Hip-hop has been a male-dominated genre since its inception, with women often being overlooked and underrepresented. However, female rappers have played a significant role in shaping hip hop culture, and their contributions should not be ignored. Unfortunately, this is precisely what happened at the recent Hip Hop 50 events, where NAS, LL COOL J, and Questlove were criticized for excluding female rap pioneers from the lineup.
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The Hip Hop 50 events were organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, and they featured some of the most prominent names in the industry. However, the absence of female rap pioneers such as MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Salt-N-Pepa did not go unnoticed. Fans and critics alike took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, calling out the organizers for neglecting women’s contributions to the genre.
The exclusion of female rap pioneers from the Hip Hop 50 events is not an isolated incident. Women have been underrepresented in hip hop throughout its history, and their contributions have often been overlooked or dismissed. This is despite the fact that female rappers have made significant contributions to the genre, both musically and culturally.
MC Lyte, for example, was the first female rapper to release a full-length album, and she paved the way for other female rappers to follow in her footsteps. Queen Latifah was another trailblazer, using her music to address social issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Salt-N-Pepa, meanwhile, were one of the most successful female rap groups of all time, with hits such as Push It and Shoop.
Related: A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Star-Studded Tribute Concert 2023
MC Debbie D, the self-proclaimed pioneer of solo female rap, posted an open letter on X (formerly Twitter), calling out the trio in question for excluding numerous foundational female hip-hop acts from their events last year.
“Brothers and Sisters: The Grammy Awards and Yankee Stadium events were a beautiful celebration of hip hop commemorating 50 years of our existence. With the recent Grammys show in particular, LL says ‘everyone cannot be in the show,’ to which I understand. However, in conjunction with not being asked to perform at events, surprisingly, the names of female pioneers are not even included in a ticker tape or roll call. With both omissions, many say, female pioneers are being erased from the narrative. I choose to believe that either this is due to a lack of knowledge or the epidemic of revisionist history.
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“At the Grammys, it was admirable to see my sisters, MC Sha Rock and Roxanne Shante on the mic performing, having the earliest careers among the other females rappers present, however, between them is a 7 year time span. As a Hip Hop Historian and Flyerologist, I present below, a progression of names of early women in hip hop who should always be noted whenever there is a discussion of pioneers.”
As you know, during Hip Hop 50, women in hip hop today are receiving their flowers. To be on the right side of history is to remember the names of the women who paved their way! Peace
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“We gotta get to the place where we are not afraid to say it out loud!” – Monique (Comedian/Actress) #MCDebbieD #ImAPioneer @llcoolj @Nas @questlove pic.twitter.com/89al7HmP5Y
— MC Debbie D, PhD. (@MCDebbieD) January 2, 2024
Nas, LL COOL J, and Questlove played pivotal roles in coordinating major events last year, marking the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.
MC Debbie D is not alone in feeling overlooked during the Hip Hop 50 celebrations. Last summer, Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew voiced his dissatisfaction, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of acknowledgment for Florida’s impact on the culture.
“You can only imagine the names they called us. Country booty music trash, music. I can go on and on [about] the disrespect towards Florida hip-hop.
Still to this day, we fight for our respect, and you have stood behind us every step of the way. We will continue fighting. There will be a day this year where we come together and celebrate Florida hip-hop artist from the top of the state to the bottom
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Despite their contributions, female rap pioneers have often been overlooked and marginalized in hip hop. This is a problem that needs to be addressed, and the recent criticism of NAS, LL COOL J, and Questlove is a step in the right direction. By shining a light on the contributions of female rappers, we can ensure that they receive the recognition they deserve and that their legacy is preserved for future generations.
Related: Hiphop History, Culture and Facts
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