Janelle Monáe understands Hip Hop has its own issues to reckon with in regards to change.
On Friday (July 3), the singer/actress wrote on Twitter, “I really only ever wanna hear women rapping. The amount of misogyny from most of men in rap and music is infuriating. We need to abolish that shit too.
“Y’all can’t wait to call women every bitch, hoe, discuss violent acts against women, etc for clout in rap, rock, and through out music history,” she continued. “Misogny has NEVER been okay yet it has become normalized. Women didn’t create misogny, y’all did. SO YOU DO THE WORK to ABOLISH IT.”
She added in a follow-up tweet, “The only gas lighting I accept is the gas we lighting to burn down the misogyny.”
Monáe’s sentiments were shared by actor Indya Moore who wanted to go one step further.
“Abolish culturalized sexism, misogyny, queerphobia, anti blackness & toxic counterfeit masculinity from all of art,” the Pose star wrote. “But especially the forms of it that reperpetuate these cycles in black culture via black music. Let’s { keep our artists} & challenge them to transform inside-out.”
The calls for an end to misogyny in Hip Hop are well documented from the likes of Dee Barnes to artists such as Queen Latifah, Rapsody and more.
The Breakdown: "MC The M Is For Misogyny: Does Hip Hop Hate Women?"
In 2018, Murs broke it down for HipHopDX’s The Breakdown series and the history of the use of the word “bitch” in Hip Hop, showcasing how prevalent misogyny is in rap lyrics. According to Genius’ Rap Stats, the word is the second most used word in Hip Hop, only behind “nigga.”
The reckoning in regards to misogyny and more has been everywhere in 2020 from the Russell Simmons documentary On The Record to titans of the industry wanting to tear down old norms.
In her graduation speech to the class of 2020, Beyoncé told the class, “The entertainment business is still very sexist. It’s still very male-dominated and as a woman, I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to what I knew I had to do — to run my label, and management company, to direct my films and produce my tours that meant ownership, owning my masters, owning my art, owning my future and writing my own story.”
Why don’t we cancel the while planet while we’re at it. Just stop. Here’s a list of female rappers I like: Lady of Rage, Rah Digga, Jean Grae. Ladybug Mecca maybe, Rapsody maybe, T-Love maybe. Who can name dope female lyricist? Go
whut does that have to do with any thing she said??
If you know you know
Sa-Roc, 3D Natee, Gifted Gab, SNOW…there was a few monstas out there, but they don’t rap about tricking for money and getting their pussy ate…so, they aren’t pop…smh.
i thought she identified as non binary aka them or they not as a woman or a man
How she gonna complain about male rappers being misogynistic when youve got women like Cardi B and Megan The STD proudly rapping about being essentially escorts? Thot rappers do more to disrespect women than any male rapper ever could
Yeah we know the state of hip hop amongst men is bad right now but the women aren’t representing either. Meg the Stallion and Cardi B are the two biggest women acts but both are terrible as well. All they talk about is sucking dick, twerking, and selling pussy. Niggas ain’t listening to that shit the women are. So it’s easy for her to talk shit about the men because if she would’ve called out the Meg’s and Cardi’s it would’ve caused a shit storm.
COULD NOT AGREE MORE. A-FUCKING-MEN. Best comment I’ve ever read on this site.
And where does this lack of moral compass and ratchet shit originate from?? Daddy issues
It’s a Man’s world
“..But.. it would be a thinggg .. without a womannnn” (wat JB sang)
I think hiphop needs to tone it down a bit, it was a culture mislead by ignorance, but it’s also a culture that’s dominated by youth, and you will hear a lot of the youth just following the suit that the forefathers left for them. It is just a viscious cycle. But when you listen to forefathers that are still active and putting out content, notice how their stance and content has changed for the better. But to think that men don’t have a point of view, just as ladies do, is foolish. We are of two different genders. Don’t get upset with a man because he’s a man. But men also need maturity and experience to learn that you don’t have to put too much testosterone into your music just to sound masculine.
It’s even with the violence. It’s a male-driven, testosterone-fueled genre
Hip Hop isn’t a culture. It’s a subculture.
Y’all act like this is up to us. Labels push this, why you think everyone rapping out it at once? Why you think every rapper mentions percs? Some of these artists have even admitted they don’t use the drugs they rap about, what does that tell you? The substance comes from their bosses, unless they independent
just don’t quit
Motherfucc you damn shithed biitch
It’s Too Short, on the mic and it don’t stop
And it don’t stop, and it won’t stop, beeatch
Check out my style
Dumm bee biting the hands that feed & fed her don’t they teach sticks n stones anymore? Just cus u not a freak don’t mean Betty down the street don’t like every hol filt
With all due respect to Janelle Monae, and others of her ilk, hip hop is not for you. I can definitely understand the point that many women consumers of hip hop make that hip hop is a cesspool of patriarchy and toxic masculinity, but the truth is that early hip hop and underground hip hop artists, don’t mention nor show women in their songs and videos respectively. I was listening to Showbiz & A.G.’s “Next Level” video the other day and I noticed that they didn’t have women in the videos at all. The music was neither for nor about women, in other words, the targeted demographic for rap music was not women.
They walked into an institution that wasn’t designed for them and complained about how it was. I don’t hear about men complaining that R&B being to feminine or soft. Recognize what is or isn’t for you, and move on. The fact that they don’t begs the question: how come they never listen to the music they claim they want to hear? If you want music that’s truly progressive female hip hop, why don’t you listen to Nitty Scott, Oshun, Jean Grae, Rapsody, and Sa-Roc just to name a few female emcees off of the top of my head. I think these twitter sound bites are cute, but these public figures aren’t truly about what they speak on.
If you’re unwilling to apply your “woke thoughts” to yourself & your habits, you’re a hypocrite. Or since you’re an artist, make that music and see how far it gets you. Then, instead of attacking the artform, you’ll discover that it’s the music industry that you work for that’s responsible for the toxicity you half-heartedly bemoan about.
THE BEST FUCKIN STATEMENT ON THIS FEED. when I see what she is saying… I’m also asking myself is that what she wants? Cause Before You Work On Backyard you HAVE to WORK On your HOUSE & They will Kick Her Out Before They Let Her Suggest That ..
But wen did Janelle monae ever have toxic lyrics that were detrimental to women lmao
*to men
I think the point is, it starts when you and your friends are dancing in the club. If people weren’t feeling the songs, then they wouldn’t be played. That’s how you will make a change, when you boycott something but you yourself will only follow through if the culture automatically bends to your will, then your kinda a hypocrite and probably shouldn’t be saying much. Be the change before you ask others to is my point.
Uh, her stupid ass statements are just that.
Excellently said! Janelle will be quick to put it all on “toxic masculinity” and “patriarchy”, but won’t check her own kind at all that makes the same type of shit about dudes. Do you wanna be a part of the change of the culture as a whole or just down with what your specific gripes are? Let me stop before this becomes an “All Of Hip-Hop Cultures Matter”-esque topic
Again, it’s cool to have personal tastes in the music you like, but if you’re unwilling to do listen to the music that feeds your soul, you’re contradicting yourself. So you don’t want the objectification of women in hip hop, but before you were saying “Baby, bend over/ let me see you do that yoga.” Be the change or stfu. I actually like her music, i just hate hypocrisy. Stop attacking the music because your afraid to go after your industry bosses.
I know bro, I like my pimpin and hustlin music. I need to backhand women at least once a day to get my fix. Women have no place in hip hop or anywhere. Men created everything and who invited the women? Keep up the good fight of misogyny and men’s rights!
what’s funny is she saying that shit but the celebrity shit been played out. I can’t say who should do what but thought provoking rap ain’t or will ever be mainstream. even Cole said he ain’t woke like that…shit dumb
she admitted she dances to it. So until the hoes in the club aren’t dancing to it it won’t get banned. Also “Anaconda” and “Twerk” were recorded by women…so…
I’m a woman and lesbian I’m very happy where hip Hop at. It’s def improved last few months, signing way more women. Janelle I think she’s excessive. And there’s a wide range of types of lyrics ranging from conscious to sexual. U even got LGBT. I’m happy rn. For years Minaj ensured only she existed. Now, there’s plenty. Altho same as men the top sellers r not the best artistically..but that’s pop.
So. How do you chose who eats first? Also, what happens when talks are on your periods? No fucking? If you DON’T like ducking men, why use didos. Please answer.
oh i get sick and tired of having to change this and change that. these people won’t be happy until we are living in a fucking utopia.
LOL at angry black females thinking they have any say over ANYTHING
People want to censor art, which is crazy to me that people don’t see the very irony and problems with doing that… if you made something illegal to talk about in music, than all is lost. This lady doesn’t realize that if she wants a cultural change, she needs to change the culture, not the art surrounding it. Change the culture and the art will reflect. Force people to censor their art and you will spread more hate than intended.
Well stated.
Good luck, too many hard heads to try and talk sense to. If someone speaks up against the culture or has a different point of view, they’re racist or uncle toms. It hurts the movement and the bottom line. I would love to see the culture promote more education and business leaders rather than entertainers leading the march….and save me the speech about how these entertainers are smart and know what they’re doing. Don’t drink the punch
The best thing about the pandemic is that there are no clubs open, so maybe this vapid rap will disappear.
Nah clubs are open. There are stubborn major cities out there
Shut the fuck up, get in the kitchen and make me a sandwich.
While I agree with some of what she saying, I don’t want to hear just women rapping. I can’t relate to it and I don’t really enjoy it . But there are a few exceptions. I just think they need to push every form of hip hop not just the cussing and bitching.
Wasn’t she signed to Puffy? STFU hypocrite. Work on your first platinum plaque. Every album has been a flop.
And if you go and listen to this lady’s last album, why in the freak does she think that men can’t talk under a woman’s (or man’s) clothing as she does on this album?
Your comment made no sense whatsoever. Please re-post in English. Thanks.
Instead of saying this, JM should just promote the artists she listens to.
ya shes says that but you listen to every frmale artist out there and they saying just as ratchet shit as men say. you thinkin id let my daughter vibe to megan the dude and nikki? stfu
Hahahahaha. This delusional bitch. “I really only want to hear women rapping.” there isn’t a single female MC in any of the GOATS top 20 lists for a reason. There are definitely some dope female MC’s out there. NONE of them have a classic album or more than a handful of songs that are dope. Janelle’s weirdo lesbian ass needs to shut the fuck up stat. I’ve listened to most of her work a few times and can’t name one song.
Uhhh MC Lyte would like to have a word with you
Smfh get a life captain save a hoe
If “toxic masculinity” exists, then by definition “female toxicity” exists. This is a perfect example of just that. This bitch was dating some ball player or rapper, instead of a normal guy, got cheated on and went lez and hates men now. She needs to shut her sexist mouth.
Another democrat trying to silence freedom of speech and expression .democrat members themselves are why ppl voted for trump.. noone infringes on freedoms more than ppl who call for freedom
Very true indeed.
In one sentence she rallys against religions forcing woman 2 be lesser, than in another says we need 2 end islamaphobia.. do people even think b4 they write things?
It’s okay to rally against misogyny while still acknowledging the positive aspects of that religion/person/place. If you’re my homie and I tell you to stop using the N-word, it don’t mean you’re not the homie. It just means I want you to stop using the N-word. Many forms of Islam are misogynist but that doesn’t mean that innocent people who practice Islam without bothering anyone deserve to die.
If you think you can tell your “homies” what words they can and can’t say you must not have many friends left.
How bout we abolish Twitter instead?
Do you. Freedom of speech is fuck off white people and republicans. Every time we try to have a discussion here your stalking dumb ass come. Sorry we’re so fascinating that you follow us with every breath you take. Now get off on that with your weak nothing ass.
Yeah ok you get a taste of your own medicine and you dont like it lol. You racist cock sucker. You dont get to put out false ridiculous narratives and try to force them on people and think you are not gonna get fact checked.
In the black culture you have African Americans and then you have niggas.. Niggas are running the show right now. In the 90s, we preached love through our music, black power and unity. R&B was too powerful in a positive way. Now whites sing R&B and let the niggas take over rap. White people said, we don’t have to degrade blacks anymore, we’ll just pay them to do it to themselves. We’re the only culture of people who normalize calling our women bitches and hoes. It use to be only a few songs, now its every song. Little girls are growing up thinking its normal for a man to call them that. When did men stop protecting women. As a black women, I feel men only care when the issue pertains to them. When black men are being treated unfairly, we march.. but as soon as we say “hey we love your music, but can you just please stop calling us bitches and hoes” it becomes a problem. When men say well Cardi (Puerto Rican) and Megan do it, yall don’t say nothing. First off, they are trash as well. Second, thats just as bad as white people saying “well black people kill black people”. I’ve never in my life been degraded by a white man to my face, but I have several times by a black man. We have so much hatred towards our own people and that needs to be fixed. We need black love and unity back and that needs to be reflected in our music… periodt