It's A Mans World, and Woman Are Just Living In It. NOT

Women are more respectful to men in their music and men disrespect women in their music. Hip-hop artist Ciara, illustrates a dominance of admiring a man for what he is. Although some of her songs do not do just that, she manages to respect a male and does not call a male inappropriate names. She creatively expresses her videos by using the male figure to tell the proper story of her songs. Some of her songs for example, "Like a boy", she sings about how men are cheaters and liars. She is talking down on how men are but she does not show the men half naked, nor in her lyrics does she ever say inappropriate things about them.

In comparison to Ciara, Rapper Tyga fails to appreciate a woman in many of his videos. The rapper has caused controversy wether certain of his videos should be shown to the public. His music usually tells the story of girls and how everywhere he goes he gets these females. In most of his videos he shows women's bodies and not in a good way. He uses certain angles of their bodies most of the time, and have all of the women that are part of his videos, wear little clothes on to show off their "curves". He not only sexually shows the woman, but his inappropriate lyrics show how little respect he has for woman.



-Stephanie.

More Power to You

One of the most famous rappers, Jay-Z vowed to remove the word “bitch” to describe woman after the birth of daughter Blue Ivy Carter. He has probably realized that he was being somewhat sexist during his rapping career only after the birth of his daughter. Rappers do not realize that they should have been respecting women from the start, which possibly shows how he was actually not raised to be a man and respect women. Although he used the terms and shared the thoughts in his music to express extortion of woman, after the realization that he would not want a man to disrespect his daughter, he changed his whole views. He then goes on openly telling NY Daily News, "Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich/ I didn't think hard about using the word bitch/I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it/Now with my daughter in this world I curse those that give it. No man will degrade her, or call her name/I'm so focused on your future, the degradation has passed." http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-01-16/news/30633543_1_jay-z-beyonc-poem

 Taking into consideration, Society has now become a custom to use sex as acceptance. Sometimes rappers mention "bitches" and sex because rap has evolved into just being about that. They can disrespect every single woman and the audience can be perfectly fine when done so. Society does mold rap to certain communities to bring up woman and sex to disrespect. Not all rappers are the same. Rapper Common, propels the cultural downfalls and raps about the issues, and problems that his community are exploited to. Every rapper comes from the "bottom" and have now rised to success, yet common is one of the only rappers that focuses about his people rather than "hoes" and sex.

Common focuses on the hardships of people's lives and can rap about the things African Americans go though, and not focus on how he gets girls. For example, in his song Testify, it is noticeable that he used a woman in the video, but this time he uses her to tell the story of something so severe and is realistic to show what actually happens to people in actual life.

-Stephanie.

How Beyonce Expresses Feminism In Her Music Videos

Beyoncé, a successful R&B artist has always seemed to express her feelings of woman dominance in her music career. Her past album, "I am Sasha Fierce" featured songs like "If I Were A Boy “expressed how men are dishonest and lack of trust. In her music video she plays the role of the man in the relationship and shows how life would be like if she were the man but at the end it reflects back to her as the women, hurt and misunderstood. It seems as though Beyoncé is talking down on men but then turns bipolar of her feelings about a loved one on her song "Halo".

She expresses her self, as "Diva" and that woman should be dominant rather than men. In society it is known for men to be more dominant than women and she is trying to change that. Beyoncé’s recent album "4" also I could say is bipolar with music like "Who Run The World (Girls)" and "I care" a song about how she cares about her love that "Doesn't really care". But at the end of it, it can be strongly agreed that she is a feminist.

She does not always want to write music about love but more as the life of the party and not depressing music but music that would cheer one up. Not only can you tell, but hear that women rule the world is quite comical but in Beyoncé’s eyes it's true. Her husband Jay-Z (Rap artist) has collaborated with her music as well but perhaps she has changed Jay-Z perspective on women? In December 2011 Beyoncé and Jay-Z had a child named Blue Ivy and after the birth of their child Jay-Z refused now to use the phrase "Bitch" in his music. But perhaps it’s not all because of Blue Ivy Carter but perhaps her outlook on the term "Bitch" too.

By: Karina Aguirre

Can't Beat Them, Join Them

Not only are the male rappers in the down grading women action but female artist as well.  Female rappers are taking the roll of trying to act like a male in their music by talking bad about woman. As we take a look at female rapper Honey Cocaine from rapper Tyga’s group “Last Kings”, she fluently raps about women being “bitches”. In her song, “Heisman” the collaboration with Tyga, follow on in saying some things like, "fuck you, pay me's what I told the bitch, you can't walk or talk, I own you bitch." This makes the hip hop artist sound like a man, considering that woman is what they usually rap about.

History repeats itself.

It is ironic that women disrespect women as well, because there was a time where women fought for equality and fought for respect from men. Woman fought for their rights for the reason that they no longer wanted to be the inferior sex, but rather prove to society that they are capable of being more than just an object in a mans life. But throughout history, women have gained that respect by taking a male’s task in the working business and their own success. Although they have gained that respect, the respect has short lived. Instead of male rappers exploiting women, some female rappers are now contributing to the disrespect phenomenon. In order to be successful in rap, the women have to take that roll as a man too. Women are exploiting their own sex. Female hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj, has a big influence too in rapping about "bitches" and "hoes". She entered the male dominated hip-hop game and only to take on the music the same way males do.

Some of her lyrics on her single "Did it on em'", mentions how she does not like "bitches" and they do not mean anything to her.

-Stephanie.

“B*%@$”

The word “Bitch” has been used ever since the up rise in hip-hop and rap became alive. Although alternatives like Sugar hill Gang where more about having fun with hip hop in the 70’s, gangsta rap was brought up as the street rap in the late 80’s early 90’s. Rappers like NWA, Dr. Dre, and Tupac were innovators as using woman, “bitches “ as one of the main subjects of their music. The term “bitch” is usually used to insult a woman and claims they’re the “female dogs”. Although not every rapper believes every woman is a “bitch”, they still use bitch in their music instead of saying women or female. Most rappers for example Too Short, exploit women as just being “sluts” and “bitches” rather than appreciating women.  

 One of the biggest songs that opened a lot of doors for the term was “Bitches Ain’t Shit”, by Dr. Dre ft. Daz, Snoop dogg and Kurrupt. At the time the song was released there was an epidemic of AIDS awareness and more people were introduced to sexual relationships at early ages. Rather than rapping about awareness of AIDS affecting their community, the song provokes the ideology that using woman as sexual objects is a good thing and possibly an acceptance to the community. These rappers are looked up as role models by so many fans and by providing the image of anti respect for woman, it molds their minds to making them believe that this is the right way to treat women.

I’m not saying every guy thinks this way, but the bad exploitation of woman to a younger, teenage audience can make them believe that all women should be treated as a "bitch", rather than respecting them. The action to treat a women like a “dog” should not make males think they are tough and that much gangster, that’s why it is time to turn that around.

Women should not be sexual objects but be respected.

-Stephanie.

Who Is Lady Gaga's Audience?

Lady Gaga, five time Grammy award winner. Is known for her extravagant clothing and odd performances that keeps people talking about how she is living in a fantasy. Lady Gaga wants to be known for her unique style and especially wants to impress her fans. She said that she believes that anyone and everyone have the privilege to change the world and that "Pop culture is our religion" (Lady Gaga). In a typical mainstream video women are dancing and men typically are not. But in Gaga’s videos men are half dressed wearing usually heels or strange clothing not manly men would not wear.

So is Gaga looking to reach out to certain viewers like the gay community? Or is she being misunderstood? Lady Gaga has a large fan based of the gay community but she is not just expressing that it is okay to be gay or lesbian but more, as you should love yourself for whom you are. But not all people who listen to Lady Gaga are just gay or lesbian. When you listen to her music you do not picture what her video would consist of until you witnessed her music videos. Lady Gaga is an artistic music artist and she expresses her view of art in her videos and not something vague but outside the box. Why is the way she expresses herself more adored by the gay community and seen as "odd" and "strange" by the straight community? I have witnessed a group of gay males who adore lady Gaga but they see her as not caring about how she expresses herself and how she respects anyone for who they are and how she expresses it in her song "Born this way"".

Her videos portray that not only are women dancers but men as well. Though Lady Gaga will continue to impress us she will continue to express how men and women are equal and not just see women as the sex object in the video. Gaga's uniqueness and extravagant style seems to be rubbing off on other artist like Nicki Minaj and Christina Aguilera. Not only is Lady Gaga will continue to change our view of what music videos are like rather than the average video but more as an artistic video.



By: Karina Aguirre

How Latin Artist Portray Women in Music

Not all male music artists portray women as sex objects in their music videos. For example Bachata artist Romeo Santos portrays women as classy, sexy women. In the videos the women and her beauty usually mesmerize him. Or rather his lyrics explain a love story, and not a story about sex, drugs, partying and alcohol. Though Romeo Santos is not a Hip-hop, rap, and R&B artist his recent album featured R&B and Hip hop artist like Lil Wayne and Usher. His Bilingual album The Formula: Vol 1 has changed his main focus on “Bachata” music to a variety of genres like Pop, R&B, and Spanish Pop. If we compare a Spanish/English artist like Pitbull you notice that Pitbull’s songs portray women as sex objects and mainly about partying and alcohol unlike Romeo Santos who doesn’t disrespect women in a way of talking about her body as a sexual object but more of her body in a poetic statement and in a way that women are beautiful. Santos in his early music career did not plan on singing his own music but wanted to pursue his dreams as a songwriter. He said his true passion was journalism. And now he produces and preforms his own music. Although his fan base is mainly the Latino community, he is still adored by the English speaking community for his poetic music towards love.

His recent music video “La diabla/Mi Santa” translation “My Holy devil” is a music video from his recent album. In the video Romeo Santos commences his video sitting down and playing poker with a women who is the mysterious, rebellious women he loves. And although the woman is “Devilish” she is his true love. Romeo may still have a scene in the video where he is kissing in bed with the women but is not overly exposing her body like Pitbull’s video “Hotel Room Service” Where women are dancing around throwing money around. And hotel host are dressed with revealing blazers and wearing a bowtie. Pitbull has multiple women in bed in his hotel room. Every second and scene of the music video shows him with women in bed or by his side. He makes women look like they are throwing themself at him and men in general. And in a scene Pitbull’s girlfriend came to find Pitbull in a hotel with women in his bed, after she overly yells at him, he shrugs and goes on with the party with women in his room; Showing that he is unfaithful.

We are comparing to popular Latin artist Romeo Santos and Pitbull. In Pitbull's video he not only has a woman in his video but a multiple women. And Romeo Santos has one woman. This not only portrays Pitbull as a womanizer but how women throw themselves at Pitbull and dressed in their bras and underwear. While Romeo Santos video shows one women with him, and not talking down on her or just wants the women for a good time at a hotel. As an artist it seems not that important to keep an image to your viewers you will always be criticized although it is for entertainment. Viewers have a specific view on you, if your consistently showing women in videos and portraying them as sex objects you will be known as an artist for showing disrespect to women.

By: Karina Aguirre

Thin Line Between Sexy and Trashy

Not only do the top men in hip hop cause controversy but take a look at the female artist. One of the first hip hop female artist “Lil Kim” is known for her racy lyrics and vulgar actions. Also known to actually work hard to surround her self by controversy. Although she had some top chart hits, she is also known as “sleeping” around with some of the rappers in hip-hop. Her sex-spouting persona can possibly describe her the most. Lil Kim is known for most of her videos wearing almost nothing and most of her music talks about her and her sexual encounters with men without shame.

No respect for herself? People could dispute if she is just trashy or true at what she does, hip-hop; but she does not give out a good name to all the female singers and rappers in entertainment. Her persona may give men more of a reason to view women as the "typical" sex object or even showcase that all women are the same.

Women like Beyoncé, portray the image of empowerment and give women and men the statement that a women can have power and be "sexy" all in one. There is a thin line between sexy and just plain trashy and Beyoncé remains in the classy side. Although some of her videos and images are "revealing", she manages to stand her ground as the women that she is. Named one of the most successful singers of all time, it shows how a women can make a name for her self in the industry without being that "sexual object". She just releases the legacy as an amazing idol. Although Beyoncé is not always in the media for convicting controversy and problems, she has created success with her amazing talent and grace as a woman.

Or maybe Lil Kim can be compared to another respected women in the music industry, Erykah Badu. Her uplifting music, great lyrics and powerful image can be respected by many rappers in the game. A women does not need to "expose" her self or portray the "sex" image to become that much noticeable. A woman in the industry needs to show her talents and just be a woman.











-Stephanie.

Behind Closed Doors; The Ugly Within Hip Hop.

Hip hop video vixen, Andrea Herrera, also know as “Kat Stacks” has made her way into the rap game as “the easy chick” or the "Groupie". She has performed in various videos but mostly known for what she has done behind closed doors. She has had a history of abuse as a child and began prostitution at the age of 15. Kat Stacks created big problems with rappers Soulja Boy, Jim Jones, Bow Wow for openly telling the public about her relationships with the rappers. One of the biggest encounters began with rapper “Fabulous”. Kat Stacks claimed that her and the rapper had a sexual encounter, which caused major issues with the rapper. At the time this accusation Fabulous was in a relationship and ready for his new born. She twittered about his genital size to show the media that she did in fact slept with him.

In rage, Fabulous set up Kat Stacks with two guys, two of his friends to make her feel comforting at a bar. On the left side, it shows hip-hop artist "bow wow" in on the action as well. One of the guys began talking to her calmly, then raised his hand and punched her or slapped her (Not very clear) twice, then bow wow held her by the hair and began screaming at her making her “apologize” to the rapper.

     On one hand, the public see these beautiful women on camera, but behind closed door many other things happen. Rappers can be abusing the power that they have and get away with the things they do. Not only was it intentionally taped on video but also no charges were pressed against these men or Fabulous. There has been a lot of controversy whether this action took upon a man is just “plain wrong.” Sadly, many people claimed, “she deserved it” for going around stating rumors, but in all reality no man should put their hands on a women.

This not only happened once, but again with rapper Lil Twist. The incident taped on camera shown shows his two aunts and him, chasing her around. His aunts abuse making her “apologize” for the things she’s said, while rapper Lil Twist holds her and screams at her. Clearly these two situations were taped to be showed around but why are these situations okay? There really should not be a reason why these rappers should get away with their wrong actions.

-Stephanie.

Kanye West Promoting Violence & Racism Towards White Women

Rap Artist Kanye West's released his album "My Beautiful dark Twisted Fantasy" in early 2011."Monster" on the album featuring Jay-z, Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross was a hot track that released a video in June 2011. When the video was released many fans were anxious to see what the artist came up with. When his video "Monster" was released and by far is still discussed about how controversial his video is towards specific groups of people. Not to mention how West's video promotes violence towards women but how White women are perceived in the video.

Corpse of beautiful White women in lingerie and reduced to sex- doll like playthings. Though Kanye West did not mean to be negative to any groups of people why are White women in his video laying dead or hung. At the beginning of West's video a statement is proposed, " The following content is in no way to be interpreted as misogynistic or negative towards any groups of people. It is an art piece and shall be interpreted as such." Although this statement was proposed Kanye only did not want to be criticized as racial but we all know the truth. This video was taken way to far. He may have written this quote but only to remind his fans to not take the video offensively to anyone. But we all know that this is a lie and that this statement was written for Kanye to avoid any criticism in the media.

How is Kanye west comparing his Monster video to art when this video is not at all compared to his video "Runaway" a video of White women ballet performers, which is more as art rather than white women hanging from the ceiling dead. But also in the video you can see that west is in large table sitting with only African American people and the White women and men are their servants. In the video behind Jay-z lies a woman with her mouth wide indicating that her last act was a sexual one, and Rick Ross erotically eats a plate of raw human meat between a corpse's legs. And Kanye is in bed with two dead white women practically raping them. And obviously this is portraying the women as sex objects.

But what occurred to Kanye that this video would have not been discussed? If he did not mean to offend anyone especially White women than he would not have thought of the idea. So is Kanye expressing his feelings that White women are of the lowest and the sex objects? If not why is Nicki Minaj part of the monstrous crew. She is an African American women and she is not laying dead or hanging from the ceiling.

By: Karina Aguirre

Light Vs. Dark Skinned African Women

In today's rap and hip hop media "Red Bones” are referred to light skinned African American women or the term “Yellow Bones”. But why do rappers refer to light skinned women in their music, and not dark skinned women. Not all rappers only want the light complexion women in their videos but a great amount of rappers do. The stereotype is that light skinned women are believed to have the most respect by men and wanted. African American culture also plays into part that Light and dark skin woman have this competition towards each other to have a negative outlook on each other. And "The stereotype is that light skin girls believe that they are more attractive than their darker Counterparts"("The Battle Between Light And Dark Skinned Women Is Over!").

It is also believed that Light skinned women are the most attractive and receive more attention by men. And stuck up and intimidating then dark skinned women. This is a harsh competition between light and dark skinned women, and prejudice against their own ethnicity. Light and dark skinned women are competing against themselves, whether one came from a light or dark skinned complexion these ignorant stereotypes against these women. These women of color need to realize that they are going against their roots, and culture. African American women should embrace that no matter what skin complexion light or dark they all came from the same ancestry. Dark skinned women should not have to question which skin complexion is "Beautiful" and feel the need to looked down because their not light skinned. It’s disturbing to witness that even in elementary schools dark skinned girls are bullied and teased about their dark skin. In hip hop music videos this is being played out that light skinned women have more on camera time than dark skinned women.

Even though this battle of light vs. dark skin women continues. We could at least come to conclusions that when aren't stereotypes taking over our thought of mind. We continue to believe what we hear; we should make our own judgment and embrace the beauty of colored women whether it is light or dark skin.



By: Karina Aguirre

Why Latinas and African American Women are Targeted for Video Vixens?

Young fresh faces are targeted for hot new hip-hop and rap videos. Video vixens (hip-hop slang for female dancers) have raised the charts for most popular rap and R&B artist like Usher and Tyga. Not only young faces but young curvaceous Latinas and African American women. “Video Vixens”, women performers in music videos are mainly curvaceous Latinas and African American women. Music videos from artist like Lil Wayne, Tyga, and Pitbull have women half naked showing their thick flawless curves and sex appeal. Curvy bodies are a targeted for the media because it attracts viewers and popularity for rap and hip-hop artist; women are their main attraction. The thicker the women, the better, like an attraction at a theme park the bigger the better. But when did curves become so popular for hip-hop, rap and R&B music perhaps in the early 2000's when rap, hip-hop arose and became part of pop culture to teenagers and young adults. While Latinas are known for their curvy bodies and beige skin, African American women are known for their flawless curves and sex appeal. Rap artist are determined to have "Sexy" women part of their video and we wonder why. Are they trying to attract more male viewers and want viewers to know that they have the so-called "Women of our Dreams" and if they are, what kind of statement are they trying to portray to women without curves. Or is it just a trend in hip-hop to have women and many women along with a hot new single. What is it that Latinas and African American women have and not White Women, well, to hip-hop and rap videos not the particular body they are looking for, curvy from head to toe. Not everyone has curves and not everyone is runway skinny. And this is when race comes into part. Why should women of color be recognized for having curves? Though it is part of their genes to have a certain body type that is not always the case. Because Latinas and African American women tend to be more curvaceous then White Women does not mean that there are not White Women or any other ethnicity with curvaceous body types. Rap artist should not only embrace the curves of a certain ethnicity but should express that any ethnicity can be beautiful at any body type and not just Latin and African American women.



By: Karina Aguirre