Misogyny In Hip-Hop (bka "BootyBootyBooty Shakin' E'rywhere!!!)

So, I'm watching that "Hip-Hop versus America" panel (that BET aired a few months back) on DVR the other day. Aside from the barking and clucking that overpowered hosts MC Lyte and Jeff Johnson, I noticed that in the two years since Don Imus' infamous remarks, we're still obsessing over this whole "misogny" issue in hip-hop. I've managed to stay somewhat quiet since the fallout that has turned generation against generation, father against son, mother against daughter... But, I now feel that it's time to get my 15 minutes of fame and add my two cents to this pissing party.

(Misogyny: a noun meaning "Hatred of women". From the Greek "misos" meaning 'hatred' and "gune" meaning 'women'. Source: Oxford English Dictionary.)

I wish that sometimes people would look up the definitions of words BEFORE they apply them. Especially the so-called educated "intelligentsia" that throw this word around like Jeezy throws cash at Magic City (if that's too ghetto an analogy... deal with it...). Everytime I turn on some panel, or discussion, or round table concerning rap music, misogyny is the FIRST word thrown out. Like rappers CREATED misogyny. Hell, most rappers can't SPELL "misogyny," and even fewer know what it means!

Let me be perfectly clear before I go too deep into this rant... For the most part, rappers are NOT misogynists. Hip-Hop as a culture doesn't condone "hate" of ANY kind, and to include (or disclude, depending on your personal view or the state of Hip-hop) a gender that you supposedly hate would be considered hypocritical. Like the Klan accepting Gay, Jewish, Asian, Arab, Hispanic, or Black members (is that better for you?).

(Hate: [v]; to feel intense dislike for or a strong aversion for.
1. [n] intense dislike or strong aversion for. 2. [informal] a disliked person or thing. Source: Oxford English Dictionary.)

Yes. Today, class is in session. So, since we're talking about it, where does this ideology of a misogynistic Hip-Hop stem from? Is it politics? No, it didn't become political until election time came around. Is it religious? Really? Most religions have been key proponents in the stagnation and dissemination of the Women's Rights movement! I know male PASTORS who won't dignify or acknowledge a female contemporary. In the Catholic sect, women STILL can't lead Mass nor become ordained pastors, bishops, et cetera (*chuckling* religion...)! Is it feminists? Nah, it can't be feminists because they would check the WOMEN before they blasted off on the (male-dominated, cock swinging majority of an...) industry, as a whole...

"So who, Rob?"

Hip-hop did. This whole time, people IN Hip-Hop are wondering who was blasting them, and years later, we find out that it's our OWN... SMFH. Surprised, huh? Shouldn't be, really. Hip-Hop has always tried to stand on it's own morals, and tried to be the "hood's CNN". In the late 80's and early 90's, though, Hip-Hop started policing itself. The gangsta rap ethos of street awareness was separating itself sonically and socially from its counterparts. Almost overnight, Hip-Hop went from party songs, breaking, and graf writing, to police brutality, racially instituted economic differences, and turmoil within the community. With this newfound voice, rappers (like ANY creative artists) began to vent their frustrations of heartbreak, abuse, mistrust, and the like.

(Funny. It took a WHITE man calling black women "nappy headed hoes" for Hip-Hop to get tossed under the bus. AGAIN.)

Now, back to this "misogyny" thing...

Reading the definitions provided, do you still believe that Hip-Hop, or on a smaller scale, rap music is misogynist? You do? What if I told you that more women have perpetuated a misogynistic attitude in Hip-Hop than men... From Roxanne Shanté (whom I love AND respect) through Chyna Whyte (whom I ALSO love and respect), female emcees (or "femcees") have been more avid to spitting so-called "misogynistic" lyrics. Don't believe me? Reference rap lyrics from ANY femcee in the past 20 years, and you'll see my point (might I suggest OHHLA.com, that site's been a saving grace of mine for YEARS). I know that some people may find it hard to believe, especially since men outnumber women in Hip-Hop at a rate of 4 to 1, but by definition you must "hate" a woman in order to be misogynist (yeah, I'm splitting hairs).

Now, I'm man enough to admit one thing: Rap music (POPULAR, MAINSTREAM), for the most part has become some weird hybrid of street/soft porn/thuggery/masculine commercialism. Instead of catering to the masses, it caters to the hyper-sexualized caveman with a ADD. It's brightly colored flashing lights, jiggling thonged asses, and posturing remind me of Vegas with tattoos and a gold grille. It may be sexist. It may be opulent and unnecessary and obnoxious (at times). But, it's not hateful. It doesn't promote negativity towards women (a thorough listen to most lyrics will yield that most of the "bitches" and "hoes" referenced in song are actually men). It does encourage salicious and immoral behavior (I mean, c'mon, "Back Dat Azz Up"? "Shake Ya Azz"? "Doo-Doo Brown"? "Gettin' Sum [Head]"? "Nookie [Pussy Real Good]"?...), but that is NOT hate. And if women are participating in said behaviors (hint: the last two songs I mentioned were made by female rappers), don't they, too, have a responsibility to the way Hip-Hop is viewed?

Look out for Part Two: "Chicks Do It Best"!


Peace



(P.S. Check out the new blog, " Middle Of Da Map Presents: The Mid Best". The blog dedicated to all things Midwest Hip-Hop! Find it at midwestbeasts.blogspot.com, and tell your friends about it!)