Sexyy Red: Sexism in Rap
Sexyy Red, a rapper who has gone viral for her hits, including “Poundown 2” and “SkeeYee.” (@lucamarieg, Houston Chronicle)
Backlash against rapper Sexyy Red and her music sheds light on the double standards for women in the rap industry. Recently, the artist has faced criticism for claims of being “too raunchy” and producing music that is overtly sexual.
Sexyy Red grew in popularity after her hits “Poundtown 2” and “SkeeYee” dropped this year. The self-proclaimed, “Hood Hottest Princess,” raps about sex, drugs, cars and money.
“Poundtown 2,” featuring Nicki Minaj, boasted lyrics like “I'm out of town, thuggin' with my rounds, my c—- pink, my b— brown” and became wildly popular. However, it also garnered a lot of pushback from critics, including political commentator Ben Shapiro.
“This all seems like an amazing way of capturing an excellent father for your son. I’m so glad that you’ve decided to open applications by describing the color of your booty hole. That is a great way to find your spouse,” Shapiro sarcastically said in an episode of his podcast, “The Ben Shapiro Show.”
He went on to say that the “Poundtown 2” lyrics made “WAP” by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B seem “childhood friendly.”
While Shapiro and others questioned the overtly sexual lyrics in “Poundtown 2” and “WAP,” other male artists have not received the same pushback. For example, the song “Peaches and Eggplants,” by Young Nudy, featuring 21 Savage, has sexually explicit lyrics but the song did not receive the same backlash.
“S— out a freak, hit her from the back, turn her bladder deep, do the triple X when I'm in a freak,” said 21 Savage in the song.
Another song released this year by the male rapper NLE Choppa titled “S— Me Out,” had lyrics just as raunchy as aforementioned. Despite the sexual content, it did not receive backlash. Instead, it became used in social media trends.
“Spit in my face when you f— me, play with my g—, while you s— me, eat the d— like you was ugly,” rapped NLE Choppa.
Sexyy Red, born Janae Wherry, is a Black woman born in North St. Louis. At the age of 16, people she had close relationships with began going to jail and she was exposed to sex at a young age. On Lil Yachty and MitchGoneMad’s “A Safe Place” podcast, Sexyy Red shared her experience being raped before she arose to fame.
As a child, she listened to rappers Lil Wayne, Juicy J and Gucci Mane. According to Sexyy Red, the “hood music” she listened to growing up and her upbringing encouraged her to become a rapper and produce music about her experiences.
Sexyy Red and other female rappers are creating music to reflect their experiences and to express themselves much like their fellow male rappers, therefore their music should not be held to a different standard because they are women.