The Full Story Behind Central Cee’s Viral Lyric: “How Can I Be Homophobic? My B Is Gay”

The line "How can I be homophobic? My b*tch is gay" is one of the most recognizable and debated lyrics in modern rap, instantly catapulting British drill artist Central Cee into a new stratosphere of global fame. Released on July 21, 2022, the song "Doja" became an inescapable cultural phenomenon, fueled almost entirely by this single, provocative phrase. The lyric sparked a massive conversation, mixing genuine curiosity with strong criticism, forcing the rapper to address the deeper meaning and his own stance on LGBTQ+ issues in the music industry.

As of December 2025, the song continues to drive streams, discussions, and memes across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, proving its staying power well beyond its initial viral moment. To fully understand the impact of this lyric, one must look at the artist behind it, the context of the song, and the specific explanation Central Cee provided to clarify his intent and address the accusations of using a controversial line purely for shock value.

Central Cee: A Biographical Profile

The artist behind the viral hit is a leading figure in the UK drill scene. Born and raised in West London, Central Cee's rapid ascent has been marked by his distinctive flow, relatable street narratives, and strategic use of social media to amplify his music. Here is a brief profile of the rapper:

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• Full Name: Oakley Neil H.T. Caesar-Su
• Stage Name: Central Cee (often referred to as 'Cench')
• Date of Birth: June 4, 1998
• Age (as of 2025): 27
• Origin: Shepherd's Bush, West London, England
• Genre: UK Drill, British Hip Hop
• Rise to Prominence: Began gaining traction in 2020 with the singles "Day in the Life" and "Loading."
• Key Mixtapes: Wild West (2021) and 23 (2022), both achieving significant commercial success and chart positions in the UK.
• Notable Collaborations: Has worked with artists like Lil Durk, D-Block Europe, and PinkPantheress.
• Key Song: "Doja" (2022), which contains the now-infamous lyric.

The Viral Line: “How Can I Be Homophobic? My B Is Gay” Explained

The core of the song's virality lies in the chorus, specifically the couplet: "How can I be homophobic? My b*tch is gay." The line immediately drew a polarized reaction. Critics argued it employed a flawed, tired logical fallacy—the "I can't be racist/sexist/homophobic because I have a [minority] friend/partner" defense—often used to deflect criticism rather than engage with the issue of homophobia. Supporters, however, saw it as a provocative, attention-grabbing statement that fit the rebellious nature of the drill genre.

Central Cee’s Official Defense and Meaning

Following the intense public debate, Central Cee addressed the lyric directly in an interview with Genius's "Verified" series. His explanation provided the definitive context for the line, shifting the conversation from simple shock value to a personal statement.

He clarified that the line was not a generalization but a literal statement about his personal life at the time. He stated that the "b*tch" (a term used loosely in rap for a girlfriend or female partner) was, in fact, bisexual, which he simplified to "gay" for the rhyme and impact of the song.

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Central Cee’s full explanation was: "It is literally what it says, I'm not homophobic, my girlfriend is bisexual."

He further elaborated that the line was a subtle way of challenging the embedded homophobia that is prevalent in certain parts of the drill and rap culture he grew up in. By stating a personal connection to the LGBTQ+ community, he was attempting to signal his own tolerance and acceptance, albeit through a highly controversial and debatable rhetorical device.

This clarification introduced a new layer of complexity. While some appreciated the attempt to denounce homophobia and acknowledge a relationship with a bisexual partner, others maintained that the lyric, regardless of the artist's intent, still relied on a flawed argument and ultimately overshadowed any positive message.

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The Anatomy of a Hit: Production, Sampling, and Cultural Impact

The success of "Doja" is not solely due to its controversial lyric; the song is a masterclass in modern production and cultural referencing. Understanding these elements is crucial to appreciating why the track went global and why its lyric became a cultural shorthand.

The "Doja" Title and the Doja Cat Reference

The song is titled "Doja," a direct reference to American rapper and singer Doja Cat. The opening lines of the song mention her, indicating a playful nod to her massive global profile and cultural relevance. This title choice immediately linked the UK drill artist to a major American pop culture figure, broadening the song's initial appeal outside of the traditional drill audience.

The Iconic Sample

The infectious, head-nodding beat of "Doja" is built around a prominent sample. The track, produced by the duo LiTek and WhyJay, samples the melody from the 2001 hit "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" by Eve featuring Gwen Stefani. This use of a nostalgic, early-2000s hip-hop/R&B classic gave "Doja" a familiar, catchy foundation that helped it cross over into mainstream radio and streaming playlists. The blend of classic hip-hop elements with the modern UK Drill sound proved to be a winning formula.

The TikTok and Meme Phenomenon

"Doja" became a massive TikTok song, which is where the lyric truly solidified its viral status. The short, punchy nature of the "How can I be homophobic?" line made it perfect for short-form video content. It was used in countless skits, dances, and reaction videos, often taken out of its musical context and repurposed as a meme to address or ironically comment on accusations of intolerance. This platform-specific virality ensured that the lyric reached millions who might never have listened to a full Central Cee song.

Broader Cultural Conversation

Ultimately, the lyric "How can I be homophobic? My b is gay" became a lightning rod for discussions about performative activism, the use of shock tactics in music, and the evolving relationship between the hyper-masculine world of UK Drill and the LGBTQ+ community. The conversation it sparked forced the music industry and fans to confront how artists use personal relationships to navigate complex social issues, making "Doja" a song that is as important for its cultural commentary as it is for its musical success.