Gendered Traits
Masculinity is heavily tied to the male rap artists. Because men are viewed as superior in the economy (Glauber 2018), the stereotype of success becomes linked to masculinity and overlooks others. The criteria I was looking for that determined masculinity were derived through the stereotypical forms of masculinity as aggression, competition, territorial, leadership, physical strength, emotional stoicism, and assertiveness (Matud 2019). Although female rap artists showed stereotypical traits of masculinity such as leadership, competition, physical strength, and emotional stoicism, it was not as dominant as the male rap artists.
In the male rap songs, leadership emerges as a prominent trait. For example, J. Cole nominee for 2012 says in his song Sideline Story, “I got the key to the game, they tried to lock me out” and “the coach ain’t help out, so I call my own shots” (Cole, J. 2011. Sideline Story. Roc Nation.) which emphasizes the feeling of leadership and influence. J Cole’s claim to own the rap game suggests that others look up to him for his style and impact on the rap industry. However, other rap artists were more blatant about their leadership in the game. Jay-Z, the winner for 2001, says in his song IZZO (H.O.V.A), “I do this for my culture, to let ’em know”. (Carter, S. 2001. IZZO (H.O.V.A). Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings.) The direct claim to do it as a form of representation highlights his own leadership and the purpose of the leadership is suggested to be an icon or legend. The masculine trait of leadership is highly emphasized throughout rap music because rap artists use their words as a tool. Their rhymes and flows tell stories about their own experiences, which can be consumed as lessons, making the rap artists leaders. In comparison to the female rap artists, their leadership was tied to strictly teaching others through their songs.
The ThingLink below serves as an example of my coding of lyrics to highlight themes of leadership and representation: (Jay-Z, IZZO (H.O.V.A) 2001, 2001 Winner)
While male rap artists often assert their leadership directly, female rap artists tend to emphasize teaching others through their music. Rah Digga, 2002 nominee, says “I’m the Venus Williams of this rap thang. Teaching these lame chicks how to work the stack game.” (Fisher, R. 2001. Gangsta Queens. Flipmode Records). The comparison of herself to Venus Williams, a famous black female athlete, shows the status she views herself as. She recognizes her fame and success and describes her purpose to teach other women to “stack” or get money and be successful. Preaching to other women or audiences, in general, establishes their platform as credible. The ability to lead and teach others reinforces the notion of hard work producing success and upholding the legitimate goal. The desire to teach other women, specifically black women, in an industry like rap music, becomes incredibly important to note as it is difficult to be successful but also even harder as a woman. Nicki Minaj, winner for 2010, similarly echoes this point, “Everything I tried to teach ’em, they gon’ see it in time Tell ’em bitches get a stick, I’m done leadin’ the blind”. (Miraj-Petty, O. 2010. I’m the best. Young Money, Cash Money Republic). Her frustration is evident through the verse as she says she is finished trying to encourage self-discovery to assist others to succeed. While this can be taken as a loss of leadership, it should also be recognized as how the pressure of needing to be a leader characterizes her as a leader in the industry. The presence of intersectionality adds another layer to this narrative, as female rap artists navigate the challenges of being both black and female in a male-dominated industry. Despite these obstacles, they utilize their platform to educate and inspire others. Masculinity, intertwined with the American Dream’s ideology of hard work and success, is evident in both male and female rap artist’s rhetoric. Their lyrics serve as narratives, offering guidance on achieving success or inviting listeners to share in their struggles and triumphs.
The ThingLink below serves as an example of my coding of lyrics to highlight themes of leadership and pressure: (Nicki Minaj, Im the best 2010, 2010 Winner)
Masculinity is directly linked to the American Dream, as it was built on a white male ideology to work hard and provide (Bukowczyk 2016; Hanson and White 2011). Therefore, it is compelling to recognize the leadership element of masculinity and how it is evident in both male and female rap artists. The male rap artists have more examples of leadership, but the female rap artists call to recognize this pressure of needing to be a leader in comparison to trying to be an icon as the male rap artists point out. The rhetoric surrounding masculinity, specifically leadership, is compelling to note as rap artists reinforce the notion of hard work to be successful (Bukowczyk 2016; Hanson and White 2011; Hanson and Zogby 2010). The calls to be idolized, viewed as leaders, and be an example of success are noted in both female and male rap artists. Their lyrics represent stories with advice on how to attain success or simply call audiences to listen to their struggle and celebrate with them.