“Empire” creator Lee Daniels believes a gay rapper will top the music charts soon.

TMZ caught up with the showrunner and asked him how soon it will be before hip-hop elevates a gay rapper to platinum status. “I think sooner than you think,” said Daniels’ in response to the reporter who asked when hip-hop will see a gay platinum rapper.

He also said that he believes “Empire” is responsible for the acceptance of gay hip-hop artists. America being “shook” is one of the reasons why a gay rapper hasn’t topped the charts yet, according to Daniels. Although some closeted gays have had success in hip-hop, there still has not been an openly gay artist that has topped the charts.

Daniels features gay acts on “Empire” including Jamal Lyon who is open about his sexuality. Daniels would like to see the show’s influence lead to a real-life gay act topping the charts and achieving the respect of his peers sooner than later.