Mainstream Hip Hop Shows A Misinterpretation of Masculinity

As my search continues i have gotten deaper and deaper into my topic. So many of today's mainstream Hip Hop tracks reflect a very twisted version of what some think to be masculinity. Sex, drugs, violence, and basically treating women like dirt seem to be exploited all over the place. "But if sex and violence sell — particularly when combined — there's nothing anybody can do about it." (Sood )



Or is there?? How could we turn tracks like this into better music for listeners all over?

"When I met you last night baby
Before you opened up your gap
I had respect for ya lady
But now I take it all back"
-- Snoop Doggy Dogg

"From the window to the wall
To the sweat drop down my ba**s
All you b**ches crawl"
-- Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz

"Man this h*e you can have her,
when I'm done I ain't gon keep her
Man, b**ches come and go, every ni**a pimpin know"
-- 50 Cent

If this is what people think masculinity is about they are sadly mistaken. Yes, men are supposed to be strong [thats what makes them men], however does degrading women and acting violent for no reason make them strong. I think it makes them the complete opposite. Men that have to show off by treating women like dirt or wanting to be violent for little to no reason at all are pretty much WEAK! Showing off isnt just shown in actions either, artists who are violent or degrading in their lyrics are also showing off. "As they say actions speak louder than words." However words sometimes influence actions.

Certain songs with lyrics such as these mess it up for the whole genre because critics hear that they automatically think Hip Hop is bad. There are so many talented artists in the music industry that can accomplish so much with the power they have with words but they throw it all away on what they think[or the record company thinks] will sell the best. It seems that when an artist first hits the music scene and they make all these obsene tracks they come out on top but when they really come into their own and make good music the fans seem to fall off. Dont get me wrong im not saying that artists shouldnt talk about their personal lives or expierences which sometimes could appear obsene, but they could go about talking about it in a better way. If the fans are loyal enough they would stick around to hear the betterment of the Hip Hop industry.

Heres an example of a more recent popular song that instead of degrading women praises her good qualities and shows her love:

"Think about a certain... certain somebody
That perfect somebody sexy purple body
She got service road curves and highway eyes
The road to her soul, just follow the road signs
And holla if you hear me I love it when she near me
I hate when she away and satan see the day
That hell freeze over me for I let her go" -lil wayne

As far as Hip Hop influencing the actions of society goes it may have some effect but not as much as people think. Yes, Hip Hop artists tend to set trends that are easily followed by its listeners but its of the listeners own free choice. Same goes with violent and dangerous actions that may be suggested by an artists lyrics or the artist him/her self. People have to make their own descions and a genre of music should not be blamed or penalized for individuals stupid mistakes.

The real question now is how can we bring a good message through a genre of music that so many love? Some have already accompished this but so much more can be done. Can we rise to this challenge to create a great change?

Sood, Suemedha. "Beyond Beats and Rhymes: Masculinity in Hip Hop." wiretap.org 01 03 2005 21 May 2008