Reshaping the Narrative: The Rise of “Rap Girlies” Against the Grain of Misogyny in Hip-Hop

Challenging Stereotypes, One Rhyme at a Time

For far too long, the narrative surrounding women in the hip-hop industry was plagued by the limited visibility of female MCs and the prevailing idea that men were disinterested in hearing women rap. Yet, this landscape has grown increasingly vibrant over the past four years, with the emergence of a cohort of young, tenacious, and artistically compelling female rappers referred to as “rap girlies”. This new wave of charismatic MCs, including talents like Brooklyn’s Lola Brooke, Atlanta’s Latto, and Hackensack, New Jersey’s Coi Leray, is rewriting the script.

These ambitious women draw inspiration from trailblazers like Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Trina, and Nicki Minaj. They understand the potency of sisterhood, as emphasized by the likes of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, and they are unapologetically stepping into their power.

Clashing with Industry Norms

While it’s invigorating to witness the ascent of numerous female rappers, the industry’s focus on materialism, oversexualization, and perpetuation of stereotypes is concerning. Each record adds a verse to a battle they fight; against misogyny, racial biases, and attempts to diminish their lyrical prowess.

Megan Thee Stallion’s journey underlines harsh realities female rappers face: enduring harassment and misogyny, while Oprah Winfrey’s withdrawal from the HBO documentary about Russell Simmons’ alleged rape victims serves another stark reminder. Dr. Dre’s Global Impact Grammy Award amid abuse allegations underscores the industry’s continued tolerance for insidious misogyny.

Laying Fresh Tracks: The Evolution of Women MCs

Regardless of these obstacles, this new generation of female rappers are shattering barriers, particularly with the help of visual platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Sexual explicitness has long been normalized, however, this new wave embraces a girlish allure that has long been deemed a taboo.

Artists like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Eve showcased how beauty, style, and sex appeal can co-exist with lyrical dominance. This current crop of female rappers have managed to carve out their own paths, with artists like Rapsody advocating for diversity in representation.

Existing limitations are evident in Saweetie’s experiences, bringing to light preconceived notions that often overlook the commitment and talent these artists bring to their music. Despite these hurdles, the likes of Saweetie, Megan Thee Stallion, and JT continue to navigate an industry that is often hostile but also ripe with possibilities.

DPH Hot take

At DPH, we applaud the resilience, creativity, and dynamism of these female rappers, as they rise boldly above the odds. In a world where intersectional representation in the music industry is lacking, their emergence has given a voice to a demographic long overlooked. While they’re often up against industry norms, these ladies are rewriting narratives, carving out fresh tracks for themselves and the generations to come.

However, as these rappers continue to rise, the industry must become a place of inclusivity, where they can thrive unencumbered by stereotypes or misogyny. Hip-Hop, like any art form, should be a reflection of a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives. The growing prominence of female rappers in the Hip-Hop scene should be seen as an industry evolution and not as culture shock. Just as hip hop continues to evolve so should the narrative about women in the industry. Respect and equality in the industry should be the track that we all are grooving to.