As the 2028 presidential election approaches, conservative media outlets are increasingly engaging with hip-hop culture, particularly its misogynistic elements, to appeal to specific voter demographics. This strategic alignment raises questions about the intersection of music, politics, and gender dynamics in contemporary America.
Recent social media activity highlights this trend. For instance, a tweet by user @GNCordova notes:
“Fox News and OAN both getting involved in this baseless ‘Free Tory Lanez’ movement highlights the clear conservative push to appeal to Black male voters through hip-hop culture.”
This observation underscores how conservative platforms tap into hip-hop narratives to resonate with specific audiences.
Historical Context of Misogyny in Hip-Hop
Misogyny has been a persistent issue within hip-hop culture. A 2009 study by sociologists Ronald Weitzer and Charis E. Kubrin identified five prevalent misogynistic themes in rap music: derogatory naming and shaming of women, sexual objectification, legitimization of violence against women, distrust of women, and celebration of prostitution and pimping. These themes have influenced music and permeated broader cultural attitudes, affecting perceptions of gender roles and relationships.
By aligning with certain aspects of hip-hop culture, conservative media aims to connect with younger, urban demographics, particularly Black male voters. This strategy highlights narratives emphasizing traditional masculinity and skepticism towards feminist movements, potentially swaying opinions on social and political issues.
Critics argue that this approach exploits cultural elements without addressing underlying issues. The term “misogynoir,” coined by Moya Bailey, describes the specific intersection of racism and misogyny experienced by Black women, often perpetuated through media representations.
Furthermore, discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight concerns about the broader societal implications of normalizing misogynistic content in music and media.
Hip-Hop’s Complicated Political Alignments
Several high-profile hip-hop artists have publicly aligned themselves with conservative figures and policies in recent years, signaling a complex—and often controversial—relationship between rap culture and right-leaning politics. In 2020, artists like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black voiced support for a federal proposal to uplift Black communities economically. Lil Wayne shared photos with conservative leaders, praising the plan’s potential and showcasing his support of that side of the political aisle. Kodak Black also later expressed gratitude after receiving a presidential pardon in 2021.
Meanwhile, Kanye West (Ye) made waves with his own political ambitions and vocal support for conservative ideals, including his embrace of nationalist symbolism and praise for controversial leadership styles. His statements sparked widespread debate about the role of artists in shaping political discourse.
This public support from cultural influencers has helped normalize right-leaning ideologies within certain hip-hop circles, particularly among young men drawn to messages about power, rebellion, and traditional masculinity. Conservative operatives are increasingly leveraging that cultural overlap in their push for influence ahead of 2028.
The Cost of Co-Signing
Hip-hop has always been more than music—it’s a mirror, a movement, and, at its best, a megaphone for marginalized voices. But when artists use that platform to align with agendas that have historically silenced or harmed those same communities, especially Black women—they become more than entertainers. They become instruments. From the “culture wars” of the 1990s to today’s backlash against diversity, we’ve seen how easily Conservative forces can co-opt black cultural expression for political gain. What’s different now is the speed and scale of the influence. When hip-hop figures echo or excuse misogynoir, they’re not just participating in political discourse—they’re helping to dismantle the very foundations of the culture they claim to represent. And the ones left most vulnerable in the fallout are the same Black people, namely women, who built, nurtured, and protected that culture all along.
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