP WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN !!! & HE STILL TAKES MY BREATH AWAY !!! LUV LUV YOU RAHSAAN !!! ❤️❤️🙏🏼

The King of Smooth and Sophistication! I have been a fan since Love in Stereo (my fav).He and Meshell D have the most authentic sexy meaningful music. I would love for him to work on a soundtrack! 🥰😍🤩

This man is a musical genius. 🎼 Kudos to him for sticking 👏 to his guns. Such an inspiration.

Can't lie, he's an amazing artist....love this brother

I absolutely love Rahsaan Patterson. I am a big fan and I could just listen to him all day long! I have seen him at least four times in NYC, had him autograph his CD and took a picture with him as well. He is such a great entertainer as well. When I listen to his CDs the musical arrangements/ orchestra is out of this world!! The orchestra, especially the strings enhance his wonderful voice so perfectly. I love you Rahsaan!!❤️

I never heard of this brotha until now: literally just now! I like his way of thinking and being-he’s being true.

Regardless of his sexual preference he is one of the more quintessential performers of our era who really didn’t get the credit he truly deserved. I do however think he looks better with the full beard and mustache. Kudos to you for all of your hard work and dedication Mr. Patterson.

I’ve always enjoyed Rahsaan Patterson music and vocal talent! A real gem💎

Rahsaan Patterson defined singing for me at one point. What a great Talent.

If the climate the first RP album and Love in Stereo were released in was what it is today, those two albums alone are multi platinum and RP is considered a 90s R&B legend in the mainstream. Queer, straight or otherwise, his brilliance as a singer and a songwriter is criminally underrated.

I could listen to Rahssan speak all day.

I SALUTE YOU, Brother Rahsaan!! Just letting folks know that as an LGBTQ Black Male who sang in the church, I had the same journey, the same "push back"...including ad-VICE from people who say "If you just married a woman....you could do, get, be..." I didn't go into the record industry or acting because of the double-standard of you can BE GAY just don't ACT FAY. There is no amount of money that compares to one "selling your soul". As former friend of mine used to say, "Either Be Who You Are or Die...Because if you're not your authentic self, then you're dead anyway". Real Tal,

One of my favorite artist I listen to today all the time! 2024! A legend 💪🔥

Love Rashsaan & his gift 🙌🏽

Thank you for being so vulnerable, freeing, true to self and the gift that you are to us. Never, ever conforming to who you are not. Loneliness becomes solitude and peace, That Part was everything 💜 Your love is unlike any others, you feel it in your music 🖤🎵🎶🎼and who is on the other side only have to receive it❤️ I have listened and watched you over the years. You have taught me to be unapologetically myself. 😍🥰😘

He is a beautiful being I’ve met him several times in Detroit and when I say a breath of fresh air! And never changed never always down to earth Rashaan and I loved it then and now❤️

I love Rahsuun Patterson sooooooo much. I will be so happy when I can afford to bring him to our stage here in Maryland. I'm working on it.

You are another trailblazer! Much respect and I hope the younger artists appreciate your contributions and the struggles you endured in the industry.

Saw this dude perform at Constitution Hall yearrrrrrrrs ago. He opened for Ledisi and Layla Hathaway. I had never heard of him before that but was put on notice that night. *HE STOLE THE SHOW*. Ledisi was runner up.

To Thine Own Self Be True!!! Much Love and Respect to you brother Rahsaan 🎙

Rahsaan, you are too talented to let it stop or even slow down!!!! Have been a fan for MANY!!!! YEARS!!!! and God's willing will continue to,love you!!! & everything you do, keep it coming BRO. & KEEP YOUR HEAD UP TO THE SKY!!! THE ALMIGHTY ONE.🙏🙏🙏🙏🤟🤟💪💪💪💯❤❤❤❤

RAHSAAN!! BE YOU!! PLEASE COME BACK!! MAKE ANOTHER ALBUM!! WE NEED REAL GIFTED UNIQUE ARTIST! NOT AUTO TUNE! REAL MUSIC!!! BE BLESSED MUCH LOVE❤️

I just heard Rahsaan's music over a year ago. I must say, I think Rashaan is an awesome singer who has become a legend in my book. He can sing like no other and for that, I say thank you and keep singing Rahsaan. Sent from Heaven is my favorite and now I must hear it daily.

And u still got your God's that he gave to you..Thank u for standing on your moral grounds 🙏🏽🕊️💯 and love your music. It truly is inspirational and it lifts me up..thank u . 💐And look at you now ..yes that your 🎁 your voice you're writing May God keep blessing

So proud that Rahsaan has lived in his truth. We’re all better for it.

One of my favorite artist!!! I grew up on Kids Incorporated. And I always thought his voice was amazing. He is one of the best vocalist. Amazing song writer. He has always been underrated. And to be honest he has paved the way for more people to be themselves and be free and love music. I will always be a fan of his music.

When I was a young man hearing his debut album I heard rumors and didn't understand the issue. Then later it was confirmed and then I thought, who cares?!? Then when I grew up, the After Hours album dropped and it locked me in to truly appreciate this man and his musical talent even more!! . Luv you bruh!!! Keep singing!!! Guess I gotta travel you see his show LIVE!!!💯🔥🤘🏾👏🏾💪🏾

I fell in love with Rahsaan’s music when I heard him on a Steve Cole song and thought who is this person singing ? And never stopped listening to him. Saw him in person at The Winery in Philadelphia and was more in love with his voice and music 💕💕💕

I luv Rahsaan he is an amazing artist!

I love me some Rahsaan P it’s Alright is one of my top songs

Great artist. Knowing his sexuality would never have stopped me from buying his music. Sad that he had to endure what he did, but he came out the other end and stuck to his principles, something many would not do.

The way he used to buck his eyes, I knew he was a vandross lol. That one song "feels good" was dope though

I absolutely love him. So underrated.

He has aged so beautifully! Fine as wine..

I mean he's the Kid! He was awesome then and he is awesome now. He's one of the most talented and amazing singers in the game!

I been listening to him since Kids Incorporated....Real ones know lol

YOU ARE LEGEND, Mr. Patterson!

This man is just an inspiration. I love your music.

Rahsaan Patterson you trailblazer!!! you push the door open so LIL NAS X & BILLY PORTER & a slew of other ones could walk through

My favorite male vocalist in the game right now. I love him even more because I can see myself in him and representation is so real. So glad you decided to buck the system and be yourself so that other artists can now be openly gay and celebrated for it. You are a pioneer and a trailblazer. A vocal phenom and a master lyricist and arranger. Thank you for the beautiful music and I’ve got to see you live in concert to experience your God given talent in its fullness. Much love! I hope one day we can get a documentary on all the gay black singers in the game so they can get their just due flowers and liberation too.

I LOVE YOU RAHSAAN!!! ALWAYS WILL YOU GIFT IS PHENOMENAL!

Talented brother period!!

Thank you for sharing your Gift Rahsaan.❤

Love 💕 your music 🎼 keep giving it to us. Thank you🌹

I just love this man so much. His voice, presence, his flow, the unlimited range id unmatched. It makes me sick that he was mistreated like this.

Always loved Rahsaan! Very unsung, underrated artist. For years has been one the music industry's best kept secrets.

Thank you for all the gifts you gave to us. I see you and I feel you!! Hero!!

Rashaan has always been the Blueprint in my eyes! So much love for him and his talents.

Let's do away with labels, measure the heart with understanding. Thank You for you and your music.

Still a dope artist!!! Definitely on my short list to see live as the headliner!!!

This man deserves his notoriety. Such a beautiful spirit and voice. A legend and one of my personal favorite artists

Thank you for being you...

I’m glad Rahsaan stayed true and authentic to all of who he was & is. Perfect display of artistry.

What a beautiful man! THANK YOU for this interview.

People care too much about OTHER peoples sexuality. Great vocalist. Been doing his thing for a long time. He reminds me of Tevin Campbell and Junior who had a hit with Mama used to Say in 1982.

I have always loved the way you sing from day 0, record 1. Keep putting out music so I can keep listening buying and supporting. Record execs shut up, you know nothing about true artistry!

I never gave a damn what his sexuality is/was! This brotha's voice is amazing! He is similar PRINCE. The Artist amongst Us. And, when we talk about Art...we're talking about human freedom.. I'm glad he is at peace with himself and I hope he keeps making beautiful soulful music.

I love this Brother his songs touch my soul. The industry took a Diamond from us cause of their issues. When he is in DMV, I'm always In The audience love you Mr. PATTERSON ❤🎉😊

I have always love his music!

He was a beast on background vocals on Tevin Campbell albums...check-out Back To The World and you'll definitely hear his voice‼️

His vocal ability reminds me of Tevin Campbell and Stokley of Mint Condition. All are glorious, soul stirring singers. The intensity and emotion of their voice are insane. Even a little of Prince in there. ❤

Brilliant singer song wirter. Talented and gifted woth the gift of song. Pleasant kind and articulate. Human, brave and true. This man is above sexuality. He transcends labesl. He is just a child of the creator that has the voice of an angel.

♥️♥️♥️ beautiful soul & beautiful music

My favorite artist. ❤Amazing God Giving Talent.

I don’t give a damn if he’s gay. He’s a damn good recording artist and I will continue to listen to him and buy his music if it’s appealing to me. 👍🏽

Thanks for sharing your honesty and your talent.

Very Heartfelt Insightful Interview. Kudos to U & agree wholeheartedly...did go to one of your concerts...mid 2000's NYC/SOB

I’ve been a fan since the late 90’s and saw him live once at DC Black Pride and what a voice! What a performance! Such a cool brotha❤

Thank you for sharing your truth and your talent 💐❤️

A couple things I find amazing about Rahsaan…. 1.) he makes music that evokes emotion regardless of preference 2.) he uses his voice as an instrument

Much Love/Respect for not only his God given talented 🎙️🎼🎶 but his authentic self & being true to himself

RP, Your the REAL DEAL. An Artist, you sing from your heart and Soul and with great passion, and anyone with a good ear for music can feel it, so please stay true to your self, and remember your talent is a gift from the creator . 🙏

He definitely paid the price for NOT conforming; but they can't take his GOD-given gift.

There's nobleness and pride with this man .....I really respect him ❤.....plus he's a vocal titan....the voice and range is still unreal.

I love your music. Ty for sharing your gift with the world.

WHAT A TALENTED MAN...Saw HIM at BB KING club in NYC... and his voice is mesmerizing in every aspect of life... someone's sexuality should be the last thing to JUDGE SOMEONE BY... BUT in LIFE THEY DO... BUT HIS TALENT IS MESMERIZING AND HE'S HANDSOME AS HELL... AND...THE BEARD LOVE IT AND HIM...

He is one of the best R&B singers

Rahsaan is ART period. So much talent💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Talent is talent and love his integrity. His voice is everything!

Their lost. One of my favorite artists. Just sing Rahsaan and do you. ❤ God willing I’ll see you in the D 2023!

He and Kenny Ford were my favorites on kids incorporated

Great talent, beautiful songs. So underrated!!

You are amazing! You are enough! You are God’s child! You are loved by many!

You are amazing! Thank You for sharing your voice with the world.

WE DONT CARE. NEVER HAD WE LOVE YOU ❤️ 😍 VOICE OF AN ANGEL

I just love ❤️ him He has gotten me through many hard times I only wish him peace ✌️ and blessings