What’s Right for Women
Hip hop — and music in general — has been used throughout the years as a tool to convey prominent messages and discuss controversial issues. Whether it be race, politics, violence, or anything else of the sort, there is likely a hip-hop song that tackles the issue. One of the more recent common themes in hip-hop songs is artists discussing women, regarding not only women themselves (and sometimes not portraying them in the best way), but regarding women’s rights specifically. Now more than ever, it is vital for women’s rights to be advocated for, especially in the media, and many artists are using their fame and influence to do just that. However, there is still the large issue of how women are spoken of in hip-hop songs that needs to be addressed and changed.
It is common knowledge that women’s rights are still nowhere near equal to that of men, and a large part of that is due to how women are portrayed in the media. Oftentimes, they are seen as nothing but objects in the eyes of men, or just a pretty face in a room. In Christopher Byrd’s article, he writes, “These songs and artists often used lyrics positioning women as gold diggers or as ornaments for the pleasure of men” (168). While this is still a huge issue, specifically in the hip hop genre, he goes on to discuss how rap music is typically used as a reflection of society, and isn’t directly responsible for how society views and treats women as a whole. This is definitely a true statement that only further calls attention to the issue of how women are objectified.
It seems like the main issue with male rappers who speak poorly of women is deeply-rooted misogyny. The years have seen a rise in women rappers coming to the scene, and this is a huge opportunity for them to stand up, not only for themselves, but for other women. It gives them the chance to change the narrative. Womack’s article tackles this: “‘Women do need to protest and they need to protest loudly, being clear that they are not trying to attack hip-hop, capitalism or black men, but an attack on misogyny period,’ says feminist scholar Rose, also a professor of American Studies at the University of California at Santa Cruz. ‘Anyone who wants to profit from that should be criticized”’(Womack 2004). This quote ties back to the issue of women being objectified in rap. It isn’t a problem with rap music itself so much as a direct reflection of society’s views. This is definitely a call to action for women, specifically women rappers.
Ultimately, hip hop and rap have always addressed controversial and societal issues. While many argue that the music itself is what objectifies women, it is genuinely just a direct reflection of society and how women are viewed and treated. With the rise in not only women rappers who address the issues in their songs, but also male rappers advocating for women’s rights, one can only hope advocacy will continue to improve on this social issue over the years. There definitely needs to be a call to action in advocating for women’s rights — when we can in any aspect of life, not in just music and the media.
Playlist for Change
Tupac Shakur uses his fame and popularity to advocate for women’s rights in “Keep Ya Head Up.” Throughout the song, Tupac questions why women are treated differently by men. He then states, “Time to heal our women, be real to our women, And if we don’t we’ll have a race of babies that will hate the ladies, that make the babies, And since a man can’t make one He has no right to tell a woman when and where to create one.” Here, he is advocating for reproductive rights, which is still an ongoing issue in today’s day and age. What’s important about this all coming from Tupac is that his audience is large and predominantly men. His advocacy bringing awareness to these issues women face daily leads the audience to view the issues as their own, and hopefully gain a new understanding for what women go through.
Although Kanye West isn’t the best example when it comes to women's’ rights or human rights, this song explains how his thought process and view concerning women changed once he had a daughter. This change is important, because it reaches a larger audience of men with daughters who probably feel the same way. Kanye states, “Father forgive me, I’m scared of the karma ’Cause now I see women as somethin’ to nurture Not somethin’ to conquer.” Here he’s almost at battle with himself for how he treated women throughout his life and worries that people will treat his daughter that same way. This song is important when discussing women’s rights, because it shows from a man’s perspective that he’s worried about how other men will treat his daughter. He essentially projects his insecurities of being a misogynist onto other men, since he knows first hand what it’s like.
In “Drew Barrymore,” SZA explains her insecurities in what seems like a past relationship. She continuously apologizes throughout the song for not being “good enough” or the standard girlfriend. There seems to be many stereotypes when it comes to women as far as things like body hair, what women wear, and so on. It essentially comes down to the feeling that almost every woman can relate to — being used — which is why it is important to bring up. SZA states, “Do you really wanna love me down like you say you do? Give it to me like you say you do? ’Cause it’s hard enough you got to treat me like this. Lonely enough to let you treat me like this. Do you really love me? Or just wanna love me down, down, down?” She really emphasizes the feeling of being used and not feeling loved or good enough in what seems to be a one-sided relationship. This song goes to show the insecurities that come with relationships and being used from a woman’s perspective, just because she doesn’t fit the standard created by society.
Queen Latifah is a huge advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. In “U.N.I.T.Y.” she expresses her concern about men degrading women. She states, “Instinct leads me to another flow Every time I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho Tryna make a sister feel low You know all of that gots to go.” Queen Latifah explains that women are not sexual objects and hold value, however, it’s hard for men and women to unite when men are often degrading. This in a way changed the role for women. Queen Latifah stands up for herself and other women, which is a powerful message to spread to not only women but men as well.
Ultimately, this issue is important to me because I am a woman and know what it’s like to not be deemed as good as men. I believe each of these artists capture the different feelings surrounding women effectively using their perspective. I also feel that each of these songs are important because of the audience the artists are reaching. People are more likely to listen to someone they look up to spreading awareness. It is important that each artist has a different audience that pertains to them, so that their message is reaching different people and helping them gain insight to these issues women experience. Overall, I wanted to be able to capture the different hardships that most women experience, including being sexualized, used, and the constant battle with society’s standards. Most women have not felt good enough at least once throughout their lifetime. There is not really another reason causing this issue besides misogyny. In order to prove themselves, women have to go above and beyond to even be seen as equal. But the ones who have been successful with this stand out and help to empower women across the world. Although we have come a long way, there are still many modern issues surrounding women and their rights. Some changes that could be made and possibly help would be starting with respect. Just because someone is a different gender does not mean they are any less of a person. I also feel that men advocating for women’s rights is effective because most issues surrounding women’s rights involve men. Having them as supporters and helping raise awareness could change many other people’s views on women. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for women, so why treat them differently?
- 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=bookmark-GVRL&xid=bd948ca9. Accessed 22 Sept. 2022.
- “Kendrick Lamar closes Glastonbury with blood-soaked plea for women’s rights.” CNN Wire, 27 June 2022, p. NA. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A708385372/OVIC?u=mcc_chandler&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=d917ad13. Accessed 22 Sept. 2022.
- Womack, Y. (2004, May 26). The beat goes on ; female hip-hop fans look past misogyny: [Chicago final edition]. Chicago Tribune. Accessed 22 Sept. 2022. https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/beat-goes-on-female-hip-hop-fans-look-past/docview/419917498/se-2
