Cool Girls in Track Pants: A Look at the Women of Hip-Hop
[Sheetal Lodhia offers this appreciation of some of her favourite hip-hop women, especially those from the 90s. This article first appeared at The Toast. -AC]
Beyoncé’s latest album, which I love, has reignited the eternal conversation about music, the female body, and feminism. Here’s Mia McKenzie, on Beyoncé’s use of the work of feminist Chimananda Ngozi Adichie:
In Adiche’s words, a feminist is “a person who believes in the social, economic and political equality of the sexes.” This seems to be Beyoncé’s way of declaring herself a feminist. I like the quote, I think it’s important, and I’m really glad it’s there. I would add:
…and who is able to look at the world with a critical eye so as to be able to identify those times and places where that equality is not present.
In the spirit of identifying a lack of equality, I’m reminded of a time in the recent past when there was simply more variety in female performances, and an environment in which a range of girls–cool girls in track pants–were given the opportunity to thrive.
