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HomeAfrican MusicThe Women of Alt Hip- Hop – The Hip Hop African

The Women of Alt Hip- Hop – The Hip Hop African


Introduction

Alternative hip hop is a subgenre of hip hop music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a response to the mainstream commercialization and stereotypical themes often associated with hip hop. Alternative hip hop artists typically incorporate elements of other genres such as jazz, funk, rock, electronic, and spoken word into their music, resulting in a diverse and unique sound unlike the beatboxing, turntable tracks of mainstream hip hop.

One of the defining characteristics of alternative hip hop is its emphasis on innovation, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of traditional hip hop. Artists within this subgenre often explore unconventional themes, employ complex lyricism, and experimental production techniques.

In past two decades, artists like MF Doom, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator, have continued to push the boundaries of alternative hip hop, incorporating elements of jazz, experimental electronic music, and a mixture of old and new school samples. Along with winding instrumentals while focusing on tantalizing lyricism and strong storytelling.

Although in recent years, women of hip hop have more of a presence in the industry and are better represented today. Women of alternative hip hop are underrepresented as most do not fit or present as the stereotype of mainstream female hip hop artists and because of this they do not reach the expectations of lyricism and appearance. With this comes challenges of finding their place in the hip hop scene among other challenges like navigating the male dominated spaces.

With this mixtape I wanted to highlight underrepresented female African Alt Artist in the niche subgenre as well as other artist in the west that should have more recognition for their diversity and creative expression.

Noname: “Diddy Bop”

The first song on the mixtape is “Diddy Bop” by Noname. Noname is a rapper, poet, and record producer from Chicago, IL. Her song “Diddy Bop” is featured on her debut mixtape “Telefone,” released in 2016. The song showcases Noname’s unique style, blending introspective lyrics with jazzy, soulful production. In “Diddy Bop,” Noname reflects on her upbringing and experiences growing up in Chicago. The track has a laid-back vibe with smooth instrumentation, including jazzy piano chords and a funky bassline. Noname’s poetic lyrics and melodic flow create a captivating atmosphere, drawing listeners into her world and inviting them to reflect on their own memories and experiences.

With lines like “This sound like kiddies on the playground when mama was running up…This sound like niggas complaining when their bitches like Raz-B
B2K in the stereo, we juke in the back seat
Or juke in the basement, in love with my KSWISS’s”.

The depth her lyricism and storytelling takes the audience back to a time where they can relate and reminisce on their on childhood which is a testament to her talent.

KARAHBOOO: “Box the 40

The second song on the mixtape is “Box the 40” by Karahbooo. Karahboo is a rapper from Atlanta, GA. In 2023 she signed with Lil Yacthy’s record label Concrete Boys Collective and Quality Control following with a realease of three singles. She first gained traction with her Cypher with popular YouTube Chanel On The Radar. Outshining her male counterparts with her effortless “lazy flow”. Her most popular single “Box the 40” she has a lazy but raunchy braggadocius lyricism with her simple play on words.

With lines like, “On a date with a bum, man, I feel like Dorothy
Hmm, ’cause I wanna go home”.

Her simple flow, and tomboy like presence in her music she definitely brings something different to the hip hop scene.

Arlene FL: “Freak”

The third song on the mixtape is “Freak” by Arlene FL. Arlene FL is a rapper, singer, and songwriter out of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She has been doing music professionally since the age of 14 and the “FL” in her name stand for first lady as she is the first and only female artist in her label, Black Federation. She recently gain some traction from her feature on “Bonnie and Clyde” with Nigerian artist Tonee C. In “Freak” also featuring Tonee C its a blend of afrobeats and rap with a pop style of singing rap. She expresses her desires in a calm light flow that is captivating.

MC Caro: “Baby”

The fourth song on the mixtape is “Baby” by MC Caro. MC Caro is a rapper and songwriter out of Liberia. She gained traction in the hip hop scene through her viral free style” Pro Poor”. Recently in 2020 MC Caro won Best Female Rapper of the Year Award at MTN Liberia Music Awards. In her single “Baby” off of her album “My Way”. She raps over a afrobeats type track with a calm but aggressive tone.

Showing that she can hold her own with lyrics,” I don’t know about you But I’m good I don’t talk to you still goodd I don’t work for U always be goodd even if you double your socks you can’t fit in my shoes” She’s a calm force on the rise.

Little Simz: “Gorllia”

Lastly, the fifth song on the mixtape is “Gorilla” by Little Simz. Little Simz is a British- Nigerian Rapper, singer, and actress from the UK. In her single “Gorilla” Little Simz has a unique style and flow. She’s stylish, expressive, and creative and everything she is goes against the hypersexual image that most female rappers portray today. Her lyrics are poetic, introspective storytelling and are true to who she is which allows for the themes to resonate more on a raw personal level while also providing imagery. Also, casually braggadocious somewhat like her male counterparts. As she boasts that she is timeless and here to stay which is a reflection of her ambition to be at the top and bring a different quality that the audience hasn’t seen before.

With lyrics like,”Who is this woman that I’m seein’ in the mirror? Drink ’42 and smoke cigar Name one time where I didn’t deliver Silent figure…Been a different species, tunes in the locker Been waitin’ to unleash these It’s a no show if you can’t guarantee fees (no, no, no) I ain’t got one threat to consider Heaven and Earth attached to one killer (one, one).” Flow like this she is definitely here to stay.

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