Problematic subjects, such as religion and gender roles, are as old as time. Hip-hop, on the other hand, is as modern as cell phones.
All three elements were intertwined into “Rap, Religion, and Women,” Long Beach State Associate Professor Dr. Ebony A. Utley’s lecture, which was delivered to a full-house in the Learning Resource Center. Her book “Rap and Religion: Understanding The Gangsta’s God” was a big part of her presentation.
In many ways rap serves as a microcosm of our worldview, said Utley. Women are still trying to assert themselves, while men continue to maintain their stranglehold, and God is viewed, almost strictly, as a man. These inequalities must be addressed in order for us to move forward, she said.
“I’m okay with the problematic things that arise in the world as long as we can talk about them and have productive conversations,” she said.
These views, unfortunately, reflect our society. Utley made reference to one of these similarities.
“Rappers have an affinity for Jesus because their lives are parallel experiences in so many ways,” she said.
As Utley wrote in a Huffington Post article last year, rappers, most notably 2pac, have found a figure to relate to in Jesus. Jesus grew up in poverty, was oppressed, chastised, revered, and even feared. He is now seen as a signal of strength. These characteristics resonate with most rappers, either because they have lived it or because they aspire to.
Utley outlined three Gods referred to most in hip-hop. First was the “Daddy God,” a powerful, protective, provider. Second came the “Lover God,” a God that female rappers reference as the ideal man, faithful and loving. Thirdly, the “Daddy-Lover God,” which embodies both, but can also be domineering and forceful.
Though women have found a place in hip-hop, they still fail to depict a female god, perhaps by choice, perhaps unconsciously.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Dr. Rachel Hastings, who brought Utley to Southwestern College, said there is a reason for this.
“We in society don’t frame God as a woman,” she said, “so it’s not surprising that hip-hop artists don’t frame God as women.”
While these notions may seem sexist to most, Utley said she does not mind.
“I don’t need hip-hop to give me a feminist perspective,” she said. “That’s not what it’s supposed to do. Words are powerful, but for me the power is in the interpretation. That’s what I do. That’s what audiences do.”
Biology major Anita Lewis said she found the lecture especially interesting due to Utley’s use of music video clips, and the presentation opened her mind to new interpretations of familiar songs.
“Now I listen to those songs a little differently,” said Lewis. “They have been on my playlist for a very long time, but Dr. Utley kind of put the message into perspective.”
For a long time hip-hop and other forms of entertainment have been used as cop-outs for violent behavior.
“I don’t dismiss the accountability that hip-hop artists have,” said Hastings. “But I don’t hold them wholly accountable for all of our behaviors.”
What must be remembered is that hip-hop originated from society, which means art originally imitated life, not the other way around.
Utley’s passion for poignant and relevant subject matter was something to behold. Her presence also served as a positive influence.
“She’s an African-American women speaking on issues of hip-hop,” said Hastings, “which typically you don’t find female voices that have ownership over knowledge on that topic.”
