Music artists like SZA, Kehlani, Syd and Jessie Reyes have been just a few of the female artists that are breaking the mold of being a nice, proper artist. Their lyrics and subject matter are sometimes considered obscene and raunchy. But, they are singing from the heart and singing about everyday life for them. That is why we love these artists because they fight back against the stigma of a "proper girl" singer.
The reason why these female artists are breaking the mold is that our society is changing. We are caring less if a female artist talks about sex or uses profanity. SZA is a great example of this new wave. Also, if you haven't listened to her album "Crtl," then what have you been doing with your life?
SZA's song "The Weekend," talks about her relationship with her sideman. "Like is you comin' home? Is you out with her? I don't care long as you're here by 10:30, no later than. Drop them drawers, give me what I want."
In this song we see her sing about this guy only as someone she wants for relations. For so long, the public has deemed this language by a female artist taboo. Now, we see them have the freedom to talk about their "real" lives instead of pretending their lives are glamorous.
This trend is new for female artists of color, but for white female artists, it is not. Anyone who has heard a Madonna song or a Brittney Spears song knows what I'm talking about. There was and still is a double standard in the music industry for women of color. They have to be proper and talk clean to get fans. But, like I said, there is a new wave where these artists don't have to follow those rules.
Another reason outspoken female artists are loved is that they give young girls more to look up to. Instead of always hearing that you have to be all proper. You see and hear women who don't let these social norms define them. Which translates to the fans that they can be whatever they want.
When I talk about outspoken female artists, I am not just talking about women who talk about sex, drugs or anything else they were once tabooed to sing about. I am also talking about the freedom to speak on social issues. I know this is not new, but it is important to look at.
One artist that comes to mind is Janelle Monae with her song, "Django Jane." Monae sings, "Remember when they used to say I look too mannish. Black girl magic, y'all can't stand it. Y'all can't ban it, made it out like a bandit. They been trying hard just to make us all vanish. I suggest they put a flag on a whole 'nother planet."
These lines are describing the frustration that Monae and other women have felt in this society that men try to run. It celebrates "black girl magic," which is the appreciation of black culture from a women's perspective. Back in the 90s, this may not have been acceptable, but now we are all for it.
Another artist I want to briefly write on is the Queen herself, Beyoncé. She is a leader in a movement of empowering women through their intelligence and sexuality. One of my favorite songs of her "Lemonade" album is "Don't Hurt Yourself." Her first verse is powerful and fierce.
"Who the f*** do you think I is? You ain't married to no average bitch, boy. You can watch my fat ass twist, boy. As I bounce to the next d***, boy. And keep your money, I got my own. Keep a bigger smile on my face being alone. Bad motherf*****, God complex. Motivate your ass, call me Malcolm X. Yo operator, or innovator. F*** you hater, you can't recreate her, no. You'll never recreate her no, hell no."
This verse has so much to dissect. She can have anyone because she is strong and confident while being beautiful. You can't hold her back and she is irreplaceable. She has her own money and doesn't have to rely on a man. I would love to keep talking about Beyoncé, but I want to talk about one more important aspect before concluding.
These artists can sing about their lives and feelings in the most real terms now. For example, Ella Mai in her song "Naked." Mai sings, "Might be a bitch in the morning so catch me at night time. Some of my friends think I'm moody but I think I'm just fine. I could be pissed but I act like I'm not. I really remember when I say I forgot. No matter how hard I try. To run away from love at the end of the night."
Mai is singing about the struggles girls have to go through in our society. She perfectly captures what she and many others fight against which is the stigma of having a perfect, proper young lady.
To conclude, there has been a new wave of female artists who aren't afraid to keep things real. Whether that be in their lyrics or the subject matter of their songs. It is great to see women be able to freely express their feelings uncensored. Our society is changing and this is just another positive step we have made.
