Sex and Gender

          Sex and gender are often socially constructed themes within the hip-hop world. This culture tends to be extremely male-dominated. Many hip hop artists rap derogatory lyrics toward women, belittling the gender, and talk about females as if they are objects instead of human beings. The terms sluts, hoes, and bitches, are thrown around loosely referring to women in so many different songs.  For example in the song “Bitches” by Hollywood Undead, women are referred to as bitches and hoes throughout the entire song and talked about in very vulgar terms. The lyrics include scenes of having sex and video taping it along with other descriptive sexual lyrics mainly directed toward women. 

 Hollywood Undead's "Bitches"

 

 

These lyrics clearly exemplify a derogatory song towards women, however it is not the only song within the hip hop world that does this. More or less the entire world of hip hop music greatly focus on a male-dominating force and puts females down. Not all, but included in almost every hip hop song there is some aspect negativity toward the female gender or some type of boastful and bragging lyrics about men. Frequently men like to brag about themselves in their songs such as Childish Gambino in his song “Bonfire”. He raps about wearing nice clothes, new cars, having money, and getting other guys girls. He also raps about how other rappers try too hard, but he is better than all of them. 

 Childish Gambino's "Bonfire"- Listen to the lyrics

Another theme with in hip hop that tends to dominate the culture is heterosexuality or homophobia. As previously stated, generally hip hop lyrics include male artists rapping about females. Although these lyrics often tend to be extremely vulgar towards women, these male artists are clearly straight. Some believe that without the term homophobia, homosexuality would never be included within the hip hop world. Included in the lyrics, the term “homo” is often loosely tossed around referring to gay people. “No homo” began as slang in the 90’s and brought its way into the mainstream hip hop life. Many rappers use this term after a statement to pull away from any homosexual connotation. This slang phrase reinforces the evident homophobia within rap music. Lil Wayne uses this phrase very often within his albums and mix tapes. “Faggot” is another term against homosexuals frequently used within rap music to put them down. 

 Lil Wayne's "Ambition"- Use of the phrase "no homo"

 

 

As our world is becoming more tolerant to those who like the same sex, some hip hop artists are beginning to speak out as well.  There is a lot of controversy within the topic of sexuality in hip hop music and many people disagree with any sort of homosexual behavior, but others stand up for the rights of homosexuals and see them just like normal people. Macklemore’s song “Same Love” represents a song, which assists in understanding of homosexuals and their way of life. Although this song created uproar for some other artists, many people highly respect Macklemore for supporting homosexuals, understanding their love, and putting himself out there.  

Macklemore's "Same Love"