Panel discusses effects of 'gangster' rap

The degrading image of African American women in "gangster" rap music was the focus of a panel discussion sponsored by the Delta Sigma Phi sorority and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity last night in Low Rise North. "TLB and Chill," a local rap group, joined interested students and members of the Philadelphia Political Black Women's Congress and Motivational Educational Entertainment Corporation to discuss the "misogynistic lyrics" found in many "gangster," or "hard core" rap songs. Students and panel members disagreed vehemently with each other about whether gangster rap should reflect more "positive" themes of African American culture. TLB and Chill rapper "Drew" said, "our music is violent because it reflects the times." Wharton sophomore Nina Johnson agreed. "Art reflects reality," she said. "Instead of changing art, we need to take steps towards changing our reality." But Philadelphia Political Black Women's Congress spokesperson Ronnie McPherson questioned the means by which the groups portray African American women. "Is there another way we can get our message across without demeaning our women?" she asked. A student, who requested anonymity, asked why rappers "can't show something positive instead of the same 'this bitch' or 'this ho?'" "Rappers always claim [they are] talking about life," he said. "That's bullshit -- they're not talking about their life. They're talking about the life that the white man is [using to] sell music, to sell movies, to make money." Drew said he included demeaning lyrics about women in his songs because otherwise they "won't sell." "Black people finally got something we can call our own," he added. McPherson addressed her comments directly to Drew. "You're degrading yourself, your women, just so you can drive around in a fancy car," she said. McPherson added that her organization is not "against African American males making a living in the entertainment industry," but against the degradation of African American women. College sophomore Onyx Finney stressed the importance of "self love" in the African American community, saying that it will improve the violent conditions referred to in rap music. But Drew was cynical about Finney's idea. "There are some things you just can't stop, baby girl," he said to her. Although many different viewpoints were expressed during the discussion, College senior and Delta Sigma Phi President Ayanna Taylor said that the diverse panel was purposely chosen. "When we discuss things, we don't want to leave out anyone," she said. "Everyone is an important member of our community."