The New Lady of Rap

By Miss Rikki

It amazes me that the same people who talk about the way women are portrayed in rap music today, support female artists who rely solely on their sexuality to sell records.  “That’s right,” they say.  “She’s taking control of her sexuality.  She’s defining it for herself.”  But aren’t they feeding into the stereotypes of black women as well.  Isn’t a highly sexual video vixen at the very least similar to a highly sexual female rapper in a video?  I mean clearly the wardrobe is the same.  I liken it to this metaphor: If you die because someone murdered you, or you die because you killed yourself, either way…you’re dead.

With a new lady in the rap game I was interested to see what where she was going to fit in all of this.  To be honest, from the few pictures I had seen of her here and there and her somewhat mediocre verses in various songs in radio rotation I had almost written off Nicki Minaj.  But there was so much hype around her I decided to give her a chance.  What I found is a Nicki Minaj I really like.  She’s a smart and quirky girlie girl whose flow is on the verge of sick and there is no one else in the game anywhere near her.  Her verses on other people’s records did not do her justice at all.  She’s witty, seems to have a mastery of the English language, and though something in her rhymes may occasionally be over your head if you look it up you’ll find that it made sense.  She is definitely poised to be the “Lil Wayne” of female rappers. 

Speaking of Wayne, the Harajuki Barbie recently inked a deal with Young Money Entertainment/Universal Records where she was able to keep all of her 360 rights, including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring, and publishing!  Basically it means SistaGirl is going to be PAID!  Like I said, she’s smart.  So, despite the extra sexy images, and the controversy over whether or not her backside is real (oh yes, there is controversy) she is going to be a beast in the rap game.  Don’t sleep on Nicki Minaj.  I suggest you keep your eyes peeled and your ears glued to the streets.