The focus of my rhetoric research is to analyze the presence of misogyny in conscious rap and how it is reflected in lyrics and criticized compared to gangster rap. This paper will seek to explore how sexism affects listeners when coming from a less street, more mainstream artist, specifically concentrating on rapper J. Cole.
Daws, Laura Beth. "The College Dropout: A Narrative Critique of the Music of Kanye West." Florida Communication Journal, vol. 35, no. 2, Fall2007, pp. 90-99. Kanye West has risen beyond the title of “rapper” to a household name due to his music and unpredictability. This article focuses on the musician’s early album, “The College Dropout” and analyzes repeated themes featured on this work. Through sampling other artists, featuring spoken-word bits, and providing raw yet relatable lyrical content, West received high praise for his album that was released in 2004 (Dawn 91). Most notably, the author notes the repeated presence …show more content…
Some people may even argue that rap music is rooted in misogyny and sexism. This article investigates themes in 403 rap songs in order to further understand the gender dynamics of rap music, and how lyrics create a set of norms for listeners. The researcher discovered that rappers who portray women negatively are usually influenced by larger gender relations, the music industry, local neighborhood conditions, or a combination of the three (Weitzer 5). Perhaps most importantly, society’s larger gender order influences artists’ attitudes about masculinity, and the need for male domination over women. It can also be noted that focusing on material wealth and sex may increase sales and appear as appealing to elites in the music industry (6). All in all, misogyny within rap music must be evaluated within the context of larger society, including patriarchy’s wide influence and the historical struggle for Black men to assert their masculinity in
Daws, Laura Beth. "The College Dropout: A Narrative Critique of the Music of Kanye West." Florida Communication Journal, vol. 35, no. 2, Fall2007, pp. 90-99. Kanye West has risen beyond the title of “rapper” to a household name due to his music and unpredictability. This article focuses on the musician’s early album, “The College Dropout” and analyzes repeated themes featured on this work. Through sampling other artists, featuring spoken-word bits, and providing raw yet relatable lyrical content, West received high praise for his album that was released in 2004 (Dawn 91). Most notably, the author notes the repeated presence …show more content…
Some people may even argue that rap music is rooted in misogyny and sexism. This article investigates themes in 403 rap songs in order to further understand the gender dynamics of rap music, and how lyrics create a set of norms for listeners. The researcher discovered that rappers who portray women negatively are usually influenced by larger gender relations, the music industry, local neighborhood conditions, or a combination of the three (Weitzer 5). Perhaps most importantly, society’s larger gender order influences artists’ attitudes about masculinity, and the need for male domination over women. It can also be noted that focusing on material wealth and sex may increase sales and appear as appealing to elites in the music industry (6). All in all, misogyny within rap music must be evaluated within the context of larger society, including patriarchy’s wide influence and the historical struggle for Black men to assert their masculinity in