The rise of female rappers in the hip-hop industry has been a powerful and inspiring trend in recent years. However, this success hasn’t come without its critics. Jermaine Dupri, a prominent producer and music mogul, recently found himself at the center of controversy after making dismissive remarks about women in rap. In an interview with People, Dupri claimed that female rappers all “rap about the same thing” and likened their content to “strippers rapping.”
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Unsurprisingly, these comments didn’t sit well with Cardi B, one of the most influential female rappers in the game. Known for her bold and unapologetic persona, Cardi didn’t hold back in addressing Dupri’s remarks, taking to social media to defend herself and the broader community of women in rap.
Jermaine Dupri’s Controversial Comments
In his interview, Jermaine Dupri criticized the current landscape of female rap, suggesting that women lack variety in their subject matter. “They all rapping about the same thing, and I don’t think they’re showing us who is the best rapper. For me, it’s like strippers rapping,” he said.
His comments sparked immediate backlash, as many fans and artists felt they dismissed the creativity, talent, and diversity within the growing community of female emcees.
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Cardi B Responds: “We Rap About What People Want to Hear”
Cardi B, never one to shy away from speaking her mind, responded directly to Dupri’s claims. In an Instagram post, the “WAP” rapper addressed the criticism with her signature blend of humor and truth.
“First of all, I rap about my pussy because she’s my best friend,” Cardi began, lightheartedly setting the tone. But she quickly got serious, explaining that female rappers often tailor their music to what audiences want to hear.
“It seems like that’s what people want to hear,” Cardi said. “When I did ‘Be Careful,’ people was talking mad shit in the beginning, like, ‘What the fuck is this? This is not what I expected.’ If that’s what people isn’t trying to hear, then it’s like, alright, I’mma start rapping about my pussy again.”
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Her comments highlighted a double standard in the music industry, where male rappers are often praised for rapping about repetitive themes like money, violence, and sex, while women are criticized for exploring similar topics.
Shining a Light on Female Rap Talent
Rather than simply defend herself, Cardi used the opportunity to uplift other female rappers who, in her opinion, deserve more recognition for their talent and lyrical creativity. In a follow-up video, she gave a shoutout to artists like Tierra Whack, Kamaiyah, Chika, and Rapsody, encouraging fans to explore their music.
“These are the female rappers that are really rapping their ass off and don’t be talking about their pussy, and y’all don’t be supporting them,” Cardi pointed out.
Her callout emphasized a key issue in the industry: while fans and critics demand diversity in female rap, artists who provide it often struggle to receive mainstream support. Cardi’s endorsement of her peers underscored the importance of celebrating the breadth and depth of talent among women in hip-hop.
A Double Standard in Hip-Hop
Cardi’s response also highlighted the broader issue of double standards in the hip-hop industry. Male rappers have long dominated the genre with repetitive themes like wealth, power, and explicit sexual content, yet their creativity is rarely questioned. Female rappers, on the other hand, face intense scrutiny over their lyrics, often being pigeonholed into narrow stereotypes.
“People want to hear certain things,” Cardi explained. “And when women deliver, they get criticized for it.”
This double standard not only undermines the contributions of women in rap but also ignores the variety of voices, perspectives, and styles they bring to the table.
A Growing Movement of Female Emcees
Despite the criticism, the rise of female rappers in recent years is undeniable. Artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and others have achieved massive success, breaking records, dominating charts, and redefining what it means to be a woman in hip-hop.
At the same time, underground and alternative artists like Tierra Whack and Rapsody continue to push the boundaries of the genre with innovative storytelling and unique styles. These women prove that there’s no single way to be a female rapper—and that the diversity within the community is its greatest strength.
Fans React: “Women Are Holding Down Hip-Hop”
Jermaine Dupri’s comments ignited a wave of backlash on social media, with fans rallying behind Cardi B and other female artists. Many pointed out that women are currently leading the charge in hip-hop, delivering hits that dominate the charts and influence culture.
One fan tweeted: “Jermaine Dupri is out of touch. Women like Cardi and Megan are carrying the rap game right now, and they deserve their flowers.”
Another added: “Why is it always the women who get criticized for what they rap about? Male rappers have been repeating the same themes for decades.”
Cardi B’s response to Jermaine Dupri’s criticism is a powerful reminder of the challenges female rappers continue to face, even as they achieve unprecedented success. By defending her craft and shining a light on her peers, Cardi not only shut down the dismissive comments but also celebrated the incredible diversity and talent within the female rap community.
Women in hip-hop are more than just a trend—they’re a driving force in the genre’s evolution. Whether rapping about empowerment, personal struggles, or sexuality, they are reclaiming their narratives and redefining what it means to be a rapper. As Cardi B so aptly put it: “There’s no excuse for ignoring the talent out here. We’re more than just one thing, and it’s time the world recognized that.”
