Will Mainstream Rap Ever Stop Objectifying Women?

Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday that isn't a national holiday, Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to
their culture.

Photo illustration by John Seaborn Gray

Not Invited: Kanye West's affinity for corpses

This Week's Prompt: Kanye's "Monster" video was banned by MTV, apparently because some activists said it portrayed women in a negative light - not all that surprising for a rap video - and its use of sexy corpses implicitly glamorized the brutalization of women (still not that surprising). So, the question is this: Will there ever be a way to have mainstream hip-hop that does not deaden morals towards women?

Bun B: Well yes, but no one buys or supports that music on radio, video, shows or concerts more than women. Not girls... women.

Rap Round Table: So then there's really no reason to aim for that? Monetarily, we'd guess not. But is there some type of intellectual high ground we should all try to ascend to anyway, despite the fact that it might not be necessary?

BB: Of course, but the objectification of women is not just in hip-hop. It's a societal issue. Hip-hop is just an easier target.

RRT: Bingo. So it's an extension (actualization) of a larger, more fundamental issue, which essentially makes it indistinguishable then?

BB: To me, it's about authenticity. The problem is the fake pimps, ballers and thugs in hip-hop/rap that blow up and misrepresent us.

Lil Flip: In life, you meet great women and some are trash. So if a rap song addresses trash, a great woman shouldn't be offended by it. But in my new [music], I spend more time uplifting or people to handle life like grownups. I'm not a role model, I just a play a model's role.

D-Risha: Okay, you have a two-part answer to this. I'ma keep it to the point.

First of all, as many aspiring rappers that pop up on a daily basis, there are aspiring models who don't have what it takes but want the attention/fame and would jump at the chance without a thought of being exploited.

Secondly, sex is big business for hip-hop and it's too lucrative for it. In my opinion, the moment it will slow down is when the women who buy the records stop and the publicist/manager of said artist wakes up for themselves.