Congress holds hearing on hip-hop

Congress is paying greater attention to the “stereotypes and degradation” of women, especially African American women in Hip Hop music. The hearing is tentatively scheduled for Sept 25 and will take a closer look at videos and rap lyrics, an area of great controversy as of late because of misogyny aimed at black women.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection is spearheading the hearing. Rush is calling on music industry executives to explain the music they produce. He is having trouble getting executives to commit to appear. He states the reason h he is getting a delay, per execs, is schedules. Witnesses include toppers Philippe Dauman of Viacom, Doug Morris of Universal Music Group and Edgar Bronfman Jr. of Warner Music Group. So far, only one artist has committed to appearing is the once chart topping — Master P, who began his career as a gangsta rapper but has since focused on positive messages and images in his music.