The concept of rap music being associated to sexism and misogyny is nothing new in the controversy of rap culture. With prevalent images of girls in bikini in music videos and derogatory names of women in rap songs, it becomes a concern of the society – rap music promotes negative thoughts of inequality against females. They are portrayed as no more than an object for male’s pleasure and violence relief. A 2001 study about the frequency of misogyny in rap music indicates that 22% of rap songs investigated in the research contain sexism materials. This number alarms adults as rap popularity enters high school.
Many researchers have devoted great amount of time addressing the reasons to why misogyny is common in rap culture. Scholars indicate that portraying masculinity through degrading women’s images help rap artists achieve commercial success. According to the recent survey, rap songs with misogyny contents tend to have higher sales than those that do not. After all, rap music is a mirror of the society. Such misogyny present in rap music industry reflects more about the mainstream of social values than the ideals of rap artists.
Rap music was born from the community of blacks. Back in the 20th century when inequality dominated in inner-black society and Hispanic communities, men define their social statuses through their treatments of women. Women did not have many rights in the society; they had to stay inside, do chores and take care of children while men have total power over the family. Taking control over women and degrading them was one way men expressed their power in the eyes of others. Even though this belief is outdated in the modern society, the presence of the pertinacious mindset is still reflected in rap music.
Like every culture bearing its goods and drawbacks, rap culture is no exception. However, time shows its gradual positive change. The crucial roles of women and their rights are being highlighted in many of the popular songs that reach top Billboard chart. Tupac embraces his talent in transferring the feminist messages in his songs. “Dear Mama” is an emotional song that he pays tribute to his endearing mother for all the tireless efforts in raising him up in a city of corruption. His success in “Strictly for my N.I.G.G.A.Z” empowers his criticisms for sexism and lightens the strength of women. Besides Tupac, Drake also dedicates many of his songs praising the values of women. His famous track “Best I Ever Had” melts female fans’ hearts by emphasizing the natural beauty women embrace without spending so much time and efforts to appear attractive, “Sweatpants, hair tied, chilling with no makeup on/ That’s when you’re the prettiest, I hope you don’t take that wrong.” In another track “Make Me Proud”, Drake mentions women who are experienced and opinionated are always outstanding and appealing. The track “You & The Six” in his recent album “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” is a powerful song that shows appreciation and adoration for the most inspirational woman of his life – his mom – for dealing with all the struggles of a single mother.
In addition, we see the emergence of many of female rap artists in this decade raising voices for the rights of females. Nicki Minaj is a great example of a female rap artist who is in a constant fight for women’s beauty. In the track “Only” featuring Lil Wayne and Drake, Nicki Minaj’s lyrics reinforce the confidence women should embrace about their bodies and dominant roles in sex. Iggy Azalea is feminist rap figure whose songs such as “Work” and “Fancy” frequently mentions the difficulty women faces in the society and encourages women in their paths of striving for their rights.
Rap culture has recognized its faults. All it takes is time for it to fix itself.