Where The Ladies At?

You often hear people saying that they are proud to be 80’s babies ; however, I absolutely loved growing up in the 90’s for many different reasons. Television shows, the games, and fashion trends to name a few; but my favorite was THE MUSIC. The 1990’s era of music is one that I enjoyed listening to the most. Hip Hop and R&B dominated music’s culture at that time with so many different artists, groups, styles, and diversity. Furthermore, it was a time where female artists were heavily in existence and on the music scene.



If I were asked to write down how many female hip hop mainstream artists I could name from the 1990’s, I could fill up the entire page. The first ones that come to my mind are Lil Kim, Salt n Pepper, Missy Elliott, Foxy Brown, Left Eye, Da Brat, Queen Latifah, Eve, and MC Lyte. Now if we fast forward to the year 2014, if I were asked that same question, sadly to say I would have to ponder about what answers to give as a response. Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of talented female rappers up and coming and/or underground ; however, when it comes to mainstream, the ones we hear on the radio, see in the videos, and on award shows…there are very few. That raises questions and concerns for myself and I’m pretty sure other women in the world as well. Why has there been such a decline in Female Mainstream Rappers over the past several years? On the 2013 BET Awards, Nicki Minaj accepted an award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and stated that she was holding it down for all female rappers. And honestly speaking, Nicki Minaj has been dominate on the list of the few female mainstream rappers we have today, but is she a role model for other aspiring female rappers? In addition to Nicki’s BET award, in 2011 her single “Your Love” reached number 1 on the Billboard charts; something a female rapper has not done since 2003 when Lil’ Kim was number 1 for “Magic Stick” and in 2002 when Missy Elliott was number 1 for “Work it.” (Stats from Billboard.com).

What is the cause of this long silence from women in the industry? Is it because Hip Hop is a predominantly male genre? Is it because current female artists don’t have as many females here to foreshadow and help them along the way to get mainstream? I researched information to try to find answers to these questions and I came across an article by Erik Nielson, an assistant professor at The University of Richmond, where he teaches classes on Hip Hop culture and African American literature. When Nielson interviewed one of the pioneers of female hip hop, MC Lyte, she stated, “we've gone backwards," noting that the space she and others helped open up for women rappers appears to have closed off. “This is pretty much what it was like when women weren't able to get major recording and release opportunities." Furthermore, according to MC Lyte, “it's far more risky to sign women artists today because of the costs associated with their physical appearance. Hair, make-up and wardrobe all add up, and therefore women — who already face an uphill battle when it comes to selling records — become an even more questionable business proposition.” (MC Lyte).

After reading what MC Lyte said, I would have to agree with her. Back in the 1990’s, so many female rappers were in the limelight, shining, and hoping that other aspiring female rappers would be inspired and follow in there footsteps to make it to mainstream; but instead of there being a continuance, there was a break and then a silence. With regards to Lyte’s comment about it being to risky to sign women due to costs associated with their physical appearance, I do not find this surprising. When I reflect back to the 1990’s, female rappers dressed with their own individuality and style. Female rappers dressed their selves according to what fit their personality and not so much what society viewed as ‘sexy or appealing.’ Take for example, Missy Elliott’s two piece sweat suits with Kangol hats, Left eye’s colorful t-shirts and baggy pants, Da Brat’s bandana, sports bra, and leather pants, Queen Latifah’s African garb. Now if you fast forward to the hip hop industry today, it’s seems as though they expect the female rapper to dress in what’s provocative and sells their sexuality.

In addition to the expectation of the female rapper, I watched a documentary called “My Mic Sounds Nice: The Truth About Women and Hip Hop” by Ava DuVernay. In this she interviewed many female rappers from the 90’s and 2000’s era and spoke about the decrease in major record labels signing women. DuVernay states that “there were about 45 women hip-hop artists signed to major labels in the early nineties who were touring, making videos, and recording, compared to now, 2010, when there are only three women signed to major labels....that's a huge drop off but it is indicative of the change in the industry.” Along with the drop in major label signing, The Grammy Awards even removed ‘Best Female Rapper’ category from the award show in 2005.

I don’t know about you but I am tired of all of these expectations of what the industry expects female mainstream rappers to be. The materialistic things that people are focusing on are blocking the most important attribute that these females have, which is talent. I know that there are plenty of women out there who have all that it takes to be the next MC Lytes, Missy Elliotts, Lauryn Hills, Salt n Peppers, and Queen Latifahs of our new generation in 2014. I’m hoping and praying that they will continue to fight past these obstacles and let their talent, creativity, charisma, and style be their stepping stones to making it mainstream.