Love the Way You Lie

Flashback Friday: My interview with Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera

Entertainment writer Sandra Sperounes flashed back in her article Friday to an interview with Christina Aguilera in 2000. In the article, Sperounes recounts questioning Aguilera about her “war of words” with rapper Eminem in which she called him out for his lyrics praising domestic violence against women. That was in 2000. The theme continued in 2010 when Eminem released a music video with singer Rihanna for their song, “Love the Way You Lie,” in which there were a number of scenes of domestic violence that were inspired by Eminem’s relationship with his ex-wife. Eminem is just another example of a “gangsta rapper” whose lyrical subject matter integrated itself into his personal life and resulted in not only the degradation of women in his music but the assault of women in his life. 

Eminem with backup dancer

Misogyny in “Gangsta rap” is not a product of the African-Americans singing it, but it is a characteristic of the genre itself as even white rappers such as Eminem portray similar ideas and actions. In our book, Race, Gender, and Stereotypes in the Media, Darren Rhym states, “[Rap] is the way we as blacks perceive ourselves, and the way we are perceived by the world.” However, I would add that it is not solely contained within the African-American community, but it expands into other races as well. As seen in the case with Eminem, domestic violence has been an image so present in rap that it is no longer a mere subject matter but a characteristic of the genre itself, and it integrates itself into the entertainers singing it, no matter their race. I would conclude that misogyny was not a theme brought into the music by a certain race, but it was brought in by a certain social background. Current rappers now believe that they too have to have this “hardcore” background and strive to fit into the genre of music by contributing to this theme and incorporating it into their own lives. As long as the public continues to advocate such practices by purchasing albums, attending concerts, and watching videos that portray misogynistic images and beliefs, then the traditional theme will continue as well, and women will continue to be disrespected and degraded by such music. However, if audiences finally step up and refuse to support artists and labels that promote “gangsta rap,” then the industry will not be able to sustain itself, and a redefining of rap will be required until women are finally respected in the music. 

"Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem feat. Rihanna

music video