Representation can be the determiner of whether or not many things in life can be enjoyable to the masses. Music is oftentimes referred to as the only universal language. Music is a medium that connects many different people from around the world. One of the most predominant genres in the current music industry is none other than Rap. Although it is a male-dominated genre, several female rappers have been making just as large a name for themselves as the well-known male rappers.
It’s no secret that women have been making their marks in the male-dominated industry. Artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have paved the way for more and more women to come into the industry, with newer sensations Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat joining the ranks as elite female rappers in the genre. Through their beats, lyrics, music videos, and the messages they preach, female rappers have been reclaiming their identities, and their sexualities. Grant Community High School senior Ashlyn Santos points out that “…[female rappers] touch on the topic of body positivity…and I think it just impacts a lot of young women to be comfortable with themselves.”
Female rappers have consistently reclaimed things they have been objectified and sexualized for, which has made a huge impact on the younger audience. Junior Jace Nelson reflects that “…the rise of female rappers is really helping not just girls, but also women to kind of step into their sexuality and break out of this mindset that they have to be one way or the other…women are starting to actually realize their true worth despite everyone telling them they’re basically worth nothing.” Through their music, female rappers have embraced what women have been sexualized for and have used that as their form of empowerment. This message has caused more women to step out of their shells and break down those barriers that have been placed on them in a misogynistic society. With female rappers being on the uprise, the future of women’s influence on rap looks promising.
Senior Alyssa Manthi predicts “[female rap] getting even bigger in the future. When [she] watches TikTok, more and more female rappers are popping up all over the place, and [she] doesn’t see why that trend won’t continue. Female rappers will continue to get bigger and better and begin to get more recognition and the accolades it deserves.” Women are taking over the rap game, and there is no doubt about it. They will continue to become more powerful using the messages they present in their songs, and maybe one day they will be on the same level, if not better, than their male counterparts.
If you ever feel like you need to jam out to some empowering female rap music, artists like Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B are the places to find them. These women are making a name for themselves and continue to pave the way for the future generation of female rappers. The world will not be ready for their takeover, but we should prepare ourselves while we can.