The G.W.O.R.L.S

Abstract:
For the past several years, especially in 2020, the global music industry has seen the rise and success of female rappers. They are responsible for some of the biggest hits in mainstream culture including tracks like “Say So” by Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj and “Act Up” by the City Girls. However, their presence continues to be criticized and remains a target of the male-dominated Hip-Hop genre. Despite several efforts and forces attempting to distort the perception of women that can bust a rhyme, these powerful and influential women prevail in advancing the stature of female artistry and reclaiming their craft. Now more than ever, I find it imperative that society must uplift and empower the voices of black and brown women across all fields. Regardless if you are or are not a consumer of female rap, my pursuit of this project is to contribute to a larger conversation where we not only listen, but appreciate the voices of marginalized communities and groups. For this project, I have chosen Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cardi B to serve as inspiration in developing charcoal portraits and curating unique backgrounds for each that represent the importance of women in the Hip-Hop genre.