The video featured cameos from several female artists including Rubi Rose. Mulatto and Normani. Even Kylie Jenner made a surprise appearance in the video. For some, the song and music video brought empowerment, confidence, and a message to be
unapologetically sexy. For others, the project was considered raunchy, vulgar, and classless.
This brings me to my main question - is hyper sexuality in hip-hop new or is it the new demand
and buzz for female hip-hop that bothers so many people?
Many respectable celebrities and household names have chimed in on the fun and sometimes
controversial conversations behind having a W.A.P.
Oscar award winning actresses Viola Davis and Halle Berry shared memes and videos on Twitter of fans editing them into the W.A.P music video.
Other celebrities like rapper/songwriter Ceelo Green commented on adult content in music, stating it has a “time and a place.” He has also critiqued Nicki Minaj for adult content saying her sexuality in her art “feels desperate.”
Even politicians had something to say about the project. James P. Bradley, a Republican said
that “Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion are what happens when children are raised without God.” Since when are congress candidates concerned with the business of female hip-hop?
It’s very hard to not acknowledge the double standards for men and women when it comes to hyper sexuality in rap music and videos. Especially when there are songs like Three3 Six6 Mafia’s “Slob on my Knob” or the Ying Yang Twin’s, “Whisper Song.” These songs have been around since the early 2000’s and there are even more before this.
It is ironic. You would think men would enjoy a song themed around a women’s vaginas and a music video with beautiful women dancing. Instead, they are finding reasons to dislike and critique the work. Maybe Cardi B and Meg The Stallion’s message, “there is power in the P*ssy!” is too powerful and they feel threatened. Whatever the case, Cardi B and Megan should pat themselves on the back for getting the people talking and giving people more reason to watch and rewatch their content.
