Blog 9

Alessandra Bisconti                                                                                                     Blog 9

Missy Elliot vs. Nikki Minaj

            Missy and Nikki are two artists that lie on opposite ends of the spectrum of hip hop music. Both performers execute the music in different forms of expression. It is up to the individual whether or not they want to comply with what appeals to society. Society will latch onto anything superficial. However, they latch on in both negative and positive ways. In Nikki’s case, there is constant backlash from critics if you are overexposed it insinuates a sexual connotation. However for artists like Missy, being covered up leads to negative comments alluding to your gender preference.

            In the article “Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott and Nicki Minaj: Fashionistin’ Black Female Sexuality in Hip-Hop Culture—Girl Power or Overpowered?” Missy is described as “Elliott, who underwent a shift in image when she lost a significant amount of weight, did not use her slimmer figure to move to a more sexualized image. Rather, she continues to rely on close-ups of her face interspersed with some choreography . . . [and suggests that] this type of female perspective portrays female fantasies of the overthrow of male domination and the forming of alliances among women.” Shows what type of artist she is. This is more respectable in my opinion. Hip hop is supposed to be a forum where individual expression is dominant over everything. I admire Missy for her focus and dedication to the art of music, rather than the image.
            In Missy’s music video, she is fully covered. Her jumpsuit is not skimpy or revealing in any manner. When the group presented this video to the class in our discussion, I was immediately taken back. It was a struggle for me to decipher which person dancing in the video was the main musician. Missy blended in with the background dancers who were all soulfully living through the music. It is pretty sad that today our instinct detects the singer by her lack of clothes and sexual movements. Now, Missy who is emphasizing her vocals and choreography gets shot down for her lack of femininity.
            Nikki Minaj has shaped her music into a style that makes her unique. Some musicians like Nikki put on another identity when performing their music. Her video Anaconda is an extreme representation of her musician side. Nikki exudes her expression through body movement and exposure. Most see this as scandalous and extremists may even go as far as to calling her slutty for the Anaconda video. However, Nikki feels confidence in this form of expression. Ultimately it is up to the individual to portray music the way they choose. However, it is inevitable no mater what forum they choose, artists will experience backlash regardless.

Both Nikki Minaj and Missy Elliot are extremely talented musicians that receive constant attention in the media. In the spotlight, no matter how different both may be, they each represent women empowerment sufficiently. Both singers are criticized for opposite reasons, so there is no winning in the world. Who cares what type of artist you are at this point. If there is going to be backlash no matter what, then express yourself freely!