Billy Dean Thomas, aka The Queer B.I.G, is a hip-hop recording artist and composer born and raised in NYC, but currently residing in Boston. Billy Dean challenges the music industry with quick-witted punchlines highlighting intersectional feminism, social justice, and growing up in a gentrified city. Recently named NPR’s 2020 Slingshot Artists to Watch, Billy has been described as a blend between The Roots and Rage Against the Machine. After sharing their story on ABC’s The View they were nominated for five Boston Music awards and was a songwriter for the Grammy-nominated album The Love by the Alphabet Rockers. Their singles Tina Turnup and We All Go up were featured in HBO’s show Genera+ion, as well as ABC’s show Queens starring hip-hop and R&B legends Brandy and Eve. They have been featured in Billboard magazine, the Boston Globe and have toured at venues throughout the United States.