I think that record labels that promote misogynist artists should donate a portion of their profits to domestic violence shelters and sexual assault organizations, just like tobacco companies who invest in helping smokers quit. In business, if there is negative fall-out from a product sold, then the consequence is offsetting that fall-out with whatever it costs to balance the damage. I don't think hip-hop is any different. I also think they should sponsor and organize community forums where impact of degrading lyrics can be discussed honestly.
Also, music executives need to promote female Black MC's like male artists in the mainstream. Strong, female MCs are out there and their perspective on where they come from and what they've been through is just as valid as any male MC's perspective.
The Black community needs to start promoting and supporting independent art and building independent art businesses. We need to get to the top of music industry food chain by owning venues and production facilities. We need to become more business-savvy and less dependent on executives who do not share our community interests. We also need to stop reflecting and start creating our own view and voice in the world. Emulating the society around us, which was built on racism and so many other forms of oppression, is not the pathway to freedom or equality.
The sad truth is that, if nothing changes, Black women lose out. We're the only ones in this struggle being asked to choose between our sex and our race, our color and our gender. We're the only voices getting drowned out, while our bodies boost ratings and record sales.
I hope record executives can recognize the power that they have to stop pitting Black men against Black women. I hope the Black male artists and CEOs can recognize Black women are still holding them down, even while we're suffocating beneath hatred and lack of acknowledgment. I hope they can recognize that we need their support and protection, not their contempt.
In case no one recognizes me, allow me to re-introduce myself…my name is Nikki Patin and I'm a broken-hearted fan of hip-hop.
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