Everyone remembers Madonna kissing Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV VMAs. Less memorable, though equally enjoyable, was Missy Elliott busting on stage to spit a few lines of "Work It" after the pop-star trio swapped spit. After the performance, The Guardian asked Missy why she didn't partake in the snogging. "No, no, no," writer Hattie Collins quoted saying while nearly choking on her food. "Hip hop would never do that. Never, never, never in a million years."

Sorry, Missy. But not only is hip hop "doing that," but acclaimed MCs are rapping about loving, kissing and doing a whole lot more with lovers who happen to be the same sex. Artists like Big Freedia, Mykki Blanco, Angel Haze, Le1f and more are making waves in the hip hop community despite not adhering to traditional gender and sexuality norms.

Get to know 12 badass queer acts carving out a place in hip hop culture.