Music Matters: Does Misogyny Get An Unfair Pass In Hip-Hop Culture?

Hip-hop started out as a cultivation of musical talents and experiences by underrepresented black youth in the 80s. As time progressed it became so much more.

From art to fashion, hip-hop has left a mark on every industry it’s come in contact with. As a result, for the first time in history it is America’s number one genre of music.

However, it has been a quite a journey to that spot.

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Since the emergence of the West Coast and N.W.A. era, misogynistic lyrics have become the new normal. While the tryst rappers brag about in songs can hold true to their experiences, the average listener cannot relate. So, the problem that lies in the midst of the oftentimes squeem-ish lyrics is the undeniable influence rap has on it’s listeners.

Misogyny is defined as the hatred, contempt for, or prejudice against women or girls.

Whether it is being objectified, becoming synonymous with terms like “hoe” and “bitch”, or simply women not being welcome to have a seat at the table, major L’s have been taken by women in the name of hip-hop.  While men are promoted for the “money moves” they make, women are simply seen as a part of the lifestyle which isn’t deserving of much praise unless she chooses to hold the title of the romanticized “ride or die chick.”

In retrospect one can only wonder how different things would be if some of pop’s top artist traded out their odes of love with sexual tirades that explicitly describe one night stands, threesomes, and other things better left unsaid. So the question stands, does hip-hop get an unfair pass for the madness?

Women have made it clear time and time again that while we may enjoy the snare and the bass-bumping 808’s like the best of them, we want to enjoy it without subconsciously ingesting lyrics that make us question our worth.