Misogyny in rap music is defined as lyrics, videos, or other components of rap music that endorse or legitimize the objectification, exploitation, or victimization of women. It includes innuendos, stereotyping, and defamatory portrayals of women. Content analyses have found that approximately 22% to 37% of rap lyrics contain content classified by researches as misogynistic, varying by subgenre. Adams and Fuller state that there are six themes that are considered to be misogynistic rap: derogatory statements about women related to sex; comments linking malicious actions against women in relation to sex; portrayals of women as the sources for men's problems; depictions of women as exploitative of men; statements suggesting women are inferior to men; and statements suggesting women are disposable to men. A study of Detroit-based rapper Eminem's third studio album The Marshall Mathers LP (2000) found instances of misogyny in eleven of the fourteen songs on his record. Other analyses note recurring elements such as the use of derogatory terms ("bitch" and "ho(e)"), sexual objectification of women, normalizing violence against women, distrust of women, disparagement of sex workers, and the glorification of pimping. Scholars have offered various explanations for the presence of misogyny in rap music. Some have argued that rap artists use misogynistic lyrics and portrayals of women as a way to assert their masculinity and authenticity within the genre Others argue that it reflects broader societal attitudes toward women, and that rap artists have internalized negative stereotypes about women. Economic perspectives suggest that rappers who use misogynistic content can be commercially advantageous. Responses to misogyny in hip-hop music have ranged from criticism by women's rights activists, student protests, organized campaigns, and a 2007 congressional hearing. Some women rap artists have opposed misogyny through their music or advocacy efforts. In one study, women rappers accounted for only five of ninety misogynistic songs, as well as an additional 8 songs (out of the remaining 313) that did not have misogynistic lyrics. "The scarcity of women artists shows just how male-dominated rap was during this time, especially at the platinum level".
Themes Ronald Weitzer and Charis E. Kubrin (2009) have identified five common misogynistic themes in rap lyrics: (a) derogatory naming and shaming of women, (b) sexual objectification of women, (c) legitimization of violence against women, (d) distrust of women, and (e) celebration of prostitution and pimping. Sexual objectification is the most common misogynistic theme in rap music according to Weitzer and Kubrin, whose 2009 analysis found that 67% of the examined rap lyrics sexually objectified women. In misogynistic songs, women are described using derogatory names such as "bitches", "hoes", or "chickenheads". These insults, scholars say, seek to degrade them and keep them "in their place". And according to scholars, women of color, specifically black women, are more likely to be featured as sexual objects in such videos than their white counterparts.
Partner violence in hip-hop
Misogynistic rap may depict instances of physical violence and rape as responses to women who challenge male domination or refuse sexual advances. In Juvenile's song March Nigga Step, he raps, "If she thinks you're jokin', is she goin' get a quick chokin'?". Popular rap artists such as Eminem and Odd Future have been criticized for their depictions of violence against women. Some male rappers have referenced or mocked their female counterparts in lyrics, including instances involving domestic abuse or violence. For example, in the song "Circo Loco", Drake included a lyric interpreted by some listeners as making light of Megan Thee Stallion's shooting incident involving being shot in the foot while in a car with Tory Lanez. A related sub-theme involves boasting about sex acts that harm or are painful for women. Some misogynistic rap songs portray women as untrustworthy or unworthy of respect. Women are depicted as femmes fatales, "gold diggers", and as dishonest about sexual matters. Tupac Shakur (Hell 4 A Hustler) asks, "Why plant seeds in a dirty bitch, waitin' to trick me? Not the life for me". At the same time, pimps are glorified; their ability to control and exploit women is praised.
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