Misogyny in rap music refers to lyrics, videos or other aspects of rap music that support, glorify, justify, or normalize the objectification, exploitation, or victimization of women. It can range from innuendoes to stereotypical characterizations and defamations. Since the days of Uncle Luke and the introduction of gangsta rap, the degradation of women has been an underlying theme and continues to be so today. Men in Hip Hop have financially benefited by dissing and disrespecting women on wax. Female rappers have periodically addressed it over the years. In 1993, Queen Latifah released U.N.I.T.Y. on her Black Reign album which attempted to address name calling. In 2002, Missy Elliot addressed the gender gap in the single Pussycat on her Under Construction album which calls out the difference in how Prince being half naked was silently acceptable but when women do it, it’s an issue. We heard less and less from female rappers throughout the late 90’s and early 2000’s. However, reality shows such as Where Are They Now and Unsung are clarifying what really happened. Women were given fewer chances to succeed unless they played by “the rules”. What the unknowing ruled as suicide in female rap culture was realistically murder. Eventually, Nicki Minaj appeared on the scene and ruled female rap for almost 10 years. In 2017, Cardi B dominated the scene with an unfathomable but historical run of Grammy nominations/wins, performances on every major stage, record-breaking sales, radio success, endorsement deals, and sponsorships. So, what changed over the decade? Both Niki and Cardi were able to leverage technology that was not available before.
What happens when women began to beat men at their own game? The response of ancient superstar Jermaine Dupri has ruffled a few feathers. During a recent sit-down with People TV, the hip-hop veteran was asked to name his favorite female MCin the game. The hosts threw out a few names, like Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B; however, Dupri was drawing a blank. In short, he stated that all female rappers do is talk about their stripping and they all talk about the same content. Before agreeing or disagreeing with his statement, let’s fact check. Jermaine, who in his peak was worth $60 million in 2006 but only $5 million now, just released a song after a long hiatus this year. The 2019 collaboration with DJ Turbulence is titled Clap Mane. Low and behold, what can Dupri be found saying? Don’t worry- we got you!!!! The first verse by Dupri: “see the one I got my eyes on, up in this b%tch…a$$ jumpin like Sky Zone, up in this sh*t…put my new fresh fly on bout to get lit…42 in the mix with champagne, money from the rap game, honey with that fat thang…make ya sh*t clap mane.” Tad bit hypocritical to downplay women for speaking about the same thing coming from your own mouth, right? We could just end the article here. However, Cardi B spoke up for the women in the game (including the top 20 richest female rappers in the world who have plenty of music with topics outside of sex and parties). Cardi immediately responded on Instagram calling out Dupri, radio stations, consumers, bloggers and anyone else who came for her. The Bronx rapper reminded her followers she has recorded tracks that stray from the club-anthem formula, but quickly realized those songs aren't well received. She blasted blogs for failing to support female rappers who aren't strictly rapping about sex. Cardi then gave a shout out to artists like Tierra Whack, Rapsody, and Kamaiyah, before urging everyone to show them support. Best tea ever: “I’m going to keep talking about HER cause she my best friend!”
There must be something to the words spoken by Cardi regarding support and producing what people want to hear.
Here is 2019 net worth recap of the richest female rappers in the world compared to Jermaine Dupri:
1. Nicki Minaj - $75 million vs Dupri’s $5 million2. Queen Latifah- $60 million vs Dupri’s $5 million3. Missy Elliot- $50 million vs Dupri’s $5 million4. Lil Kim- $18 million (before filing for bankruptcy) vs Dupri’s $5 million5. Sandra Denton- $15 million vs Dupri’s $5 million6. Cheryl James- $14 million vs Dupri’s $5 million7. M.I.A.- $14 million vs Dupri’s $5 million8. DJ Spinderella- $10 million vs Dupri’s $5 million9. Eve- $10 million vs Dupri’s $5 million10. MC Lyte- $8 million vs Dupri’s $5 million11. Cardi B- $8 million vs Dupri’s $5 million12. Trina- $6 million vs Dupri’s $5 million13. Iggy Azalea- $6 million vs Dupri’s $5 million
*Sipping tea: according to the numbers, it looks like People TV had the wrong person on the couch.
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