I'd like to introduce you all to a very close friend of mine/talented artist Dwayne ak Agy D. His genre of music is rap/grime which is perfect because he can express his individuality through his lyrics, which he is constantly writing. Check out some of his music here- its exclusive as he's going to make it big- and you wont be dissapointed. If anyone is interested in working with him let me know and I can get you in contact.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Monday, 16 April 2012
Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre @ Coachella
http://t.co/ldCbfPBA
^^^^^
That is a link to the full Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre set at Coachella with appearances from Wiz, Eminem, 50 etc. I originally clicked to watch the Tupac hollogram (which is just chilling. So intense to watch at home so I can't even imagine what it would have been like to see that live. No words!) but ended up watching the whole thing, because it was that epic. The whole thing is just so entertaining, especially Snoop's highness which is just hilarious. Live music is usually always an incredible experience, but this just looked off the chain! And they obviously got the classics in so turn your speakers up! Wish you were there? Me fuckin too!!!
^^^^^
That is a link to the full Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre set at Coachella with appearances from Wiz, Eminem, 50 etc. I originally clicked to watch the Tupac hollogram (which is just chilling. So intense to watch at home so I can't even imagine what it would have been like to see that live. No words!) but ended up watching the whole thing, because it was that epic. The whole thing is just so entertaining, especially Snoop's highness which is just hilarious. Live music is usually always an incredible experience, but this just looked off the chain! And they obviously got the classics in so turn your speakers up! Wish you were there? Me fuckin too!!!
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Musicians: Stay True To Yourself
I've said it before and I'll say it again: music isn't what it used to be. It all sounds the same, and I feel like these days, certain parts of the music industry have become embroiled in what I would describe as a 'pop music movement'.
I have a lot of respect for any artist that can get themeselves out there so don't get me wrong or take this as an attack on any of the people I am about to use as examples. I also understand that to make it big you have to appeal to a mass audience and it helps to be versatile- but I think that certain artists have taken their styles too mainstream- to the point where they are shadows of the respectable, urban acts they used to be. If artists are starting to see the business as, 'I have to make music that sounds like this to make money', what will the music industry be like in a couple of years time? Will autotuned, loud and unsatisfying pop music with no depth and laughable lyrics be all there is to offer?
I have to admit that I have lost respect for a few people in the industry who have abandoned their signature style for a more generic, pop type of music and it kind of feels like they are abandoning their true fans- the ones that liked their music for what it was and the artist for who they were. By all means, do your thing, and whatever you have to do to live the life you want to live- whether that means making a lot of money, acquiring worldwide success, helping people or whatever your calling may be- but stay true to yourself. Real artists should never have to change their style of music to match what society says it SHOULD be. If you believe in yourself, you can make it big by doing what you do best in your own unique style and people will appreciate you for that unique style, not for sounding like everyone else.
It's one thing to try to appeal to everyone, but....calm down. Someone mainstream like Rihanna is an example of an artist who is versatile in a good way- she can do R'n'B, she can do commercial pop and dance. But it's all her, and even people who don't agree that it's her can't deny that every now and then she takes it back to her roots (Man Down, Watch 'n' Learn, Rude Boy) Now to back up my theory..
Here is a prime example:
Me and my friends loved Nicki Minaj last year. Everyone had her debut album Pink Friday, and it was really refreshing to see a woman, who was kind of girly and different to other female rappers, doing her thing and appealing to men and women with her quirky, confident and clever lyrics. We used to listen to her a lot and we were all constantly singing her songs, but this year the same group of people and myself barely talk about her unless we are taking the piss. What gets me is that she was doing fine on the popularity front, so why she went from this
to this...
I'll never know. Catchy when drunk, I'm not gonna lie..(LOL)but really?! Come on. I miss the old Nicki: come back or go away.
Then there's Chipmunk, which is debatable. It's fair to say he hasn't completly abandoned his grime roots with his recent (and decent) take on Hustle Hard and other tunes. He's actually not too bad, but how can someone who made this:
go on to to release THIS
and expect no confusion from people who actually liked and rated him for a song like Who Are You?
Are artists changing with the music or is music changing with the artists?
When looking at mainstream success, there is evidence in artists like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent and Jay Z and many others who have all pretty much stuck to their signature style of music without turning to adopting a more pop sound, and have still been able to be and stay popular within a mass audience. It can be done, so do it! I'm not saying the music the artists above are making now is bad...that's a matter of individual opinion and music taste. But is it them? That's another question entirely.
I have a lot of respect for any artist that can get themeselves out there so don't get me wrong or take this as an attack on any of the people I am about to use as examples. I also understand that to make it big you have to appeal to a mass audience and it helps to be versatile- but I think that certain artists have taken their styles too mainstream- to the point where they are shadows of the respectable, urban acts they used to be. If artists are starting to see the business as, 'I have to make music that sounds like this to make money', what will the music industry be like in a couple of years time? Will autotuned, loud and unsatisfying pop music with no depth and laughable lyrics be all there is to offer?
I have to admit that I have lost respect for a few people in the industry who have abandoned their signature style for a more generic, pop type of music and it kind of feels like they are abandoning their true fans- the ones that liked their music for what it was and the artist for who they were. By all means, do your thing, and whatever you have to do to live the life you want to live- whether that means making a lot of money, acquiring worldwide success, helping people or whatever your calling may be- but stay true to yourself. Real artists should never have to change their style of music to match what society says it SHOULD be. If you believe in yourself, you can make it big by doing what you do best in your own unique style and people will appreciate you for that unique style, not for sounding like everyone else.
It's one thing to try to appeal to everyone, but....calm down. Someone mainstream like Rihanna is an example of an artist who is versatile in a good way- she can do R'n'B, she can do commercial pop and dance. But it's all her, and even people who don't agree that it's her can't deny that every now and then she takes it back to her roots (Man Down, Watch 'n' Learn, Rude Boy) Now to back up my theory..
Here is a prime example:
Me and my friends loved Nicki Minaj last year. Everyone had her debut album Pink Friday, and it was really refreshing to see a woman, who was kind of girly and different to other female rappers, doing her thing and appealing to men and women with her quirky, confident and clever lyrics. We used to listen to her a lot and we were all constantly singing her songs, but this year the same group of people and myself barely talk about her unless we are taking the piss. What gets me is that she was doing fine on the popularity front, so why she went from this
to this...
I'll never know. Catchy when drunk, I'm not gonna lie..(LOL)but really?! Come on. I miss the old Nicki: come back or go away.
Then there's Chipmunk, which is debatable. It's fair to say he hasn't completly abandoned his grime roots with his recent (and decent) take on Hustle Hard and other tunes. He's actually not too bad, but how can someone who made this:
go on to to release THIS
and expect no confusion from people who actually liked and rated him for a song like Who Are You?
Are artists changing with the music or is music changing with the artists?
When looking at mainstream success, there is evidence in artists like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent and Jay Z and many others who have all pretty much stuck to their signature style of music without turning to adopting a more pop sound, and have still been able to be and stay popular within a mass audience. It can be done, so do it! I'm not saying the music the artists above are making now is bad...that's a matter of individual opinion and music taste. But is it them? That's another question entirely.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Monday, 9 April 2012
2 Apps You Will Love!
This first one is really useful- when my laptop decided to break on me, I was pretty pissed off for multiple reasons, one being that I'd have to go without new music for ages as I had no source to download any. Then I remembered I had an iPhone, and that iPhones can do anything. My good friend Mario introduced me to the Free Music Download app which is easy to use and works really well. It's also legal, apparently. I've been using it ever since and I can now download songs onto my phone for free, at the touch of a button. In some ways, this works out even more convinient than having a laptop!! You can also import the songs from the app to your iTunes library. Click the link below for more info.
TIP- In app, google mp3skull and bookmark it. This is where you should download your music from, its easy and its the website with the most songs.
TIP- I've posted a link to the paid version but there is a free one. There is a limit to how many songs you can buy on the free one though, so you might as well push the boat out and spend 69p...it's worth it if you need it!
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/free-music-download-pro-downloader/id454975334?mt=8
This is a really fun DJ app. I've been known to sit on this for hours. Once you get used to all the buttons and features (it's kind of complex for such a minimal app, but this makes it more realistic) you can actually do some pretty cool things with the app. I've made mixes that I've given away and played at parties. And you can actually make shit quality songs on your iPod sound a lot better. Click the link below for more info. It's definatly one of my favorite apps and the best 69p I've ever spent!! Enjoy.
xx
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/djay-for-iphone-ipod-touch/id424492403?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
TIP- In app, google mp3skull and bookmark it. This is where you should download your music from, its easy and its the website with the most songs.
TIP- I've posted a link to the paid version but there is a free one. There is a limit to how many songs you can buy on the free one though, so you might as well push the boat out and spend 69p...it's worth it if you need it!
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/free-music-download-pro-downloader/id454975334?mt=8
This is a really fun DJ app. I've been known to sit on this for hours. Once you get used to all the buttons and features (it's kind of complex for such a minimal app, but this makes it more realistic) you can actually do some pretty cool things with the app. I've made mixes that I've given away and played at parties. And you can actually make shit quality songs on your iPod sound a lot better. Click the link below for more info. It's definatly one of my favorite apps and the best 69p I've ever spent!! Enjoy.
xx
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/djay-for-iphone-ipod-touch/id424492403?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
You can't touch this!
If I'm ever in a bad mood, something that always lifts my spirits is listening to old skool music, especially 90s tunes! This is when music was best in my opinion, and I don't think music will ever sound like this again. I grew up listening to music like this so whenever I hear it I'm filled with happy memories. These are some of my favorites. Don't you just love this shit?
I know I know about this next one. But everyone slyly loves this song too!
If I don't stop now I never will, but I will post some more soon! xx
I know I know about this next one. But everyone slyly loves this song too!
If I don't stop now I never will, but I will post some more soon! xx
My iPod's Shuffle Surprises Of The Week
Everytime I shuffle my itunes, I always come across some old songs that I forgot I loved. Here are the ones I came across this week! xxx
Classic
Me singing along to this was funny, if only I'd filmed it..or maybe its a good thing I didn't!
LOVE LOVE LOVE JLO and this song!!
Hope you enjoyed hearing these as much as I did!
Classic
Me singing along to this was funny, if only I'd filmed it..or maybe its a good thing I didn't!
LOVE LOVE LOVE JLO and this song!!
Hope you enjoyed hearing these as much as I did!
FEATURE: Women and Rap Music
I am a writer and recently had to write a feature for an assignment. I wrote it on the representation of women in rap music and you can read the article below.
I personally love rap music and don't really think too much of the way women are spoken about in rap because I'm just used to hearing it now. Since doing the research and writing the feature though, I am noticing it a lil more. Anyway, have a read and feel free to leave comments, I'd like to hear your opinions on the subject!
WOMEN & RAP MUSIC: WILL IT EVER CHANGE?
“Now every day is a hoe-ly day, so stop the violence and put the 4-4 away, skeet shoot a hoe today.”
It’s a sentence sure to send chills down the spine of anyone who hears it, but this is the reality of rap music today. Bitches, hoes, sluts and strippers are the topic of discussion and these words frequently litter the lyrics of our favourite rap stars’ biggest hit singles. Shockingly, some of the men who regularly broadcast these somewhat hostile attitudes towards women in their music are respectful and gentlemanly outside of the studio, and interestingly, a vast majority are married with children. There is money to be made as a successful rapper in the US, and the phenomenon has travelled to the UK in recent years, with aspiring UK rappers drawing inspiration from the American superstars of Hip-Hop. Unfortunately, some of that inspiration comes in the form of the negative slurs used against women in their lyrics, which worryingly suggests that this is a part of rap culture that cannot be changed. So where do these attitudes towards females come from and does an infective beat take away the reality, and offensiveness of what these men are promoting?
World renowned US rap artists such as Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Nas and Eminem to name a few, have acquired millions of dollars through platinum album sales, sell out tours and Billboard smash hits. Charismatic New Orleans native Lil Wayne, 29, is rumoured to be worth a staggering 95 million US dollars (approximately 59 million pounds) while rap veteran Jay Z, 42, is allegedly worth around a mind blowing 450 million dollars (283 million pounds). These riches are a result of obvious popularity, amongst both men and women, but both superstars are guilty of cashing in on catchy tunes laden with shockingly sexist lyrics such as: “And if that bitch is crazy/ believe I will sue her/ got some hungry ass lawyers/ that would eat her up and chew her” taken from Lil Wayne’s single entitled Ask Dem Hoes. Said in conversation, this would presumably be highly offensive to whoever he is speaking about, considering that in the previous verse he speaks about having sex with the woman: “Ya bitch love me/ we don’t even have to meet/ but if I run into her/ believe me I will do her”, but judging by the weight of Lil Wayne’s pockets, it seems to be that this way of speaking about women has become accepted and sadly, expected in rap culture.
“It’s become more accepted for women to be seen as sexualized creatures, to the point where the women themselves no longer classifies it as derogatory to be called bitches by men,” says psychology graduate Amber-Jessie Amayo, who has spent time studying the minds of these men to find the root of these hostile attitudes. “As women, we don’t fight back and say ‘don’t call us that’ or actually make a proper effort to unite and refuse to participate in their rap videos. It will never change because it has become accepted; the average woman wouldn’t bat an eyelid at that type of statement anymore. So basically it’s just because they’re allowed to get away it.”
So we can identify the social factors that contribute the representation of females in the rap industry, and if all women came together to protest against these representations the result could be profound. However, it seems that women have become desensitized to the misogynist slurs often found in rap music, making it unlikely to find a large enough number of women willing to protest with a lasting effect. What’s worse is that it seems there is a deeper reason these rappers speak about women in such a way, so alarming that it could leave us questioning the true state of relations between men and women in this world today.
“The more derogatory you are to women the more respect you seem to attain as rapper,” continues Amayo. A recent example that mirrors the concept of this statement is the criticism that Canadian rap star Drake receives for being ‘soft’ and a ‘p***y’. This is said to be because of the sensitive, truthful anecdotes that he turns into raps about women he has come across. Despite this, even he very occasionally uses misogynist terms and theories in his music, often talking about his experiences with strippers, ‘hoes’ and ‘bitches’. However, the platinum selling rapper has also said that his biggest turn on is a woman that can recite his lyrics, and that he loves women and enjoys making songs for them. Drake’s large female fan base also backs Amayo’s theory that women are no longer fazed by sexist slurs in rap music.
“It’s an inferiority complex, it’s the fact that they [male rappers] need to feel power over females, and be the more dominant sex,” says Amayo. “Therefore, they use those words to keep women inferior, and the more women accept it, the longer they will stay inferior and continue to be sexualized.”
UK female lyricist Naomi Francis, who goes by the stage name of Trumpetstar Nay or T Star Nay, agrees that there is a certain power struggle between male and females that is contributing to the hostile attitudes portrayed in rap music.
“A lot of people think that women in rap is not a good look, they think we should be in the kitchen,” says Francis, 19. “I think it’s just the pressure of the fact that there are a lot of female lyricists out there who are better than guys so it’s a pride thing. [The men] know that they’re not as great so they need to shut it down somehow.”
Across the Atlantic, it is becoming clear that as UK rappers strive to match the heavyweight bank balances of our favourite US rap artists, the sexist attitudes and representations of women are slowly matching that of US rap music too. UK rapper Dwayne Agymang, who goes by the stage name of Agy D admits he is guilty of using slurs against women in his music, but is unapologetic.
“I think it’s just the way people speak and the way you are brought up,” says Agymang, 20. “I personally do it under the influence of those that I listen to.” The aspiring young rapper from Battersea lists his musical inspirations as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Eminem, and finds their music relatable to his own. “I think that the way women are portrayed in rap is acceptable because there are certain women who are bitches. I’m sorry, but there really are.”
Although many young rappers in the UK are using the slurs, Agy D notes that there are a select few rappers that don’t use the terms, such as UK rapper Tinie Tempah, who was an underground hit before his mainstream success, due to a song he rapped on entitled Wifey Riddim, a sensitively written tribute to his girlfriend. Ironically, the idea of the megastar who was once relatively unknown and is now said to be sitting on a £900,000 fortune, releasing such a song and having the same reception to it in this day and age is laughable, although Tinie has maintained his gentlemanly attitude towards women in his music despite being incredibly successful not only in the UK but also in the US. The case of Tinie Tempah, who was recently described as ‘the perfect gentleman’ by Big Brother glamour model Georgia Salpa, proves that men can rap without promoting sexist attitudes and still be just as popular, so why is it seemingly so much easier to take the route of being hostile?
Rapper Agy D maintains a more black and white viewpoint on the whole issue: “its music and it’s true. It’s not just me that says it. Whether you listen to rappers from the UK or the US, they are all talking about women like that. It’s not to disrespect them or anything, that’s just how it is.”
“Sex sells. The media is very sexualised these days because sex makes things popular and people pay attention to sex,” says Amayo. “In rap videos you see women dancing in next to nothing clothes, and that’s what attracts your attention. If it was just a big batch of men rapping it would be boring. The use of women attracts a variety of audiences that will want to watch their videos. If you took away the slurs, it would be a good thing for women, but I don’t think rap would be as popular. I think that people would be less inclined to watch things or listen to things because that type of talk is ’hard’ and what their fans aspire to achieve, and the more derogatory you are to women, the more respect you seem to attain as rapper.”
Attitudes towards women in the rap industry have been a topic of conversation for years, with many notable female rappers in the US but considerably much less in the UK. Like the men, US female rappers are also making more money than the UK female rappers, again leaving the UK artists striving to be like their wealthy US counterparts. US rap sensation Nicki Minaj is now said to be worth 14 million dollars (8 million pounds), five years after the release of her first mix tape back in 2007. Her debut album went platinum within a month and she became the first artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at once. She is one of four women, and the only one that raps, signed to Lil Wayne’s 14 man strong record label, Young Money Entertainment. Missy Elliot, once dubbed the ‘Queen of Hip Hop’ is one of the most successful female rappers in history and has a jaw dropping net worth of around 250 million dollars (157 million pounds).
In stark contrast, the most notable UK rapper is possibly Lady Sovereign, who came under much criticism for being ‘a girl, British and white’. Opinions over Lady Sovereign have also been greatly divided in the UK, with some embracing the starlet and some expressing a strong dislike for her. T Star Nay, who got to the semi-finals of the Open Mic UK competition and has opened shows for the likes of UK heavyweights like Tinie Tempah and Bashy explains the pressures of being a British female in the rap industry.
“There’s a lot of female rappers at the moment, who try and come across like guys in their lyrics, like fierce and aggressive because obviously that sells to men and will get their respect,” says T Star, who also plays the trumpet. “I guess a lot of girls try and go down that route because otherwise they are criticized for looking like Nicki Minaj if they try and sell sex but then again this is what sells music.” The aspiring rapper from South East London does not personally use slurs against women in her music, and rather tellingly lists UK female rappers such as Lady Sovereign and Shystie as her inspirations, with the exception of Missy Elliot, the only US rapper she lists. “I choose to rap about topical content, I’ve written a song about slavery. I write about the grind of the music scene, from a female’s perspective,” she explains. Rap sensation Nicki Minaj, who recently released a song called Stupid Hoe, on the other hand, is guilty of regularly using slurs against women in her music, often calling them bitches, and making references to ‘nappy-headed hoes’ and whores. Minaj also talks about herself in an overtly sexualized way and refers to herself as a ‘bad bitch and a c***’. If a woman is sending out these messages to people, is there any chance of the men stopping? And will we begin to see up and coming UK female rappers doing the same in order to make it big?
“There’s a lot of hype around rap music, just because of how people behave when they hear the songs. People call Immortal Technique a rap genius because his lyrics are pure, he doesn’t need any of those negative images,” says T Star. “With times of today and how much influence image has, and how much hype there is about girls and guys, I don’t think rap music would be as successful (without the slurs), especially for a female breaking through. You have to look a certain way or there’s no market for you really.”
With such large barriers between men and women to break down, we have to wonder if rap music will ever fully accept females. Will they always be the subject matter, simply the objects that are used for sexual gratification by men as so many rappers would have us believe in their songs? Or is it possible to eliminate sexism in rap? Unfortunately, it seems to be that sexism has become a part of rap. In the rap industry where the vast majority of rappers are male, the sometimes harsh words could be seen as a reflection of the true relationships between men and women. Rap artists cover all kinds of topics, and need to be extra careful not to upset their ‘hard’ ‘gangster’ images that many men aspire to possess themselves. It is common to see women pouring their hearts out in ballads, but in the rap industry, any talk of feelings comes with an extra-large serving of bravado. It seems that this is the best way to convey their feelings about women and maintain respect in the industry. Worryingly, in many cases art is imitating life, and women are complaining of men who don’t communicate their feelings properly in relationships. These artists are role models for many men of all ages, who respect and look up to these men so much that they will sometimes imitate their actions and apply the mind-sets that they project through song in their own lives. So, we’ve uncovered the deeper issues that lie in the heart of rap music, including male and female relations. Only time and the natural development of rap music will tell us if there is enough room for both men and women in the rap industry. The young and aspiring rap stars of the UK seem to be following the trend of slurs against women in their music, but some of the bigger British stars like Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder continue to remain respectful despite acquiring international success. However, both of these artists have both chosen to leave their underground British rap roots, known as Grime, for a more commercial type of rap. Rappers that have stuck to the more traditional British rapping style, Grime, remain guilty of using sexist slurs in their music, and as the demand for hot new urban acts is growing, so is the trend of sexism in rap as it makes its way to England and shows no signs of leaving the rap industry with an equal representation of men and women.
I personally love rap music and don't really think too much of the way women are spoken about in rap because I'm just used to hearing it now. Since doing the research and writing the feature though, I am noticing it a lil more. Anyway, have a read and feel free to leave comments, I'd like to hear your opinions on the subject!
WOMEN & RAP MUSIC: WILL IT EVER CHANGE?
“Now every day is a hoe-ly day, so stop the violence and put the 4-4 away, skeet shoot a hoe today.”
It’s a sentence sure to send chills down the spine of anyone who hears it, but this is the reality of rap music today. Bitches, hoes, sluts and strippers are the topic of discussion and these words frequently litter the lyrics of our favourite rap stars’ biggest hit singles. Shockingly, some of the men who regularly broadcast these somewhat hostile attitudes towards women in their music are respectful and gentlemanly outside of the studio, and interestingly, a vast majority are married with children. There is money to be made as a successful rapper in the US, and the phenomenon has travelled to the UK in recent years, with aspiring UK rappers drawing inspiration from the American superstars of Hip-Hop. Unfortunately, some of that inspiration comes in the form of the negative slurs used against women in their lyrics, which worryingly suggests that this is a part of rap culture that cannot be changed. So where do these attitudes towards females come from and does an infective beat take away the reality, and offensiveness of what these men are promoting?
World renowned US rap artists such as Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Nas and Eminem to name a few, have acquired millions of dollars through platinum album sales, sell out tours and Billboard smash hits. Charismatic New Orleans native Lil Wayne, 29, is rumoured to be worth a staggering 95 million US dollars (approximately 59 million pounds) while rap veteran Jay Z, 42, is allegedly worth around a mind blowing 450 million dollars (283 million pounds). These riches are a result of obvious popularity, amongst both men and women, but both superstars are guilty of cashing in on catchy tunes laden with shockingly sexist lyrics such as: “And if that bitch is crazy/ believe I will sue her/ got some hungry ass lawyers/ that would eat her up and chew her” taken from Lil Wayne’s single entitled Ask Dem Hoes. Said in conversation, this would presumably be highly offensive to whoever he is speaking about, considering that in the previous verse he speaks about having sex with the woman: “Ya bitch love me/ we don’t even have to meet/ but if I run into her/ believe me I will do her”, but judging by the weight of Lil Wayne’s pockets, it seems to be that this way of speaking about women has become accepted and sadly, expected in rap culture.
“It’s become more accepted for women to be seen as sexualized creatures, to the point where the women themselves no longer classifies it as derogatory to be called bitches by men,” says psychology graduate Amber-Jessie Amayo, who has spent time studying the minds of these men to find the root of these hostile attitudes. “As women, we don’t fight back and say ‘don’t call us that’ or actually make a proper effort to unite and refuse to participate in their rap videos. It will never change because it has become accepted; the average woman wouldn’t bat an eyelid at that type of statement anymore. So basically it’s just because they’re allowed to get away it.”
So we can identify the social factors that contribute the representation of females in the rap industry, and if all women came together to protest against these representations the result could be profound. However, it seems that women have become desensitized to the misogynist slurs often found in rap music, making it unlikely to find a large enough number of women willing to protest with a lasting effect. What’s worse is that it seems there is a deeper reason these rappers speak about women in such a way, so alarming that it could leave us questioning the true state of relations between men and women in this world today.
“The more derogatory you are to women the more respect you seem to attain as rapper,” continues Amayo. A recent example that mirrors the concept of this statement is the criticism that Canadian rap star Drake receives for being ‘soft’ and a ‘p***y’. This is said to be because of the sensitive, truthful anecdotes that he turns into raps about women he has come across. Despite this, even he very occasionally uses misogynist terms and theories in his music, often talking about his experiences with strippers, ‘hoes’ and ‘bitches’. However, the platinum selling rapper has also said that his biggest turn on is a woman that can recite his lyrics, and that he loves women and enjoys making songs for them. Drake’s large female fan base also backs Amayo’s theory that women are no longer fazed by sexist slurs in rap music.
“It’s an inferiority complex, it’s the fact that they [male rappers] need to feel power over females, and be the more dominant sex,” says Amayo. “Therefore, they use those words to keep women inferior, and the more women accept it, the longer they will stay inferior and continue to be sexualized.”
UK female lyricist Naomi Francis, who goes by the stage name of Trumpetstar Nay or T Star Nay, agrees that there is a certain power struggle between male and females that is contributing to the hostile attitudes portrayed in rap music.
“A lot of people think that women in rap is not a good look, they think we should be in the kitchen,” says Francis, 19. “I think it’s just the pressure of the fact that there are a lot of female lyricists out there who are better than guys so it’s a pride thing. [The men] know that they’re not as great so they need to shut it down somehow.”
Across the Atlantic, it is becoming clear that as UK rappers strive to match the heavyweight bank balances of our favourite US rap artists, the sexist attitudes and representations of women are slowly matching that of US rap music too. UK rapper Dwayne Agymang, who goes by the stage name of Agy D admits he is guilty of using slurs against women in his music, but is unapologetic.
“I think it’s just the way people speak and the way you are brought up,” says Agymang, 20. “I personally do it under the influence of those that I listen to.” The aspiring young rapper from Battersea lists his musical inspirations as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Eminem, and finds their music relatable to his own. “I think that the way women are portrayed in rap is acceptable because there are certain women who are bitches. I’m sorry, but there really are.”
Although many young rappers in the UK are using the slurs, Agy D notes that there are a select few rappers that don’t use the terms, such as UK rapper Tinie Tempah, who was an underground hit before his mainstream success, due to a song he rapped on entitled Wifey Riddim, a sensitively written tribute to his girlfriend. Ironically, the idea of the megastar who was once relatively unknown and is now said to be sitting on a £900,000 fortune, releasing such a song and having the same reception to it in this day and age is laughable, although Tinie has maintained his gentlemanly attitude towards women in his music despite being incredibly successful not only in the UK but also in the US. The case of Tinie Tempah, who was recently described as ‘the perfect gentleman’ by Big Brother glamour model Georgia Salpa, proves that men can rap without promoting sexist attitudes and still be just as popular, so why is it seemingly so much easier to take the route of being hostile?
Rapper Agy D maintains a more black and white viewpoint on the whole issue: “its music and it’s true. It’s not just me that says it. Whether you listen to rappers from the UK or the US, they are all talking about women like that. It’s not to disrespect them or anything, that’s just how it is.”
“Sex sells. The media is very sexualised these days because sex makes things popular and people pay attention to sex,” says Amayo. “In rap videos you see women dancing in next to nothing clothes, and that’s what attracts your attention. If it was just a big batch of men rapping it would be boring. The use of women attracts a variety of audiences that will want to watch their videos. If you took away the slurs, it would be a good thing for women, but I don’t think rap would be as popular. I think that people would be less inclined to watch things or listen to things because that type of talk is ’hard’ and what their fans aspire to achieve, and the more derogatory you are to women, the more respect you seem to attain as rapper.”
Attitudes towards women in the rap industry have been a topic of conversation for years, with many notable female rappers in the US but considerably much less in the UK. Like the men, US female rappers are also making more money than the UK female rappers, again leaving the UK artists striving to be like their wealthy US counterparts. US rap sensation Nicki Minaj is now said to be worth 14 million dollars (8 million pounds), five years after the release of her first mix tape back in 2007. Her debut album went platinum within a month and she became the first artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at once. She is one of four women, and the only one that raps, signed to Lil Wayne’s 14 man strong record label, Young Money Entertainment. Missy Elliot, once dubbed the ‘Queen of Hip Hop’ is one of the most successful female rappers in history and has a jaw dropping net worth of around 250 million dollars (157 million pounds).
In stark contrast, the most notable UK rapper is possibly Lady Sovereign, who came under much criticism for being ‘a girl, British and white’. Opinions over Lady Sovereign have also been greatly divided in the UK, with some embracing the starlet and some expressing a strong dislike for her. T Star Nay, who got to the semi-finals of the Open Mic UK competition and has opened shows for the likes of UK heavyweights like Tinie Tempah and Bashy explains the pressures of being a British female in the rap industry.
“There’s a lot of female rappers at the moment, who try and come across like guys in their lyrics, like fierce and aggressive because obviously that sells to men and will get their respect,” says T Star, who also plays the trumpet. “I guess a lot of girls try and go down that route because otherwise they are criticized for looking like Nicki Minaj if they try and sell sex but then again this is what sells music.” The aspiring rapper from South East London does not personally use slurs against women in her music, and rather tellingly lists UK female rappers such as Lady Sovereign and Shystie as her inspirations, with the exception of Missy Elliot, the only US rapper she lists. “I choose to rap about topical content, I’ve written a song about slavery. I write about the grind of the music scene, from a female’s perspective,” she explains. Rap sensation Nicki Minaj, who recently released a song called Stupid Hoe, on the other hand, is guilty of regularly using slurs against women in her music, often calling them bitches, and making references to ‘nappy-headed hoes’ and whores. Minaj also talks about herself in an overtly sexualized way and refers to herself as a ‘bad bitch and a c***’. If a woman is sending out these messages to people, is there any chance of the men stopping? And will we begin to see up and coming UK female rappers doing the same in order to make it big?
“There’s a lot of hype around rap music, just because of how people behave when they hear the songs. People call Immortal Technique a rap genius because his lyrics are pure, he doesn’t need any of those negative images,” says T Star. “With times of today and how much influence image has, and how much hype there is about girls and guys, I don’t think rap music would be as successful (without the slurs), especially for a female breaking through. You have to look a certain way or there’s no market for you really.”
With such large barriers between men and women to break down, we have to wonder if rap music will ever fully accept females. Will they always be the subject matter, simply the objects that are used for sexual gratification by men as so many rappers would have us believe in their songs? Or is it possible to eliminate sexism in rap? Unfortunately, it seems to be that sexism has become a part of rap. In the rap industry where the vast majority of rappers are male, the sometimes harsh words could be seen as a reflection of the true relationships between men and women. Rap artists cover all kinds of topics, and need to be extra careful not to upset their ‘hard’ ‘gangster’ images that many men aspire to possess themselves. It is common to see women pouring their hearts out in ballads, but in the rap industry, any talk of feelings comes with an extra-large serving of bravado. It seems that this is the best way to convey their feelings about women and maintain respect in the industry. Worryingly, in many cases art is imitating life, and women are complaining of men who don’t communicate their feelings properly in relationships. These artists are role models for many men of all ages, who respect and look up to these men so much that they will sometimes imitate their actions and apply the mind-sets that they project through song in their own lives. So, we’ve uncovered the deeper issues that lie in the heart of rap music, including male and female relations. Only time and the natural development of rap music will tell us if there is enough room for both men and women in the rap industry. The young and aspiring rap stars of the UK seem to be following the trend of slurs against women in their music, but some of the bigger British stars like Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder continue to remain respectful despite acquiring international success. However, both of these artists have both chosen to leave their underground British rap roots, known as Grime, for a more commercial type of rap. Rappers that have stuck to the more traditional British rapping style, Grime, remain guilty of using sexist slurs in their music, and as the demand for hot new urban acts is growing, so is the trend of sexism in rap as it makes its way to England and shows no signs of leaving the rap industry with an equal representation of men and women.
HYFR!
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of Drake aka 'my husband' (LOL)
After seeing him live at the O2 Arena in Greenwich last month, I literally fell in love and if there was any chance of me getting over the obsession, there definatly isn't now. I think he looks super HOT in this video, and I definatly think it was worth the wait. I really wasn't expecting him to theme the video for HYFR around a Bah Mitzvah, which I think is clever and unusual, and actually really makes me want to go to one because Drake looks like he's having a lot of fun! It's good to see a bunch of rappers actually partying like us normal people do, just jumping around and having loads of fun as opposed to what we normally see in rap videos, popping champagne, unrealistic looking women and a bunch of men standing around in a car park leaning on Rolls Royces etc..boring! This video is much more down to earth which makes it, and him even more likeable. Plus, Trey Songz makes an appearance! I think out of all his music videos, this is now my second favorite. (Find Your Love is and always will be my first, Mavado's in it FFS!)
Check it out! Do you think it was worth the wait?
HOW cute is he at the beginning...
After seeing him live at the O2 Arena in Greenwich last month, I literally fell in love and if there was any chance of me getting over the obsession, there definatly isn't now. I think he looks super HOT in this video, and I definatly think it was worth the wait. I really wasn't expecting him to theme the video for HYFR around a Bah Mitzvah, which I think is clever and unusual, and actually really makes me want to go to one because Drake looks like he's having a lot of fun! It's good to see a bunch of rappers actually partying like us normal people do, just jumping around and having loads of fun as opposed to what we normally see in rap videos, popping champagne, unrealistic looking women and a bunch of men standing around in a car park leaning on Rolls Royces etc..boring! This video is much more down to earth which makes it, and him even more likeable. Plus, Trey Songz makes an appearance! I think out of all his music videos, this is now my second favorite. (Find Your Love is and always will be my first, Mavado's in it FFS!)
Check it out! Do you think it was worth the wait?
HOW cute is he at the beginning...
Motivational Music
I love music. I listen to it for hours on end, every single day of my life. Music is like a body part of mine, it comes everywhere with me, and it sees me through every event I go through. Every song on my iPod reminds me of a person, or people, or a certain time in my life etc. Most songs I listen to can conjure up some sort of memory for me, which is why listening to music is such an intense thing for me. And the memories never stop, because every day we are creating new ones, so it never gets any less intense and this is the way it will always be! Even fragrances (another thing I am passionate about) remind me of certain times in my life where I used to wear it regularly, and as I spray it I will hear my favorite song from that time period play in my head. I don't know if I sound like a nutjob right now, or if you guys feel me, but I can use music to help me through certain situations.
Last year, when I was in my second year of Uni, I partied a lil too hard and ended up with eight huge assignments to do in ten days (looong story.). I locked myself up and just had to get on with it because I had no choice, but if it wasn't for the music I listened to I probably would have gone crazy, no way in hell could I have done those assignments in silence. Anyway, I found that when writing essays or doing any kind of work where I need to concentrate on what I am writing, lyricless music is always best because you still get the entertainment of listening to music, without the distraction of the lyrics. I can't listen to artists that get deep like J Cole or Drake when I'm working because I end up singing along or stopping what I'm doing to listen to what they're saying. I find the best type of music to listen to when working is mellow, atmospheric drum and bass. It's perfect to have in the background because you can work and zone to it at the same time...and at the risk of sounding like a total geek: it actually made doing assingments kind of fun. I'll give you a little motivational playlist to help you through those long nights of work, but if you're really not into drum and bass (which I don't even think you have to be to appreciate these tunes) I also reccommend listening to things like the Rich Forever mixtape by Rick Ross, or Wale Ambition because they are motivational in the more literal sense; these songs are about money and the kind of luxurious lifestyles that are usually the reason we are doing the work in the first place.
YOUR MOTIVATIONAL DNB PLAYLIST - These songs got me through some of my deadliest essays. Try them out, they blend right into the background and make essay writing a lil more enjoyable! (What minimal lyrics some of these songs do have wont be enough to distract you from your work.)
1. California - Danny Byrd ft Zarif
2. Daydreaming- Netsky
3. Deep Space- Sub Focus
4. Endless Search -Netsky
5. Failsafe - Danny Byrd ft London Elektricity
6. Mr Bidigan (Total Science Remix)
7. Plasticworld (Ft Fats & TC)- Pendulum
8. Rise and Shine- Netsky
9. Seven Years- Nu Tone & Natalie Williams
10. Space Between- Apex ft Ayah
11. The Trip - Logistics
12. Wishing Well (Danny Byrd Remix) - London Elektricity
Here I've posted Plasticworld and Space Between, 2 of my favorite ZONERS! And Ambition by Wale, which is an amazing song and always gets me in a productive mood.
Last year, when I was in my second year of Uni, I partied a lil too hard and ended up with eight huge assignments to do in ten days (looong story.). I locked myself up and just had to get on with it because I had no choice, but if it wasn't for the music I listened to I probably would have gone crazy, no way in hell could I have done those assignments in silence. Anyway, I found that when writing essays or doing any kind of work where I need to concentrate on what I am writing, lyricless music is always best because you still get the entertainment of listening to music, without the distraction of the lyrics. I can't listen to artists that get deep like J Cole or Drake when I'm working because I end up singing along or stopping what I'm doing to listen to what they're saying. I find the best type of music to listen to when working is mellow, atmospheric drum and bass. It's perfect to have in the background because you can work and zone to it at the same time...and at the risk of sounding like a total geek: it actually made doing assingments kind of fun. I'll give you a little motivational playlist to help you through those long nights of work, but if you're really not into drum and bass (which I don't even think you have to be to appreciate these tunes) I also reccommend listening to things like the Rich Forever mixtape by Rick Ross, or Wale Ambition because they are motivational in the more literal sense; these songs are about money and the kind of luxurious lifestyles that are usually the reason we are doing the work in the first place.
YOUR MOTIVATIONAL DNB PLAYLIST - These songs got me through some of my deadliest essays. Try them out, they blend right into the background and make essay writing a lil more enjoyable! (What minimal lyrics some of these songs do have wont be enough to distract you from your work.)
1. California - Danny Byrd ft Zarif
2. Daydreaming- Netsky
3. Deep Space- Sub Focus
4. Endless Search -Netsky
5. Failsafe - Danny Byrd ft London Elektricity
6. Mr Bidigan (Total Science Remix)
7. Plasticworld (Ft Fats & TC)- Pendulum
8. Rise and Shine- Netsky
9. Seven Years- Nu Tone & Natalie Williams
10. Space Between- Apex ft Ayah
11. The Trip - Logistics
12. Wishing Well (Danny Byrd Remix) - London Elektricity
Here I've posted Plasticworld and Space Between, 2 of my favorite ZONERS! And Ambition by Wale, which is an amazing song and always gets me in a productive mood.
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