Oh, to be a woman in music...
One of the readings that really stood out to me this week, was Tracy Moore’s piece “Oh, the Unbelievable Shit You Get Writing About Music as a Woman.” Moore recounts the extreme challenges she has experienced as an accomplished female rock music critic. What struck me is the barrage of nasty comments directed not at her understanding of music but, her sexuality. When faced with critique, it is women’s sexuality that is so often used as a weapon against them. Yet vitriol at men, Moore explains, is “far less likely to even consider sexual promiscuity as the basis for dismissal of [men’s] arguments” (Moore, 2014). Moore attributes some of this because “rock scenes in particular can be dreadfully sexist” which is clear, however, I think that the role of sexism in Hip hop is also extremely prevalent (2014).
Hip hop is my favorite music genre however, I still think it deserves a critical lens. The Wikipedia page on “Hip hop music” is relatively extensive and goes into history over 5 decades, even including its presence on international stages. Yet, there is virtually no mention of female Hip hop artists. Stars like Salt-n-Pepa, Missy Elliott or Queen Latifa aren’t even named. Unfortunately, Hip hop is also known for its explicit objectification of women. So many of Hip hop’s hallmark songs are riddled with slurs sexually exploiting women. Similar to Moore’s experience, comments like this directed at men are virtually nonexistent in Hip hop music.
The two songs I would like to include in this post are Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Get None) by Snoop Dogg and Big Pimpin’ by JAY-Z. Both of these songs are from artists that are considered Hip hop’s best as well as ones that I frequently listen to. These songs are particularly difficult to reason with because I am a feminist and condemn exploitation of women. Yet, I cannot seem to eliminate some of this music from my library. This is a long complicated battle that I think many of us experience as lovers of Hip hop.
Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Get None) by Snoop Dogg
Big Pimpin’ (feat. UGK) by JAY-Z
Tracy Moore, “Oh, the Unbelievable Shit You Get Writing about Music as a Woman, Jezebel, Mar. 20, 2014.
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