Gender Representation in Hip Hop

Hip-hop is a musical genre consisting of a rhythmic vocal style, more commonly known as rap, which is accompanied with backing beats. Hip-hop music is part of hip hop culture, which began in the Bronx, in New York City in the 1970s. However, as Hip-Hop has evolved over time, there have been a number of issues raised about the Hip-Hop style lyrics, and videos. In hip-hop and rap, many of the lyrics and images portray women as sexual objects and illustrate the use of and violence towards women as a norm. It has become standardised in music videos, for images of scantily clad women dancing around one rapper. This can be compared to the lifestyle of pimps, as their style has slowly transformed from abusive, controlling, and criminal men to trendy, stylish icons.

50 Cent- P.I.M.P music video

Female Representation

• Women are wearing white, which has the connotation of angels. This also shows that in 50 Cent’s life it is okay to have women walking around his room scantily dressed.
• The women take the roles of servants, and are on dog chains, reinforcing the fact that they are the rapper’s bitches.
• There is apparent widespread sexual objectification and degradation. This is also shown by the low angle shots, filming up skirts.
  Women presented as vacuous and passive
• Close ups of sexualised position.
• The female does not look directly towards the camera, which makes the audience feel as if they can watch them. The non eye contact also shows that they have lost all respect for themselves.

Male Representation

• 50 cent wears white, which hives an impression that he is god.
• Low angles shots use to signify power and intimidation.
• Materialistic objects are filmed, referring to the American dream.
• Close ups of symbols, revealing status.
• 50 Cent constructs an image to glamorise gun crime, painting an image of a strong persona.