Songs about identity, combating prejudice and lost friends blasted from the speakers Monday night at Pruis Hall.
Spectrum's Spring Week kicked off with a performance by JenRo, an openly gay rap artist from San Francisco, and was sponsored by Student Government Association and Spectrum.
JenRo performed songs from her three independent releases "Hate It Or Love It," "Unreleased and Uncensored Vol. 1" and her newest album "My Window."
After her performance, JenRo let audience members ask questions about coming out, the gay scene in the West, her lyrics and personal struggles.
Although hip-hop has few openly gay artists, JenRo said she is just being who she is.
"To me its a part of keeping it real in hip-hop and following the guidelines of hip-hop which is about keeping it real and going against the grain." JenRo said.
JenRo starred in the 2006 documentary "Pick up the Mic," chronicling several openly gay rappers through interviews and concert footage.
Spectrum had been planning on bringing JenRo to be part of Spring Week for months.
Treasurer Taylor Pallatin said Spectrum and SGA paid $1,000 each for her appearance.
Spectrum has rarely brought in lesbian speakers or performers, she said, and JenRo brought another side of the gay experience.
She said she liked the performance and that JenRo is not afraid to speak frankly about gay issues.
"I think it can help a lot of GLBT youth who haven't come to figure themselves out yet," Pallatin said. "They can hear her music and music like it and be more confident in their decision to come out to their families and have more support there."
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