It’s officially Women’s History Month, and I’ve been writing the Sneaker Wave column for a while now. It’s time to talk about my relationship with hip-hop.
First off, I don’t identify as a “hip-hop head.” I like other genres and artists, too! That surprises a lot of people, because I can often be found in the front rows of local hip-hop shows every week—I have my own goddamn column because of it. But the truth is, while I do love hip-hop, it’s pretty complicated between us.
I’m sick and tired of having to endure, overlook, and weigh the damages of the sexist, misogynistic lyrics in some of my favorite songs. I know some of you niggas are going to read this and ask, “How come you’re spotlighting hip-hop as misogynist when other genres like rock are just as bad? You’re racist toward your own community!” My hypothetical response? I have a Portland-focused hip-hop column, not a rock column. Just because other genres are sexist doesn’t mean I’m not going to address sexism in my own community. WTF? That’s some Cosby apologist shit.
ANYWAY! Whenever I’m listening to projects from Kanye, 2Pac, Travis Scott, or even Drake, there’s one girl atop my left shoulder unabashedly twerking her heart out. But on my right, a tiny feminist sparks a joint and begins to deconstruct the way each song’s lyrics uphold the patriarchy by positioning women as disposable sex objects. And it’s not just about calling us “bitches”—a term I’ve made an individual effort to reclaim. It’s annoying that I’m put in a place where I have to decide what’s okay versus what’s inexcusable. Femme, queer, and trans folks have to accept so much misogyny in order to participate in hip-hop culture at all. (R&B, too!)
