In class, we discussed cancel culture today and how many music artists who have allegations against them are able to continue their careers and not be held accountable. This article discusses men in hip-hop specifically and highlights a very important issue in the music industry and society in general. Why are abusive men in hip-hop not held accountable for violence against women? When will we start holding abusive men in hip-hop accountable?
While this article was written a few years ago (2018), it still addresses a key issue going on today regarding sexual harassment and violence against women. Many artists today, many of which listed in this article, still have thriving careers despite the many allegations against them. Music artists such as Chris Brown, Eminem, and XXXTentacion, have remained on billboard charts despite their many allegations of violence against women. XXXTentacion was actually able to rise to fame despite all the allegations against him. Even after his death, people continue to mourn his death and continue to defend him.
Fans of these artists seem to brush their allegations under the rug and continue to support them, but what does this say about fans of these people. What does this say about the limitations of the #MeToo movement in reaching fans of hip-hop?
The article also discusses how other music artists, in this case Nicki Minaj, have continued to work with men who have allegations against them, specifically 6ix9ine who pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a minor. Nicki Minaj has also remained silent about the abusive behaviors of her own brother. How does this silence further the issue of accountability in the music industry?
“Separate the art from the artist” is a statement I hear often when people justify listening to problematic artists. They claim to just listen to their music because they enjoy the music, not because they like or support the actions of the person. But is this a valid argument? Can we really separate the art from the artist? By listening and consuming their art, are we not indirectly supporting the person and their actions. Are we not helping advance their career? And is that not justifying their abusive behavior? Is it really worth it to brush violence against women under the rug just because they make good music? What does this say about us as consumers and fans?
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/sylviaobell/times-up-metoo-abusive-men-hip-hop
I totally agree it seems as if people of power have some type of control over what we deem as ethical
Mainstream men in hip-hop have always been abusive towards women. From the raunchy lyrics and videos. To wanting video vixens in their videos but then deeming the very video vixen they wanted. You could find some hip-hop artists that aren’t doing things like that though.
Hi Jada,
I think you make a great point in questioning the concept of supporting artists who are under fire for problematic behavior such as sexual assault. In my own opinion, I tend to believe in the victim unless otherwise stated, so if an artist of mine is discovered to have sexually assaulted someone then I am already reluctant to keep listening to them unless they put out a genuine statement talking about the issue. But, I know this is not the case for everyone, especially with the counteractive statement of “separate the art from the artist”. I feel like this is used especially if a person does not want to get involved with the politics of addressing sexual assault and just want to keep around the artist that they love.
To answer your question, I think this argument is not valid because it is dismissing what sexual assault victims are going through. Instead of listening to both the victim and abuser on what happened and believing the victim and giving support when it deemed necessary, people would rather ignore the issue and stay in their same routine of listening to the artist. Even if you disagree with what the artist has done, you are still actively giving them more money and fame by your streams and views on platforms, which furthers their privilege of getting away with it. If you truly stand with the victim, you should give your attention to them instead of treating their story like it was something the artist had done “just because they are like that” and not really address their behavior. I think without the lesson of teaching artists that what they have done is wrong and their behavior should be changed, the cycle of abuse will continue.
Wow, I am glad that you brought this type of issue up because it has always been an issue that had always piqued my interest and why “fans” continue to listen to an artist that has/ does have allegations against. One issue that I have is the whole “separate the art from the artist.” Since the making of this statement, it had always bothered me because it just seems like an excuse that people use, to listen to their favorite artist(s) again, without facing hate or repercussions themselves, for listening to an artist that has worked with those who have sexual/abuse allegations against them or their artist is the one with sexual allegations.
I honestly dislike when people say “separate the art from the artist” as if their favorite artist, wasn’t the one (besides the producers) putting in the time and effort, in the studio to produce this “art”, that they love so much. I’d rather they just say that they are fine with listening to someone that has sexual/abuse allegations against them and that they still support them because no matter which way they phrase it, at the end of the day, they are the ones still streaming these artists and continuously putting money in their pockets. Also if these people weren’t famous, 9 times out of 10, these same people that state “separate the art from the artist”, would look at these people in disgust. Honestly, it is better if people stopped glorifying their artists and give them the same treatment a non-celebrity would get if they had allegations, such as these against them.