Hmmm. Interesting thought. I really didn’t want to comment, but the topic tickled me too much not to. First, I'd like to think that I’m on the fence with this one because I was a fan of Lil’ Kim when she emerged as the “hottest little coochie in Brooklyn” and I also felt pain for L-Boogie who transformed from 'Mrs. Refugee Camp' to “Where in the hell is L-Boogie at...In a refugee camp??” But as all artist’s go through their transformations we always seem to slap female rappers in the face (and sometimes in the booty) with their sexually persuasive music. The mere question rose, “if there was no sex, would there be no female rappers?” Well my meager young grasshopper, we all know if there was “no sex” then there would be “no rap”, or cab drivers, or mailmen because no one would exist. But I get what you’re implying. (Johnie Columbo shrugs gingerly at you...)

Of course, in some sense, let’s look at the question if sex wasn’t an option to pull crass lyrics from would there be no hip-hop honeys spitting their flow on greasy microphones? I’d pay to say YES. However, smutty sex is just so easy to sell for anyone. Why do you question young grasshopper, because that’s what we -the consumers- want to hear. Plain ol’ home fried smutty, smut, smut. We’re programmed to hear it, and we look for it. Now Queen Latifah is one pioneer that I can say stood up and made noise about being a Queen, but she was one of many who tried. The bad part is she’s the only one we remember. She had and still has a heavy presence. (No big pun intended) She has a voice, and better yet, a company behind her that helped her words live. So she’s on a bigger scale, and dress size, than some of these younger hip-hop princesses.

Now, questionably, you started the list with Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Remy Ma, and Trina… I don’t think anyone, in the universe, will be upset if these ladies continued to be as nasty-as-they-wanted to be on the mic -or in life-because in the end nobody cares. I don’t, and I'm damned sure you don’t-- but just like you I can only comment on the beats because lyrically, many FEMALE and MALE rappers alike can’t handle being pioneers, even when they have a hot beat behind them (may I say DIPSET, DIPSET, DIPSET).

Yes, I agree that a handful of female rappers out there can flow, but a lot of them are using their vocal cords for less positive things when they should try to incorporate more productive harmony to their listeners than just bellowing about their juicy twats (P U!!). I can’t say that I’m not guilty for saying “this is wack” when I hear some of our more popular female rappers say a positive line or two, but again we’re programmed to not hear anything positive when it comes to this urban music genre; because rap is heavily flooded with negativity from both sides of the spectrum. (See Mama, I used the word 'heavily' and Queen Latifah wasn’t even in the sentence.)

Words of wisdom, if you want to feel a positive impact without being constantly bombarded by hip-hop ho-hoppers then I suggest you go to a forum featuring Sister 'Stop giving ya coochie away' Soulijah or tell a close female friend to read her literature out aloud to you on those cold stormy nights. Also, listening to Talib Kweli or Mos Def at higher speeds does the trick if you want positive lyrics in a more female tone, and if you’re gully enough check out Christian Rap, yep I said it dog! Christian Rap baby! Artists like ‘Out of Eden’ and ‘KJ-52’ are as positive as rotten-apple rap can get. Trust me nobody’s tampon will be poppin’ out on these tracks.

ILL piece. I'm glad that someone still remebers the glory dayz when rap was "pure". But, I think that in order to keep things in the proper perspective u got a keep in mind that Latifah was out b4 BET introduced the Uncut Slut series that comes on about 3am. I'm not sure if there would have been a little more pressure to be sexual if Latifah came out at a different time. i can't see Ladies First making as much noise today, bcuz there was a different movement going on back in the dayz.
But, back in the dayz there was some freaks out there as well. LA Star, Lashawn and a few others. I don't think that there was really any real ill female lyricists ever, but I don't wanna overlook ShaRock or Lyte maybe. Now, as a dude in his late thirties, I'm not gonna lie and say I don't like the direction hip hop has gone. I like to see chicks and their fleshly parts. But, see these chicks don't know how to play their position.
Salt N' Pepa was sexual because they was sexy. Shante wasn't sexy, so she made dis records. Latifah came across with as a powerful black woman with a presence and Monie Love was like her playful sidekick. They knew there strengths and xpoited them.
Nowadays, whats going on? Little Kim looks like the Joker, Foxy ain't the Foxy I grew up on (1luv Pam Grier) and I'd have to take about six shots of Remy to the head b4 I'd want to sleep with Remy.
Do whatever works i guess. Sex sells

You know I can’t say that Johnie Columbo did us any justice with that wack-a$$ comment but I think I feel you Imperial, at least I think I do. I don’t ever remember rap being anything “pure”, but I can say I remember the glory days. Back when Self-Destruction was out and Ms. Melody was reppin’ her man KRS-One and the X-Clan and everything…man I’ll tell ya (those wuz da’ dayz). Everyone was on a new movement, and new role, a new haircut—everything, but then Big Daddy Kane came out and chicks just started getting butt-a$$ naked. I really was disappointed. You see I got 3 sisters so you know how I feel don’t you?
But secretly, I’m with you on seeing chicks and their fleshy parts…but I’m not going to take No-Doze to wait up until 3 a.m for BET’s “Uncut Slut Series” just for the flesh-fest and if I did I sure ani’t admitting it to nobody. But any case I feel you. Latifah did come off as a power black woman. You gotta give her props for that, and Monie Love was right there, but I not as her playful side kick…as a matter of fact what video was that where she was, as you say, the playful sidekick?? Imperial, don’t confuse that with the ‘Set It Off’ kiss scene, that chick was not Monie (just in case you didn’t know)
Well, that’s all I have to say on that, but guess what Imperial you have at least 6 and half hours and counting until your mom’s basement becomes an original Uncut Slut Series Extravaganza!! So crack your knuckles and the Vaseline jar— cause it’s about to be ‘FUGLY’ in here!!

All hail the Queen!!!

commentary

If Duperfly hasn't heard a hip hop artist in 5 years who "represents who she is and the women she knows" well than I say to her.....
turn your Mike on. It's always easier for critics to pick away at an artists life or body of work but it's so much harder to walk the walk.
The women she speaks of are pioneers. I have respect for everyone of them and not as a fan of hip hop but as a woman who
was raised by strong feminists and who knows a thing or two about self respect. First of all she left out Missy. Secondly what exactly does "craziness" have to do with the exploitation of sexuality in hip hop? Nada. (Maybe that's just her opinion.) I respect Lauryn Hill because she has so much talent and uses it. Ditto for MIA. Salt n Pepa, and of course the Queen.
(That's just my opinion.)
Why live apologetically? Haven't we come too far for that? What's wrong with a woman bouncing her ass right into the bank when she beats the boys at their own game.
Here comes the ol fig leaf again. Women are we always blaming each other for not doing enough to perpetuate positive images of strength. Why can't we exploit ourselves if the end result is positive?
As a mother and a feminist does this anger me? No. Does my daughter have the right to choose her role models? Yes.
Is anyone on her short list of women actually a victim of a patriarchal system? Not a chance.
I have respect for anyone who can use their voice and be heard. The louder, the better. If the men are too busy watching instead of listening well then it's their loss for missing the point. These women all have gifts and their using them. They can also reap the rewards of their sexuality and use their fame for positive efforts, erasing illiteracy, raising self esteem in girls, eradicating poverty. Lil Kim, role model? That's a tough one. She's an entertainer. I'm not here to judge.
If a woman knows what sells and markets it to sell..whether it be an album or a painting that's not sexuality we're commenting on thats pure economics. Duperfly sounds so discouraged with the role of women in Hip Hop and a little jaded too. She should try changing the channel. That's not explicitly hip hop that's the world we live in.

Don't think the way she signed her name got passed me either, "actress" first, "model" second then lastly "aspiring writer". Come on girl, pick your pen.

Tia (Mother)

Thank you Duperfly for bringing some consciousness back to the game. We really need it right now and I commend you for being a modern day renaissance woman. Keep up the good work and don't let closed minded people throw you off track. So in saying that I wanted to make a quick comment to Tia "X"(because don't think I didn't notice you were short on giving your name as well). What really saddens me about your comment is that you are a mother. Not only will your daughter have difficulties in life looking for role models, mentors and leaders in "OUR" community but she cannot even come home to one. Why don't you try teaching her the other 3R'S....responsibilty, respect and then get rich! Fact is you can make money any place,anytime BUT without being heard you have left no legacy. And that is the problem with the game right now. You actually sound like the jaded one...Maybe it's time for you to step out of the box you live in and stop saying your a feminist and act like one. Self esteem starts with self respect...tell your daughter Freeda said so because she won't get that from you!
ONE LOVE
Freeda Minz