Struggle and Persistence
The chart below highlights the 3 words coded for in my research to describe persistence: Grind, Hustle, and Moves. This chart demonstrates how both female and male rap songs mention some kind of persistence regardless of the words used to describe it. Although some words were used more than others in comparison to female vs male, the songs still describe persistence.
Reflecting on the attainment of the American dream, the reference to struggle was evident. This struggle manifested in many forms among the rap songs. Some of the struggles were associated with childhood, finances, and inadequate housing. This remains consistent with the understanding of systemic oppression that affects the livelihood of people of color (Omi and Winant 2014). The rap artists, regardless of gender, shed light on these obstacles and give insight into what their past looked like. Eve, the winner of 2001, highlights “Back on the block, hustlin, scrapin money up to buy a brick” (Jeffers, E. 2001. Cowboy. Aftermath Entertainment). The need to “scrape” up money references a time when there was an economic struggle and therefore there was a necessity to make money by any means possible. This is similarly echoed by Rapsody, Nominee for 2018, “Growing up I shopped at Kmart and Ross’, celebrated every win And learned to learn from all my losses” (Evans, M. 2017. Laila’s Wisdom. Roc Nation). The inclusion of notably cheaper stores, especially in comparison to other higher-end brands mentioned in other songs show the presence of an economic struggle. This outlines the attainment of their American dream as difficult. It suggests that various obstacles stand in the way between them and financial freedom. The need to “hustle” and be conscious about money spending captures a full picture as to how and why these rap artists desire to achieve the goal of the American Dream but do not have access to the tools to traditionally acquire it.
The ThingLink below serves as an example of my coding of lyrics to highlight themes of struggle: (Eve, Cowboy 2001, 2001 Winner)
In the male rap songs, the presence of struggle and desire for better living was more widely recognized. In the female rap songs, only 38% of songs noted a presence of struggle compared to male rap artists where 57% of songs were noted to have a presence of struggle. This can suggest men are more comfortable talking about their overcoming challenges, or it is not as acceptable or common for women to talk about their struggles. The struggles the male rap artists touch on vary. Lil Baby, a 2020 nominee, states “Eviction notice, my mamas” (Jones, D. 2020. Sum 2 Prove. Glass Window Entertainment). The transparency about his home life and the obstacles of poverty shed light on common experiences of struggle. The ability to own a home is connected to the societal goal of the American dream. Being a homeowner signifies the attainment of the American dream, therefore when rap artists like Lil Baby comment on the struggle of attaining a stable living environment it highlights the challenges of achieving this expectation that represents success. However, as the song continues, he goes on to describe the life he has built for himself where he has now been able to overcome poverty and follows with “Now they houses as big as they want ’em,” (Jones, D. 2020. Sum 2 Prove. Glass Window Entertainment), referring to his mother and siblings to which it is suggested he purchased their home. The references to struggle are not only specific to housing but also financial struggles where rap artists highlight ties in their lives where they were “broke” and unable to attain money to provide for necessities.
The ThingLink below serves as an example of my coding of lyrics to highlight themes of struggle with attention to inadequate housing: (Lil Baby, Sum 2 Prove 2020, 2020 Nominee)
However, this only acted as a motivation to live a better life and push them to attain their version of the American dream through music, by receiving money through rapping. Busta Rhymes, 2002 nominee, mentions “Bein broke and not bein able to buy me a steak” (Smith, T. 2002. What do you do when you’re branded. J Records.) talking about how he was once not able to afford items he can now previously buy. The personal reflection of attaining things he has not previously had access to implies the motivation his struggle has provided for him in terms of attainment.
The ThingLink below serves as an example of my coding of lyrics to highlight themes of persistence and overcoming struggle: (Busta Rhymes, What do you do when you’re branded 2002, 2002 Nominee)