How Hip-Hop Artists Use Music to Protest
I grew up listening to Hip-Hop, specifically the music of Tupac Shakur and Eminem. I was never fully cognizant of what Hip-Hop represented or what the lyrics were trying to imply. I was young and simply liked that my cousins would bump Tupac’s “Panther Power,” loudly while driving. It wasn’t until I experienced my own form of oppression and realized that these social issues Tupac rapped about was (and very much is) relevant. For me, their lyrics surpassed the common misconception that Hip-Hop explicitly degrades women and encourages domestic violence. Hip-Hop serves as an aesthetic for protest and conveys a message to those who feel similar oppression. I am not denying that Hip-Hop artists use misogynistic lyrics, however, some songs are still worth a listen.
Eminem is notorious for producing music that strongly encourages violence against women. He has received backlash for his lyrics because of his vulgar threats towards his ex-wife. Yet, he has produced a song called “Mosh,” that speaks about the negative effects of the Afghanistan War and his disapproval of former President George Bush. Hip-Hop artists often label women as “sluts,” “bitches,” “hoes,” etc. I personally believe these derogatory terms are commonly used because degrading women has become a theme in the genre. It should be acknowledged that although women may find certain songs offensive, they also fail to recognize some of the messages Hip-Hop artists make. For example, some women may find Eminem’s music as misogynistic but do not find the song, “We Want Some Pussy” problematic. These are the women singing along to these lyrics proclaiming that women are sex objects. I am guilty of this myself. I have sung along to Snoop Dogg’s “Ain’t No Fun,” a song that encourages men to dispose women after sex and insists his friends sleep with her shortly after. So is there a double standard? Women don’t want to be referred to as a whore but can sing to YG’s “Toot It and Boot It”? Maybe Hip-Hop has earned a bad reputation because the radio only plays artists’ songs that are catchy and avoid playing songs speaking about any political, economic, or social issues.
Before completely associating Hip-Hop as a genre that solely talks about sex, drugs, and bitches, it should be known that there are some artists who focus on more important issues than getting laid and doing drugs. NWA’s “Fuck the Police,” brings awareness about police brutality and the injustice people of color faced (and continue to face). It is not radio appropriate, but before deeming a genre that has potential to promote protest as derogatory, people can give them a chance. A group called Dead Prez have written multiple songs about issues people of color face. The group has an album called, “Lets Get Free,” urging for revolution and justice. The song, “Police State,” tells listeners that “the world is controlled by the white male and the people don’t never get justice.” Hip-Hop is an aesthetic among people of color. It is more than just men showing off their luxurious lifestyles. It allows people of color to come together and say “this relates to us.” The artists use Hip-Hop as a platform to speak out against the oppressor and engage with listeners in a different way.
Hip-Hop is much more than what is shown in the media. Kendrick Lamar writes about the struggles of growing up as a black man living in poverty. His song, “Hiiipower” illustrates Kendrick Lamar’s disappointment in the justice system. “My issue wasn’t televised and you ain’t gotta tell the wise how to stay on beat because our lives are instrumental.” The Notorious B.I.G’s “Juicy” describes his attempts to provide a better life for his family while facing difficulties, such as selling drugs to make ends meet. Hip-Hop provides hope for those in similar situations. The music is a reassurance that difficult situations will get better. Listeners who do not fully understand living in poverty or social injustice get the opportunity to hear about the problems people of color face. It is a way for comrades to join people of color in fighting the system because they have learned about the issues and want to make a change. I love Hip-Hop for being a way to educate myself on different perspectives about poverty. It has been brought up in the past as to why I listen to music that objectifies me. My response is that I don’t dismiss the language the artists use, but I like it because if they don’t speak out then who will?
Hip-Hop artists are a part of the subaltern, or people who are subordinate in society. They had been neglected and mistreated and chose music to use their voice for good. They continue to write songs expressing the inequality people of color face and the struggle for a better life. The subaltern can speak, you just have to listen carefully.
