The Hollywood Reporter recently published an article titled "Critic’s Notebook: Female Rappers and the Visibility Trap" ¹. The article highlights the conundrum faced by women in hip-hop as undersupported players and overscrutinized subjects. The article cites recent pop culture highlights such as Megan Thee Stallion’s new single "Cobra" and the latest season of Issa Rae’s "Rap Sh!t" to illustrate the issue.
The article qu seeotes Megan Thee Stallion's lyrics from her new single "Cobra" where she articulates a familiar condition for Black women rappers: “Breaking down and I had the whole world watchin’ / But the worst part is really who watched me?” ¹. The artist is referring to how she felt — famous but lonely, simultaneously scrutinized and disregarded — after another rapper, Tory Lanez, shot her in 2020. A trial thrust Megan Thee Stallion into the spotlight, where an unforgiving public tore apart her testimony and questioned her character. A judge sentenced Lanez to 10 years in prison, but Megan Thee Stallion’s experience highlights a tension faced by many Black women in hip-hop: They may no longer be ignored, but are they truly seen?
The article also mentions that Missy Elliott became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ¹. The article notes that hip-hop turned 50 this year, a glorious milestone for a movement born on the streets of the Bronx. Once dismissed by mainstream media outlets and feared by such politicians as George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, the genre is enjoying a golden anniversary that includes recognition of its oldest players and praise for its new pupils ¹.
¹: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/issa-rae-rapshit-hbo-premiere-1235180600/
Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/1/2023
(1) Issa Rae, ‘Rap Sh!t’ Team on Exploring Female Rap World – The Hollywood .... https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/issa-rae-rapshit-hbo-premiere-1235180600/.
(2) The Visibility Trap - NEW ISLAND BOOKS. https://www.newisland.ie/nonfiction/the-visibility-trap.
(3) Best Female Rappers of 2022 | Women In Hip Hop | HipHopDX. https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/best-female-rappers-of-2022.
(4) 23 Trendsetting Women Who’ve Impacted Hip-Hop Forever. https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-03-29-22-trendsetting-women-whove-impacted-hip-hop-forever/.
