Dr. Dre once reduced women to mere sex toys who lived to play their cards and manipulate men, when he so eloquently put on wax, “b*tches ain’t sh*t but hoes and tricks.”
For eons now, Hip-Hop music has garnered criticism as the genre that largely evokes violence, eulogizes the drug enterprise and promotes the degradation of women, particularly of color.
But thugs aren’t always misogynistic. And in light of Women’s History Month, we’re here to spotlight 10 songs that prove the latter; records by rappers – whether “crunk,” “gangsta,” or “conscious” – that lend example to Hip-Hop’s ability to acknowledge and pay homage to a woman’s worth. Turn the page to find out which others made the cut.
—
2Pac – “Keep Ya Head Up” (1993)
The hit single calls for the better treatment of women. The late Tupac Shakur equally offers hope to women, children, and poor people of color in tough times that arise in a system and society that make it difficult to stay afloat.
—
Photo: WENN
Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams – “Beautiful” (2003)
What woman doesn’t love a man who glorifies her physique? Snoop Dogg does just that in the Skateboard P-assisted record where the rapper expresses his admiration for his lady’s unique curves.
Queen Latifah – “Ladies First” (1989)
It’s all in the title. The feminist anthem, featuring Monie Love, remains one of Latifah’s signature songs.
Ghost Face Killah ft. Mary J. Blige – “All That I Got Is You” (1996)
The solo debut single by the Wu-Tang MC is a tribute to his mother, where he depicts his childhood struggle and simultaneously praises her for raising him properly, despite dismal circumstances.
(Mary was unavailable for the music video version and was replaced by Wu songstress, Tekitha)
Webbie ft. Lil’ Boosie and Lil’ Phat – “I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T” (2007)
Quite the anthem in the South, “I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T” is a unique take on admiring a woman who can hold her own.
Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
The classic cut off the incomparable The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill LP, the debut single both encourages and warns women (and men in this case) to view themselves (and sex) as something far more precious.
The Roots – “You Got Me” (1999)
In the Erykah Badu-assisted song (which also features Eve), Black thought praises his “Ethiopian queen” for “taking classes abroad” and “studying film and photo flash focus record.” A woman being praised for being book smart, what a concept.
Drake – “Fancy” (2010)
October’s Very Own bigs up the lady who takes pride in her outer appearance. Plus, it’s always refreshing to hear a man express his appreciation for an intelligent woman.
Common – “The Light” (2000)
Arguably one of the most beautiful Hip-Hop love songs, “The Light” is a classic record where Common speaks his undying love and appreciation to his main thing and vows to never call her anything that should diminish her divinity.
Kanye West – “Hey Mama” (2005)
Here, Kanye delivers a touching tribute to the woman that raised him. The sentimental tune was released a few years before his mother’s tragic death.
