The state of women in CHH seems to be at its zenith.

They use their voice as beacons of faith to guide fans to lean into Christ.

They demonstrate what it takes to use their God-given talents to spread the gospel while maintaining a holy posture in a scrutinizing world.

Even with notable success stories, however, many never see their day in the sun.

Why? 

Are they less visible than men? Not sought out as often? What is keeping them from succeeding? And can we do anything to change the tide in their favor?

Are we doing enough to elevate their voices, or is the golden age of female MCs merely a mirage?

 

 

 

 

 

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Rather than make assumptions about the journey of female artists, we set out to allow them to tell us in their own words about their experience. And in turn, asked the same questions of industry leaders to examine the same through a different point of view.

Here’s what we found out. 

The Survey

The survey was simple and anonymous, covering six questions focusing on the representation of female artists, barriers to their success, and trends affecting them negatively.

While the survey received much attention from our fans, the final sample size was small. Still, the responses to our questions revealed much about the struggles of females in a male-dominated industry.

 

The Findings

Although it is true that female MCs now enjoy more popularity than their foremothers- almost all respondents agreed that compared to their male counterparts, they are under-represented in CHH.

Whether it was due to visibility or lack of pursuit from labels- it has contributed to an absence of diversity in the music we consume daily. 

The Barriers 

The first thing we wanted to know was what was the biggest barrier keeping labels from singing female MCs. The answers varied widely, but four main barriers kept surfacing. 

1. Marketability 

Unlike their secular equivalent, marketing a Christian female rapper is not straightforward. There are no qualms about sexualizing the former- and the latter must remain modest as a Christ follower. 

And there lies the rub. 

Labels cannot sell a Christian artist’s sex appeal in the same way. She cannot be too revealing lest she ruins her witness, but not all can pull off the pretty TomBoy look. 

This leaves many feeling like they cannot be genuine and labeled with a product they think won’t sell.

2. Gender Bias

Hip Hop and, by extension, CHH are both male-dominated. This is an indisputable fact. 

Men are talented, low maintenance, and they bring home the bacon.

And even though they are all Christian, there is a bias against women. Be it deliberate or not, the truth is it exists. 

Labels simply are not making an effort to invest in female talent, and when they do sign them, they are still heavily outnumbered. The endless cycle of under-representation continues when labels disregard the potential of a female MC in favor of men.

3. Women’s needs

Unlike men, women’s needs are more nuanced. 

Women need more: from styling to childcare to their dedicated areas, because we do so much. 

Women are not just artists but mothers, caregivers, and wives too.

We do it all. 

So it requires a commitment on the part of their label to ensure they are taken care of- that they have the room to be all these things to so many and still have a career they can call their own.

A heavy responsibility many choose to avoid taking. Because the risk that a female MC will walk away and choose her family life over her career- is still a significant possibility. 

4. Sexual Misconduct

And speaking of responsibility…

Respondents thought that the possibility of sexual misconduct was certainly a barrier for labels signing women. 

Sparks are bound to fly when men surround a beautiful woman; if the battle of the flesh is lost, there would be losses all around. 

Staying holy while on tour is not just important when including a female artist; it’s imperative. Some labels may see the obligation as a burden rather than a duty- one they can easily avoid by not featuring a woman. 

The Trends

Unfortunately for these women, barriers are not the only things they must overcome.

There are also persistent trends that they must fight through, many of which echo the barriers above. 

To see the bigger picture, we’ll discuss those that differ. 

1. Lack of Content                                                                                                                   

Women, by their very nature, are verbose in comparison to men. 

But when it comes to lyrical prowess in the pursuit of spreading the good news- some artists have been found lacking. 

Those who want to be taken seriously have to prove their spit comes with the fire of the Holy Spirit to reach those hurting on the other side of the mic.

Not just produce dope beats to fill youth groups and give their audience a safer alternative to secular rap. 

2. Women Leaders

Nothing is more contentious in the church than a woman’s role in it.

Can we lead? And should we in the face of male opposition?

Should we be able to preach the gospel to our brethren, whether it be in words or songs?

Despite it being 2023, some still believe that women should remain silent- music as a means to deliver the hope of salvation then should stay in the domain of men.

But is the rejection based on Biblical grounds, or is it a way to safeguard the male ego- that would bruise from being out rapped by a girl? 

Regardless of the truth, women leaders have always made people uneasy within the Christian worldview. 

3. Lack of Respect

Perhaps a resounding trend among women is the lack of respect they felt as artists. 

Many expressed feeling undervalued, unseen, and straight-up left out. 

Their talents left to become a symbol of progressiveness rather than a platform to amplify their voice.

Recommendations

At the onset of the survey, we set out to find out what the state of women in CHH was from those on the ground. But we also wondered if there wasn’t a better way- a way to break down what kept our sisters from reaching their full potential. So we asked the respondents what their recommendations would be moving forward. 

Inclusion was by far the most popular recommendation industry-wide. More airplay for female MCs, more of them featured, and more women on tours and shows. Events, conferences, and concerts for women should also endeavor to support them. 

There was also a genuine need for both mentorship and discipleship. Mentorship in the form of champions would help them navigate the industry’s intricacies. And discipleship from other female artists to keep the flame of their faith alive.

But by far, the one thing these women craved the most was an all-female space. Many called for an all-female label, tours, or an arena to be heard and respected for everything they offer—a spot created and led by women for women.                                                

Ironically enough, these changes will come easier with the blessing and guidance of their brothers in Christ. The time is ripe for men to come alongside women as they embrace what’s ahead or watch as they take the future into their own hands.

A Way Forward

Now at an impasse, CHH as a collective must decide what that future looks like.

Let us not forget that woman was not created to compete with man but to be his helper in all things (Genesis 2:18). Each tempers the other, and together they are the vehicle by which the Word is expressed.

By overlooking female talent, men negate a part of themselves and deprive a section of their audience of a chance to feel seen and heard. 

All that can change.

Labels can search for MCs that embody Christian values in song and deed.

They can market them not on their beauty but on the merits of their music.

And they can absolutely provide a space to collaborate and fellowship with other women- not as competitors but as teammates of the same race.

Females don’t have to be a liability or a burden.

They are an asset to the male voice—a perfect complement to the aggressive beats of today’s sound.

Men must take up their role as protectors seriously and lead these women to the forefront where they can be heard- with compassion and grace.

Not see them as a lyric to be battled, but the softer side of themselves.

Let us not silence our sisters but lift their voices for God’s glory and the salvation of all.