Hip-hop feminism is a jarring concept, seeing as hip-hop culture generally is filled with some of the most gendered and misogynistic language and images of women in American society. Yet, hip-hop feminism takes the idea of fighting the sexism from within the culture, keeping the parts of the culture that women like — the rhythm, the music, the overall style — while unpacking that which is hurtful and damaging to women.


Although the term “hip-hop feminism” is quite a recent invention, the shift in music between “girly” women and tougher, assertive women has arguably been taking place in the world of popular music for over a decade, though it has taken a while to take hold. But, perhaps in corners of the pop-music world, there is a growing number of female artists who are using their music as a platform for promoting gender change, and that is in itself quite intriguing.

Beyonce Knowles may be leading a gender revolution through her music. Beyonce, known primarily for the shimmying body accompanying her spectacular voice is hardly an anticipated source of feminist activism. Yet, check out some of the lyrics on her newest single, “If I were a Boy”.

If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I’d roll out of bed in the morning
And throw on what I wanted then go
Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls.
I’d put myself first
And make the rules as I go
Cause I know that she’d be faithful
Waitin’ for me to come home

This is Beyonce protesting that women have a double shift at home, while men continue to live carefree lives, that men put themselves first while women care of everyone, that women are faithful in relationships while men can sleep with whomever they feel like it, and that women continue to wait by the window while the men are out gallivanting. Beyonce is effectively protesting an entire social construction of gender “men and women” and playing around with her own female identity.

This song, with its original, rhythmic use of body music, challenges society to hear women in their own way. It’s a catchy women’s song. It is possible that this song is part of larger trends of artists using their pop music to undo gender socialization. So maybe there is something of a revolution on its way after all. I am eager to hear what’s next.