I have been a huge fan of the genre of hip-hop since I first purchased an Eminem CD back in elementary school. But something I struggled with then, and still do to this day, is the rampant use of homophobic and misogynistic terms and phrases used. I feel that most albums I listen to have at least one negative reference towards women or homosexuals. As someone who fully supports the gay rights movement and women’s rights, it bothers me a little. I am not easily offended at all—in fact, I can’t even remember the last time I was offended by something—but I do get a little mad at the artists for relying on such archaic themes.

One of the most common defenses for the sexist aspect of rap music is summed up by Kendrick Lamar in his song “Hol’ Up:” “I call a bitch a bitch, a ho a ho, a woman a woman.” Kendrick is saying that not all women fall into these derogative categories. In a way, I actually agree with this defense in theory. These terms may be apt in the context of society, as demeaning as they are. However, I feel like many rappers—Kendrick included—sometimes call all women bitches and use the word as a synonym. This is something I cannot get behind. The perpetuation of our patriarchal society is unfortunate, and rap serves as a venue. Many impressionable children listen to rap music and may pick up the habit. However, I do not think that is really a valid concern. With the right upbringing, you should know better than that. I have listened to rap music since I was very young, and I am not at all sexist or homophobic.

The blatant homophobia in hip-hop is even more prominent than sexism. The use of the word “fag” is all too common in rap. In some contexts, the artist doesn’t actually mean to put down homosexuals; the word has somewhat just become a term for someone you dislike. I think the use of homophobic terms stems from the desire of rap artists to appear masculine. A lot of rap is about how tough you are, how much of a gangster you are, how much money you make, how many girls you’ve had sex with (again, misogyny), etc. The idea of being gay goes against the principle of manliness, as society currently perceives it. Thus, rappers try to distance themselves from being labeled as “soft” or “gay.”

I have some hopes for the future of rap in regards to curbing the use of homophobic terms. Rapper/singer Frank Ocean came out of the closet as bisexual, and many rappers (that use offensive terms in their music) publicly supported it. 50 Cent is helping Alan, a transgender teen that was born a girl, make a transition to a new school by providing financial and emotional support. Macklemore’s song “Same Love” is one of the first pro-gay rights rap songs to become commercially popular. Hip-hop is definitely moving in the right direction, but it’s a shame that it’s still lagging behind society.