How Women Have Redefined Hip Hop
It is safe to say that women have had a hard time trying to prove themselves in the hip-hop industry. “Specifically, critics have argued the lyrics and videos of both men and women rappers objectify women, promote violence against women, and perpetuate stereotypes about women of color” (Christopher-Byrd, 166). Underground hip hop wasn’t as oppressive and exclusive as the mainstream. This being said, many notable women have paved the way for the female rappers we listen to today. Some of the most iconic women in rap include Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, and Roxanne Shanté. These women, among others, have pushed for more equality and acceptance, and questioned what society thinks is normal. Without a female voice in hip hop, women will never be heard, always misunderstood. The intersectionality of black women makes it harder in our society to speak up as well. As a community, we have to stand up and speak up for what we believe in and use our privilege for social change. Misogyny and racism bring black women down, but female artists are taking back identity and voice.
The biggest way women have tried flipping the script on hip hop is with their bodies and their sexuality. This idea has been very controversial in today’s media as more women follow in this direction. Many feel that it is still distasteful and just plays into the sexualization and objectification that was happening before. Various people find this even more demeaning, while others argue that it is sexually liberating. It’s seen as empowering because these women are doing it to themselves rather than letting others force them into it. It’s a step in the right direction — women are getting more of a say in their content and how it should be portrayed. “…Women artists have been able to define themselves within the constructs of male domination, eschewing the tendency to play an accommodating role to men” (Balaji, 8). Especially in today’s music, women have made it a priority to speak sexually about themselves as a means of not allowing men to do it for them. When that happens, there’s typically a degree of objectification that occurs, resulting in women not being taken seriously. When men are in control of what women do and treat them like trophies, it perpetuates the idea of violence towards women. On the other hand, when women do it, they reclaim that power that men once had. “Similarly, Kistler and Lee (2010) discovered that male college undergraduates who viewed highly sexual hip-hop music videos expressed greater objectification of women, sexual permissiveness, and stereotypical gender attitudes than male participants who viewed less sexual hip-hop videos” (Aubrey et. al, 364). This being said, it can be discouraging and seem like a bad way to empower others as this could promote violence towards women, especially women of color. Our society has to realize that women can’t be accountable for what men feel when seeing imagery that is sexual.
While this can appear as if it is a setback, many new-wave feminists see it as an opportunity for empowerment. Ever since the release of “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, this topic has been widely debated as the music video and lyrics are based upon self-sexualization. It makes many women around the world proud of themselves and their bodies, and even gives a sense of confidence. “Today’s contemporary hip hop from women paves a space for these women, instead, to become the representative, as they have been increasingly able to compete and succeed with the men in the same genre” (Kim). Although black women have a rich history of being sexualized and objectified, artists are making their own definition of being a confident woman. Artists like Cardi B, among others, want to create a more equal playing field between men and women in the industry by making their mark. They are letting everyone know that they are important and deserve the same respect as their male counterparts. So, although it may seem as if it is a hindrance towards equality, it’s breaking new boundaries and questioning society’s ideal woman.
Women have also shown their dominance by telling their stories and letting others know what it’s like from their perspective. As musicians, making music and telling a story are the most obvious ways of making change. This idea was first executed by Roxanne Shanté when she released the track “Roxanne’s Revenge.” This song is a very important contribution to hip-hop feminism, because it questions what had never been questioned before. Her song is in response to “Roxanne, Roxanne” by UTFO. It is inspiring, because she heard the song and how demeaning it was, and created her own spin on it. This song launched the start of her career and became just as popular as the original. What was most impressive about her is that she dared to question male artists at least twice her age.
On the other hand, Lauryn Hill is an artist who is known for her emotional, relatable lyrics. “This album puts the lives of black women directly into the space of mainstream audiences, and demands that their humanity and femininity be given to them” (McBride). Lauryn Hill is an inspiration to many because of her great strides toward having the voices and identities of black women heard. Her relatability and vulnerability combine to make the listener feel like they are heard and that they matter. Many women use her music when they are in a time of need, because her music is like therapy. She is a great asset to the hip-hop feminism movement because she is so raw and real for her listeners.
Check out my playlist filled with several iconic female rappers! You can compare and contrast the themes, demeanor, and overall performance style of many successful artists.
A more recent example of this is in an interview with rapper Saweetie. “You’re always compared to someone else when you’re a female (in hip-hop),” she says. “When men come into the game, they’re not always asked who they’re inspired by. They’re not always compared with one of their male counterparts or peers about what outfit they’re wearing or (their) hairstyle” (Saweetie, 2021). This is a perfect, first-hand view that sums up the difference between men and women in the music industry. The sad thing is that it doesn’t just happen in hip hop; it occurs so often with pop artists as well. For example, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears were always pinned against each other and asked what they thought of each other in a plethora of interviews. The same thing goes for Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. There is this double standard that has been created and perpetuated for so long. Saweetie brings this up to show that double standard and bring attention to it in hopes of eliminating it. When artists such as Saweetie with high influence bring up problems in the industry, it allows their listeners and fans to push for change.
Finally, women have challenged the hip-hop scene by taking inspiration from male aesthetics that are typically seen in hip hop. This is seen in a plethora of ways, from clothing to word choice. Relating to the idea of women showing their bodies as a means of empowerment, artists such as Nicki Minaj use language that is typically used to talk badly about women by men. She doesn’t use these derogatory words to bring other women down, but rather to uplift them and show they are strong (Williams, 299). Many might believe that this is counterproductive but many female artists have done this and changed the meaning of certain words to signify something positive. With the power that Nicki Minaj holds, it is great that she can change certain things to make them benefit others.
Adding on to this, many female rappers have used the technique of bragging and boasting in their music. “Both in rap songs and among neighborhood peers, bragging earns respect because the ‘‘expression [of masculinity] requires performance and recognition: masculinity is not only a state that men have to achieve, they have to be seen to achieve it’’ (Weitzer). It is very common in modern hip hop to see artists referencing their luxury items and lifestyle. The origin of this technique began very early on in the creation of hip-hop. Typically, it is received well by listeners and is used as party music. Instead of being raw and real, many artists resort to boasting so that they will be accepted in the industry. Being masculine and having masculine qualities gives people power and respect in our society. The only problem is that women are expected to do this while also being feminine and reserved.
Another way women shifted into a more male aesthetic is through their wardrobe choices. While some artists dress sexually and whatnot, others have been known to wear clothes that male rappers have been seen wearing. Early artists such as Queen Latifah and MC Lyte took part in the oversized denim, snapbacks, and sneakers look (Hargrove). As much as fashion may seem unimportant, it shows a lot about what is accepted and how you have to look to be accepted. These select women were just entering the game, unsure about how their music might be received. When women replicate what men do in hip-hop, it makes for a better transition into the industry.
In conclusion, women in hip hop are continuing to reclaim their names in the hip-hop space, despite the hate and backlash they get for it. Some go against the grain and use their bodies as a symbol of empowerment, while others have taken inspiration from men in hip hop. Also, women have used their voices through songs, interviews, etc. to share the problems women face. Without the women of hip hop, both past and present, women all around the world wouldn’t have these empowering icons to look up to through their music. The fight for gender equality is far from over, but it’s crucial to celebrate where our society has gotten. Have you reconsidered your music choices to better support women in hip-hop?
Overall, women in hip-hop have proved to the world that they are strong and want a better future. I’m glad that, as a woman, I can listen to songs that resonate with me and the things I experience because of my gender. Songs like that can not only uplift people, but teach them as well. They teach women that they can celebrate and be proud of themselves, but also teach men that women deserve to be treated as equals — not sexual objects. On the other hand, I see good and bad in women showing their bodies as a way to push the sexual empowerment movement. Not everyone will take its meaning in the same way, hence, people jump to criticize it on social media. Overall, I am a full supporter of hip-hop feminism and what it stands for. As listeners, we have to give our attention to music that uplifts us and makes us feel positive, not songs that make us feel like we don’t matter. We also have to break gender stereotypes and double standards. People are so quick to judge women and tell them how bad they are, or that they won’t succeed, but that isn’t benefiting anything. When these stereotypes are placed, it makes it really hard for talented artists to truly be heard, because our society was built on breaking women down. This being said, our generation has to be the one that questions everything and educates others on the harm of gender inequality and misogyny — not only in music, but around the world.
Community-Based Resources
The Crunk Feminist Collective (2010)
This is a blog centered around amplifying feminist voices, no matter their race or sexuality, and creating a safe community to discuss ideas and issues. I feel that this is a great way for others with similar beliefs to connect and form new ideas to push towards more equality. This blog in particular looks to join the idea of “Crunk” music and Feminism, which both have rich cultural, gendered, and racial histories. This being said, bringing both terms together can start breaking barriers and lead to more progressive ideas. What I find most intriguing on this website is the community posts made by many people talking about changes they are making or suggestions are made about what they want to see (i.e. resources, advice, etc.).
The Everyday Sexism Project
Laura Bates created this website so that anyone could have a platform to share their stories. It can be hard to talk about experiences so this is meant to be a safe place for everyone. People from all over the world submit their stories about experiences with sexism and misogyny, which goes to show it’s still present every day. Although society has made big strides toward a better tomorrow, unfortunately, it’s still very common. This being said, it’s a great community-based site so that people will feel less alone in their experience, and maybe even take some advice or ideas.
Educational Media Resources
“Joan Morgan Talks Hip-Hop Feminism & The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” (2018) The Breakfast Club
This is an interview with the iconic Joan Morgan who is most commonly known for coining the term “hip-hop feminism”. This is a great resource to hear from the creator of the term/movement. She is a music journalist which makes her word authentic and factual. One big idea I took from this is how she mentioned that the culture of hip-hop will only get better if it is held accountable. It’s acceptable to enjoy a song for its production and beats, while still not liking the message of the lyrics. She also talks about how Black women are starting to make their way into mainstream media, which was never seen in the 90s. Also, when she speaks about Lauryn Hill, they start to get into how so much pressure was put on her. This is apparent with many popular female artists today. This is a great interview to check out and gain more knowledge on the subject and get a small insight on Lauryn Hill.
The Complex Intersection Of Gender And Hip-Hop (2007) Farai, Chidaya et al.
NPR released a podcast discussing the issues of the intersectionality of gender and hip-hop. The guests include Aye de Leon, a writer, performer, and instructor at the University of Berkeley, hip-hop writer kris ex, and author Bakari Kitwana. Aya de Leon makes a great point that sexism in music isn’t “hip-hop sexism”, it’s a collection of ideas from throughout history. All of the guests talk about how there is this sexual aesthetic that women try to achieve but the sexualization stops them from being authentic. They also touch on the differences between underground hip-hop and the industry. Most of the world sees only the industry and see the lack of diversity and art whereas it’s still three in the underground scene. Another big idea that I think is important is the discussion of how this newest generation will be affected by mainstream hip-hop. Kitwana entirely believes that their relationships will be affected. This is then backed up with a University of Chicago study. Overall, there is a lot of knowledge to be gained on the subject of women in hip-hop and how the industry can be destructive.
“Hip Hop Feminism Is . . .” An Open Digital Classroom on Gender, Intersectionality & Black Women’s Rhetorics
This website is very interesting because it educates its audience about different rhetorics of Black women. It features the idea of “hip-hop feminism” but also builds on other ideas such as intersectionality and other various gender and sexuality topics. As a whole, this website can be very informative if readers want to learn more about gender studies as a whole and how it affects society. This website focuses on the idea that Hip-Hop Feminism gives women their voices. It even mentions a Lauryn Hill song with speaks directly on a harmful relationship with a man. You can feel the emotions within that song which is a perfect reason why women need their voice represented in the music industry.
“Are You Listening? Misogyny in Rap Music and What It Means for Women in Society” (2020) Ishika Sachdeva
This article provides some great insight for anyone who is torn on the subject. It is an opinion piece but gives important numbers to show the industry’s gender gap. “The perception of women is highly stereotypical, sexualized and without skill”. This is a quote that perfectly defines the problem for women in hip-hop. There is only a small percentage of female artists (~21%) and even fewer are recognized songwriters. I also find that this article is reliable because it was published very recently so the numbers and essential information are very current. This educational resource also touches on the
“Misogyny in Hip Hop.” (2019) Chamberlain, Ellen
Ellen Chamberlain does a phenomenal job discussing the history of women in hip-hop in this TED Talk. This is yet another source that talks about how the industry itself has contributed to the misogynistic way we see hip-hop today. She discusses that the true start point of demeaning lyrics was 1995. Many artists lost ownership of their music which began the shift towards the meaningless, shallow lyrics that we can hear in many songs today. She says that the lack of ownership completely took the balance away. I found it disappointing to hear that record labels invest in some of the most destructive lyrics. Overall, this focuses on how the industry promotes misogyny because of the idea that “sex sells”.
“Female Rappers: Feminist Icons or Misogyny Profiteers?” (2021) Asare, Felix
I think this is a good resource to gain knowledge on the big discussion on what is female empowerment in hip-hop? The song that always comes up is WAP by Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion. This song alone has raised many questions and upset many. Others believe that it is empowering because women are sexualizing themselves. The audience will gain new insight on this current, debated topic and form a more solid opinion on it. On one side of the spectrum, some may think that women are simply proud of their bodies. Others think it just keeps playing into the misogynistic views of the world.
Misogyny in Government Resource
“‘A Woman, Just Not That Woman’: How Sexism Plays Out on the Trail.” (2019) Astor, Maggie
I chose this article from the New York Times because it provides a lot of insight into gender issues within the US government. The fact that issues still occur in a setting like this in 2019 shows that misogyny is widely accepted by our society. If it can happen in the US government, it can occur in music videos, lyrics, etc. One thing I find interesting in this article is how women try to present themselves as a stereotypical man would so they can get their votes. This is a lot like women in hip-hop because they can be their full, authentic selves without someone criticizing them or bringing up stereotypical ideals.
Health Resource
“Sexual Violence |Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC.” (2021)
I chose this source because the CDC is a reliable website for all help regarding health. Unfortunately, sexual violence happens to every 1 in 3 women and every 1 in 4 men so it important for those who are affected to know that there are outlets for help. Demeaning rap lyrics can help perpetuate the idea of treating women as less than a man or simply as an object. Until these lyrics are eliminated from music, there will always be an underlying problem of violence towards women. This a great resource for those who are experiencing sexual violence and want to get help.
References
- Aubrey, Jennifer Stevens, et al. “Check That Body! The Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Videos on College Men’s Sexual Beliefs.” Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, vol. 55, no. 3, 2011, pp. 360–379., doi:10.1080/08838151.2011.597469.
- Balaji, Murali. “Vixen Resistin’: Redefining Black Womanhood in Hip-Hop Music Videos.” Journal of Black Studies, vol. 41, no. 1, 2010, pp. 5–20. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25704091. Accessed 5 Apr. 2021.
- Chamberlain, Ellen. “Misogyny in Hip Hop.” YouTube, TedXWayneStateU, 19 June 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tRWkHybjOo.
- Christopher-Byrd, Emerald L. “Feminism and Hip Hop.” St. James Encyclopedia of Hip Hop Culture, edited by Thomas Riggs, St. James Press, 2018, pp. 166–170. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3679700083/GVRL?u=mcc_chandler&sid=GVRL&xid=bd948ca9. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021
- Hargrove, Channing. “An Evolution Of The Female Rapper ‘Get Money’ Look.” Female Rapper Style History — Cardi B, Lil Kim, Refinery29, 6 Apr. 2018, www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/04/195700/female-rapper-style-history.
- Kim, Eunice. “The Marketing of Black Women’s Body in Hip-Hop.” UCSD Guardian, 8 Mar. 2021, ucsdguardian.org/2021/03/07/the-marketing-of-black-womens-body-in-hip-hop/.
- McBride, Solomon. “The Black Feminist Teachings of ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.’” Medium, Black Feminism, 29 Apr. 2015, medium.com/black-feminism/the-black-feminist-teachings-of-the-miseducation-of-lauryn-hill-c5e6daf5b6f4.
- “Queen Latifah.” Contemporary Black Biography, vol. 58, Gale, 2007. Gale In Context: Biography, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1606003546/BIC?u=mcc_chandler&sid=BIC&xid=f86a49e9. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.
- Reed, Anika. “Soak up samples of Saweetie’s skills.” USA Today, 8 Apr. 2021, p. 07B. Gale In Context: Biography, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A657786189/BIC?u=mcc_chandler&sid=BIC&xid=29daf972. Accessed 24 Apr. 2021.
- “Roxanne Shante.” Contemporary Black Biography, vol. 33, Gale, 2002. Gale In Context: Biography, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1606002120/BIC?u=mcc_chandler&sid=BIC&xid=a60fb056. Accessed 1 Apr. 2021.
- Small-Swaby, Samantha. “Fashion Throwback Thursdays: Missy Elliot, a 90s Icon: Gal-Dem.” Gal, 3 Mar. 2016, gal-dem.com/fashion-throwback-thursdays-missy-elliot-90s-icon/. Accessed 3 Mar 2021.
- Williams, Maxwell. “Misogyny in Rap.” St. James Encyclopedia of Hip Hop Culture, edited by Thomas Riggs, St. James Press, 2018, pp. 297–301. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3679700140/GVRL?u=mcc_chandler&sid=GVRL&xid=1c33be0d. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.
- Weitzer, Ronald, and Charis E. Kubrin. “Misogyny in Rap Music.” Men and Masculinities, vol. 12, no. 1, 2009, pp. 3–29., doi:10.1177/1097184x08327696.
