Words by Marisol “Pinqy Ring” Vélez (@PinqyRing)
Marisol “Pinqy Ring” Vélez introduces her new series Windy City Women, where she’ll be profiling Chicago’s favorite female rappers. In the first edition, she shares her background on the series, and interviews the illustrious Psalm One.
When you think of an MC, your mind immediately scans and processes the image of a woman, Adida-clad, book of rhymes in hand, bobbing her head with Beats by Dre headphones on and that “I’m ‘bout to kill this beat!” gleam in her eyes… Right?
Probably not.
Truth is, you probably picture some six-foot dude with a flock of Bonita Applebums around him, blinding you with his two chains and leaning against a Lamborghini Mercy. Or, something along those lines. The point is, the person you paint a picture of is probably a man. Fact is, women remain a very underrepresented minority in Hip Hop music, even today.
Fun fact: I’m a rapper. I’ve been a rapper for several (I won’t say how many) years. The omission of “woman” before “rapper” was purposeful, but I must admit it’s a battle I, (and I’m sure many other lady MCs), have been warrioring against for several (I won’t say how many) years. Ok, enough with the parenthesis. Lets talk en claro… “In the clear”. I’m extremely proud to be a woman. In fact, I’m a feminist. Now, don’t let that f-word scare you. This ain’t ya momma’s man-hating feminism. Hell, I love the shit out of men. But, this is that misogyny-hating, equal rights, sexism swashing, male privilege denying, make people aware of inequalities and work to change them for a more fair future feminism.
Which is where the battle ensues. Though I love being a woman, and am proud to be a Hip Hop chick, I don’t think highlighting the fact that I’m a woman is always necessary when speaking of my capacity in rap. At times, in fact, I believe it hinders me as a rapper because it’s almost as if your MC credibility is shot once the public takes note that you have a vagina. I literally cringe at the word “Femcee”. I’m extremely hesitant at getting on a show whose bill is all-woman. That separate yet equal standard just doesn’t sit well with me. At the same (damn?) time, though, I enjoy being the few… the proud. The woman who can rap all your favorite MCs lyrics at the club, then turn around and write her own. I’m a fan of supporting and uplifting and networking with Femcees. I even just used the word Femcee. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em?
It’s clearly impossible to hide one’s feminine traits – these curves and this pink-ass hair is here to stay. When I first started rapping, though, I used to go onto internet battledomes (that should hint at how long I’ve been rapping – ok, no more parenthesis) under the pseudonym “Draztik” to battle the boys. Once I got the respect I thought I deserved, I “came out”, per say, added “Ladee” to my rap name, and commenced my career. I’ve clearly RIP’d that terrible rap name, but I have yet to RIP my career. Upward mobility as a woman MC hasn’t been the easiest thing, though. I’ve been slighted, hit on, questioned, backstabbed, mistrusted, unhelped, sexually harassed, called a bitch, looked over, looked up and down… Mostly (if not all) because I’m a woman.
Jean Grae, woman rapper extraordinaire, tweeted the other day: “Who are your favorite female neurosurgeons? Some of them are even better than most male neurosurgeons! #SoundsStupidRight?” Agreed… Stupid as hell. The fact that women rappers are still so separate from men plays into the marginalization and ultimate lack of women willing to jump those hurdles just to be heard. It seems that women are being liberated little by little of double standards in the workplace, yet Hip Hop has yet to follow suit.
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One of the best articles I’ve read on FSD! Keep them coming! And Psalm One is an Amazing emcee!
Thank you, Prof. Pickle. So glad you enjoyed! Critical journalism is something I love deeply. Keep reading, ‘cuz they’ll keep coming. 🙂
Great read. I usually get bored with most music articles, but this one definitely kept my attention. Now I have some new rappers to check out! Peace
Word. Thanks for the reply, Righteous, and for reading the article! People don’t read, like REALLY read, anymore. We can all learn something new and change the way things are currently. Much love.
Great article. Great topic. Great questions and amazing person to be your first interview. Positive views and romodels are so neccesary. Especially in Chicago… Girls listen to Nicky Minaj and wanna fall in love and shake that ass ass ass ass ass. Instead of continuing education and expecting respect. Its like its easier for some to get treated as hoes bc their favorite rapper clearly calls them hoes herself. I enjoy listening to all kind of music. As long as it has great lyrics and meaning i can dig it, sadly the rappers i hear on the radio who are woman dont catch my attention much bc they sound like dudes as far as Putting woman down… Thats just dumb to me. But anywho sorry for the on and on-ness? Lol… Your article (s) catch my attention but not always able to comment! Love what you stand for and what you believe!!!!!!!