“Hip-Hop’s 3 Female Contenders”

Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks, and Angel Haze are personal favorites for contenders of the female Hip-Hop throne. I know that most like to compare all female up and comers to Nicki Minaj, but for right now, in this moment, let’s compare these three on a scale to legends like Queen Latifah, Salt n Pepa, and Lil Kim.

Once upon a time, Hip-Hop was a street style form of poetry where artists spit rhymes about the streets and their personal battles.  Somehow, it has formed into wise quips, disses, and money (BALLIN!!!!).  We all hope for a new generation of “real MC’s,” but let’s be honest and direct; we will never get it back. The industry pressures female rappers to cross over or alter their images drastically in order to attract audiences other than the black community. The longevity for a female MC’s career in today is almost fucking impossible. Currently, Nicki Minaj is the reigning queen, but is there room for a sexy Aussie/Black hipster, and journal writing female MC?

“Pu$$y” is one of my favorite songs by Australian born, Iggy Azalea.  I was immediately attracted to her pin up girl looks, vivid lyrics, and yes, her sassy white girl swag.  I think Iggy has a place in Hip-Hop, because of her star quality. Her look is similar to Katy Perry, however, she can make a video like “Murda Bizness” and swag it out: rocking a bandana and plaid top while remaining sexy. Her lyrics can get raunchy in a seductive way, while getting her point across. Her only possible drawbacks may be gaining fans in the black community. As a white female rapper with platinum blond hair and Australian accent, she isn’t exactly what Hip-Hop heads will welcome with open arms. However, with the current generation of black skaters, country singers, and cross over artists, it shouldn’t be too difficult to overcome the obstacles waiting ahead of her. Anyhow, I wouldn’t let my teen little sister listen to a song like “Pu$$y.” Her music should be for grown folks only… or 16 and up. Check out Iggy’s track “Murda Bizness” with her mentor, T.I., one of my favorites.

Lets jet from Australia to Harlem, home of our number two contender and most anticipated artist, Azealia Banks.  Azealia Banks has an undoubtedly rare talent where she can sing and rap beautifully.  She is officially co-signed by Kanye West himself and is represented by Funstar.com, who also looks after Coldplay.  Wow, talk about credibility! Her track “212” is blowing up and Banks has begun gracing covers of Hip-Hop endorsed publications like “Paper” Magazine.  Azalea has a hipster vibe while remaining almost secretly sexy. It’s like she’s keeping a naughty secret and you want to know what it is. The best thing about Azalea Banks is her relatable image. She looks like the girl next door who’s confident in herself and stays on the grind at all times.  My only concern is her image is easily commercialized. Since “212” has a beat that’s considered pop/house. She can easily fall into the trap of pop princess instead of Hip-Hop princess. Check out her track “212” where she rocks it out in ripped denim shorts and Mickey Mouse sweater while talking about cunts getting eaten. Whoa!!

Last, but certainly not least, my personal underdog favorite up and comer, Ms. Angel Haze. I came across Ms. Haze on a blog and took interest in her simply because her rhymes gave me chills.  Though Ms. Haze is not as known, she deserves to be there one day. After hard work and a little artist development, I’m sure Angel Haze will become known. Her song or piece of poetry entitled “Heart (poem)” is a heartfelt freestyle to someone who has hurt her deeply. Her music is like a diary being spoken through rhymes. I know there are many young women rapping about heart ache and lost ones etc, but Ms. Haze’s songs bring more of that Lil Kim swag into the equation.  After buying “The Notorius K.I.M.,” I almost felt her pain as she spit a verse on her relationship with BIGGIE. This is what music is; a form of artistry to relate to audiences in a musical way. If Angel Haze gets a chance at the big time, I have no doubt she will have a hand in bringing real lyrics back to Hip-Hop.