Hip-hop is not only a genre of music it's a language and a challenging way of life. From the distinct beats, the clothing and the seemingly aggressive and slack use of language, it is almost undeniable that hip hop maketh its listener. In the main, the perception of women isn't favourable. Women may take offence at being referred to as 'bitches" and "hos" but it's difficult to protest when the terms are used so casually and women themselves have almost fulfilled the identity.
Tinu Adeniji-Adele, 18
I don't believe they do, I think young men like to use this as an excuse. Eminem is a popular hip hop artist and I'm sure most young men do not agree with his views on women. Nor do I think that young men would take Shaggy's (It Wasn't Me) advice. I do not think it's fair to say that hip-hop is the only type of music that uses sexist lyrics. Look at Lou Bega's Mambo No.5. I think that hip-hop's lyrics tend to be more explicit so it is highlighted more.
Emma Dennis Edwards, 13
These artists are important role models and young men do regularly practise the negativity projected through their lyrics. Young men often refer to women using words they've heard in the latest hip-hop song. These words are often rude and insulting. When the latest hip-hop song describes a man cheating or even beating a woman and this is projected in the song in an acceptable manner it then becomes acceptable for women to be treated this way in reality.
Gillian Antwi, 14
It depends on the type of person and what the lyrics say. For example, if the lyrics said you had to act a certain way in order to get a girl then it is likely that most boys will listen. But if the lyrics put across a stereotype of girls as slags, there are chances that they won't listen. You can't blame famous people for what a stupid teenager or kid does because it's just entertainment that mustn't be taken seriously.
Danyel Edwards, 14
Rap artists like DMX and Jay-Z are often looked up to by young men, who one day may come to dominate the hip hop scene like they have. These rappers tend to describe women using profanity such as 'ho's' and 'bitches.' For onlookers, they may feel that in order to become a part of the rap industry, you need to use this language to describe females as such and threat them as sex objects. The message is that these lyrics are perfectly acceptable.
Della Hicks-Wilson, 15
Hip-hop is a major part of youth culture. Artists, both male and female seem to dwell on and glamorise their materialistic values such as money and gals. Girls are frequently referred to as "bitches'' and "hos" which allows stereotypes to form and therefore have an effect on the way that women are viewed. Artists definitely influence they way women are perceived. It seems that their contribution is solely negative.
Naomi Marshall, 18
Hip hop lyrics do influence the way young men perceive women. A lot of the songs call women 'bitches', this makes men think that women are nothing. When people like Eminem talk about beating women it can make young men think, 'well I can do this.' I think some men talk like this because it makes them feel manly.
Benjamina Avro-Owiriwa, 13
About the team
The Answer the question panel are members of Children's Express London bureau. This column was published as part of Teen Talk, the Children's Express page in New Nation.
