All Rappers Aren’t Sexist All The Time
All Rappers Aren’t Sexist All The Time
Just last week Snoop Doggy Dogg, known now simply as Snoop, announced that he owes it to his female fans to move forward producing more “female-friendly” records.Over his illustrious 18 years as a gangsta rapper Snoop has agreed that making songs that objectify and exploit women are just not that cool anymore.”I got to tone it down,” the husband and father of three admitted.Considering Snoop’s past repertoire of tunes, doing something more uplifting for women may be the inspiration needed for younger rappers. “I’ve always given my female fans bits and pieces and I feel like I owe them a whole record.” Unfortunately for us, sexism still is a part of the learned mainstream American culture, with rap music having one of the most condemned reputations for being misogynistic.Emcees releasing female-friendly rap songs are few and far between,and it’s still the status quo in rap to hear the words, “bitch,” and “ho.” Instead of beating a dead horse and focusing on the negative, we decided to give shoutouts to the 10 rappers and lyrics over the years that have glorified and shown appreciation and respect to black women.
“Make Me Better,” Fabolous ft. Neyo (2007)
Behind every great man, is an even greater woman. Fab salutes the women who support their men, and who unknowingly becomes their man’s “better half.”A woman with value, is one that Brooklyn bred rapper Fab says is hard to let go.
“Beautiful,” Snoop (2003)
Like he mentioned, Snoop has released a few “bits and pieces” of songs that show he isn’t a total sexist.On this track Snoop reminisces the feeling of first meeting his “favorite girl,” and revels in her beauty both on the inside and outside.
“Womanology,” KRS One (2005)
In this song the throwback rapper preaches on the way women and men act toward each other, is a clear case of cause and effect.If men want a women that treats them right, it begins with the man taking responsibility and treating the women like the Queen she was intended to be.
“Independent,” Webbie (2007)
Southern rapper created a catchy hook, spelling out the word independent to show his appreciation for the females who have their own.Women who work hard to take care of themselves, stay fly, and are able to attain their own money, urging the ladies who lack ambition and drive to “sit down.”
“Dear Mama,” Tupac (1995)
Tupac reminded us all the struggles of single black mothers, and how much of a responsibility it is to be a mother period.That no matter how great or terrible we may have thought our moms to be, there’s no one who deserves our appreciation and respect more than a strong black mother.
“U Make Me Wanna,” Jadakiss ft. Mariah Carey (2004)
Jadakiss respects the woman who respects the hustle.In a relationship that had a rocky start, he sings praises to the woman who endured it all, and stuck with him, appreciating a love that has also become a deep rooted friendship.
“Black Girl Pain,” Talib Kweli (2004)
As a father, conscious rapper Talib Kweli offers black little girls everywhere a daddy’s love on this track.He uses the song to help others realize the importance of watching over our young black women, and treating them like princesses so they grow one day to be queens.
“All I Need,” Method Man (1995)
Still living the fast life, the gritty Method Man recognizes on this track he has a woman that will ride or die for her man.And, instead of taking her long lasting love for granted or manipulating her loyalty, he knows she has become all he needs to get by.
“The Light,” Common ft. (2000)
Framed as a love letter,Common’s confess his love for a woman in the most tender way. He affectionately explained why if your real man the word bitch is no name for a woman, and the how the reflection of light in woman is warmth for a man.
“Keep Ya Head Up,” Tupac (1993)
“And since we all came from a woman, got our name from a woman, and our game from a woman, I wonder why we take from our women? Why we rape our women? Do we hate our women? I think it’s time to kill for our women.Time to heal our women, be real to our women.” The lyrics say it all.