Throughout the development of hip-hop, ladies have lacked the recognition necessary to aid in acknowledging their presence in this growing culture. Women have been pivotal-and just as influential-since hip-hop’s formative years.

However, the industry in which hip hop is housed, offers little to no space for women to evolve and stand equally in the spotlight with their male counter-parts. It is quite an embarrassment to consider how women are portrayed as these one-dimensional, untalented, “show pieces;” when in fact, women are seldom credited for their persistence, intelligence and versatility when it comes to demonstrating any skills within this hip hop phenomenon.

Since the implementation of hip hop in American society, women have “rocked mics,” and stimulated minds all at the same time. In fact, a bold Nubian sister named Queen Latifah, so confident in the capabilities of women in hip hop (and in general), urged every one in listening range to let ladies be first.

This plea was reflective of her, and other women alike, and their unappreciated existence in this male-dominated culture. Throughout the evolution of hip-hop, women have been mostly associated with images that symbolized the limitations put on them by those who control hip-hop.

Any glimpses of women with significant roles in hip hop, is seemingly, always juxtaposed with images of sex-craved, gold-digging, video vixens (also referred to as video hoe-fessionals), and women whose only desire is to be the most recognized “dime piece.” As a female emcee myself, I remember being influenced by various talented female rappers, such as: Left Eye, Da Brat, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah and MC Lyte.

The major similarity with each of these women is that they created their own standards in this culture, and only by those standards did they faithfully live by. Their freedom of expression allowed them to fulfill their individuality and gain the respect they deserved as they continued to break down barriers. Everything from their style, to their stage presence, to their fierce lyrical delivery, gave them an edge over other women who would follow in their trails.

But what happened? Somewhere in the mid nineties the standards were no longer self-defined. The clothes came off, and the lyrics lacked content, flexibility and substance. The desire to be accepted as equal was downplayed by the obsession to be “seen and not heard.” With the entry of women such as: Lil Kim, Foxy Brown and Trina, the expectation for women to convey stereotypical images was reinforced.

Their lyrics shouted proclamations of being the Baddest Bitch and the Queen Bitch while Ill Na Na was the anthem of that particular era.

Over time, the presence of women in hip hop continued to dwindle leaving behind few credible representatives, while overshadowing a variety of underground artists such as: Bahamadia, Medusa, Jean Grae and Mystic.

While attending a Feminism and Hip Hop Conference at the University of Chicago in April 2005, approximately 1,000 students, educators and community organizers got an opportunity to experience a dialogue with women in hip hop who experienced hip hop on several realms.

Roc-A-Fella, a well-known break-dancer broke down her sentiments on hip-hop today versus hip-hop yesterday. She noted that, it is not easy being accepted in hip-hop, especially as a break-dancer.

But when will we as hip hop lovers collectively band together and pay homage to those women who do still represent the true essence of hip hop? When will we accept women who embrace individuality, and refuse to chase the image of what is acceptable, as dictated through the media and other major powerhouses? Where are the spaces and venues for women to showcase their skills?

But most importantly, where my girls at; that aren’t afraid to be the true symbol of hip-hop?

-- By Aja La’Starr