In a recent interview, rapper and producer, 50 Cent shared his candid thoughts on the current state of female rap. Speaking with comedian Michael Perry, he voiced his frustration over the hyper-sexualization that seems to dominate the genre today. More precisely, what had him concerned was the excessive sexual themes that dominate this genre.
“I just want somebody to break through that is not trying to sell no box,” 50 Cent said, making it clear he’d like to see a female rapper break through the ranks without relying on sex appeal. While acknowledging the role that sexuality has played in his own music, including hits like “Candy Shop” and “Magic Stick,” he pointed out a key difference between his approach and the way some female artists handle similar topics today.
“I was doing ‘Candy Shop’ and ‘Magic Stick,’ like metaphors for sexual experiences,” 50 Cent said. “They are flat-out saying the experience in the music now.” He blamed this shift in lyrical content for one-dimensional views of women within the hip-hop world where too often the narrative surrounds their hyper-sexualization.
With 50 Cent being considered one of the most important figures in rap, it sparked the debate on how female hip-hop is conducted nowadays. While Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and Ice Spice are among those topping the Billboard charts, many feel their focus on sexuality overshadows other potential narratives.
Not all is criticism, though. Some industry figures and fans feel the focus on sexuality in rap isn’t necessarily a bad thing. They say it’s an expression of empowerment and personal choice, showing that women can unapologetically control their bodies and images.
One of the pivotal points 50 Cent expressed in the interview was catering to the fan base. He acknowledged that today’s female rappers are making records that appeal to a strong audience, but how is this a trend that represents female culture on a whole? Sometimes, the need to satisfy the audience can muzzle creativity, especially when tackling several topics in music.
Among female rappers, there is arguably no greater priority than delivering lyrics to which their audience can relate. Sex sells, but does it at the expense of other valuable areas of identity? It’s a question more and more artists, not in the least 50 Cent, are having to confront as the genre keeps changing.
Some of his fellow artists seem to share the view of 50 Cent in regard to female rap, which is not diverse. Fabolous is another veteran rapper who has also spoken of similar sentiments wanting authenticity back in the stories being told through the genre. “We need more real stories,” he said in an interview. “It’s not all about sex; it’s about life, struggles, and real experiences.”
While these voices add weight to 50 Cent’s critique, others defend the current crop of female artists. Just because an artist is embracing their sexuality, some critics say, does not mean they are lacking in depth or substance; some find success in intertwining meaningful narratives into their music, balancing empowerment and sensuality.
While the sexualized approach may be dominant, there is no shortage of female rappers who are more about challenging the status quo and embracing diverse storytelling. Artists like Doja Cat blend witty wordplay with catchy hooks; sexuality is not all that defines them. In her songs, like “Say So,” self-empowerment is explored without losing the playful persona that feels fresh and different.
Megan Thee Stallion has also fallen into this category, mostly praised for her confidence regarding unapologetic sexuality. Her discography speaks just as much, if not more, of empowerment and resilience. Songs such as “Her” and “Plan B” showcase her versatility in proving that the two aspects of identity exist together in a state of balance.
Nicki Minaj represents an icon for so many young women within hip-hop; she has danced between sensual images and a sharp, insightfully written lyricism. Songs like “Moment 4 Life” and “Fly” show that one can write sexual yet deep songs.
Even artists like Cardi B, who are synonymous with bold and brash lyrics, have shown glimpses that there is space for complexity in her records. “Be Careful,” for example, dwells on love and fragility and shows a shade of the artist beyond her so-called trademark confidence.
By no means, however, do all women rap on the same beaten path. New voices, such as that of Little Simz from the UK, find room by digging deep into personal introspection, heeding socially conscious lyrics. Her album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert narrates identity and self-empowerment; it defies societal expectations and therefore is a new wind blowing inside modern hip-hop.
Rapsody has been known for deep lyricism that often addresses vital issues: race, gender, and culture. Songs like “Ibtihaj” celebrate cultural identity while delivering messages of empowerment. Her music is proof that women rappers don’t have to fit into a box to be successful.
Other artists, such as Princess Nokia and H.E.R., also have alternative narratives in their music, which borders on feminism, identity, and activism. They prove that, even within the world of rap, there is room for different voices and perspectives, and that authenticity and substance can be just as compelling as sex appeal.
