Misogyny In Rap

Pardon the pun, but when it comes to degrading and sexist representations of women in music, does hip hop deserve its bad rap? Almost exclusively blamed for the negative images of women in music videos, hip hop is often perceived as unforgivingly misogynistic. In hip hop and rap, many of the lyrics and images portray women of all ethnicities as sexual objects and depict the exploitation of and violence against women. The image of dozens of semi-naked women dancing provocatively around one blinged-out rapper has become standard in music videos. Similarly, pimps have morphed from abusive, controlling and criminal men to trendy, stylish icons. Hip hop has become a mess of unrealistic and arguably dangerous images of female sexuality.
Ludacris’ song and video “Pimping All Over the World” is a good example of misogyny (hatred towards women) in hip hop. The lyrics list women off like possessions: “The fancy cars, the women and the caviar.” Further, the singer dismisses the woman’s protests that he uses her for
The pimp is someone that subordinates women, limiting their financial independence and exploiting women as a sexual commodity to be bought and sold. Yet, Nelly markets “Pimp Juice,” a neon green energy drink, and 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg released a song titled “P.I.M.P.” When a hip hop artist takes on this role, he not only continues to spread negative beliefs about women, but he also makes it cool. The hip hop obsession with pimps celebrates the pimp as a smooth-talking, hip-dressing figure, who is the embodiment of power and a pop culture icon. But being a pimp is not a glamorous occupation and the hip-hop representation of pimps ignores the criminality and cruelty of the profession. In reality, pimps are violent, oppressive and criminal, exploiting women and girls for sex and