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Sexism and gender inequity are never too far beneath the surface when a man in the music industry chooses to criticize a female rapper’s lyrical content. Recently, record and television producer Jermaine Dupri appeared flummoxed in an interview when asked to identify any good women who rap. He responded: “I can’t really say. I feel they’re all rapping about the same thing. I don’t think they’re showing us who’s the best rapper. For me, it’s like strippers rapping and as far as rap goes I’m not getting who’s the best.” Dupri’s misogynist and sexist remarks drew a sharp...
Although there are obviously misogynistic attitudes/practices in the hip hop community, you are out of touch in this scenario. He was asked about “current female rappers”, to which there are only 3 or 4 depending on how you define current/successful. He gave a specific answer without negativity or judgement. He didn’t say stripping was wrong or that women, in general, rap about the same thing. He gave a clear answer on why he didn’t favor one rapper over another because they have similar sounds. He built his company with women and praises them often. But because he has an unfavorable opinion about the industry darlings, he’s a misogynist? This is not a conversation about men vs. women in hip hop, but a conversation about the generation gap in hip hop.
Some artists STILL haven’t learned. A real artist doesn’t down another artist. There are millions of people who call themselves artists. We all know most won’t be billionaires. Many will make a few records and won’t be around in five years. If you don’t ‘like’ the music someone else created, don’t listen further. Shame on those who critique others in this way. This is ignorance of the highest calibre. Black crabs in a barrel. Haven’t you had enough of that from slave days?