Hip Hop & Money part 1: Goldenly Independent

Hip Hop has a way of influencing the masses. Whether the next dance craze is taking the world by storm or the catchiest hook won’t leave your mind, we’ve all been influenced by hip hop culture in some way. Part of this influence is the treatment of women. Misogynistic lyrics regarding women and how we handle our financial business creates serious consequences within our community. For this first part of the Hip Hop & Money series, let’s talk about gold-diggers and independent women.

Gold-digger

/adj./ term used to describe a person (usually a woman) who is after a partner or entity for financial gain

Calling anyone a gold-digger is not a compliment. What’s problematic is there are underlying issues as to why many women must reach out to means beyond themselves to secure their needs and wants. When women make roughly 80 cents for every dollar paid to men being a gold-digger is often a means for survival. Many will argue that if you’re going to be digging for gold you should make sure it’s your own treasure you’re uprooting. I disagree. If I’m connected to you and you offer your prosperity for my reach not only am I going to grab it, but I’ll probably use it as a stepping stool to secure my own bag. I never agree with anyone using someone for their own gain however; if I have to eat off your plate because I can’t afford my own you best believe I’ll be eating good with your plate and utensils too. No one is here to judge and it’s no one’s place to tell anyone how to secure the life they want for themselves. What we can do is educate ourselves and break generational barriers that lead us down the same paths as our foremothers in creating disastrous financial situations. Hip hop rarely gives secrets on how to budget, save, invest, or start businesses. You must desire to seek that information and use it along with any tools you possess to create better.

Independent woman

/adj./ phrase used to describe a woman who is financially stable without assistance from other people and entities

Being an independent woman within male dominated hip hop culture isn’t necessarily a good thing. Financially independent women are often labeled as being “too good”, “too stuck up”, “too strong” even “too bourgeoisie” for the insecure men whom they attach themselves to. Hip hop culture degrades “gold-diggers” and they don’t cut too much slack for independent women who write their own checks. Women are creating spaces of excellence to take care of themselves and raise families on their own. I’m a lifetime passenger on this train. Women entrepreneurship is at an all-time high and the political scene is looking different; the bag is being filled with lots of coins. Independent women don’t rely on nor want handouts to get ahead – we want to earn what we have. But think about it! After getting degrees, managing our income(s), raising children, being present in friendships and relationships, taking care of business, a handout would be more than appreciated! Strong women get tired too. The Superwoman syndrome is real and we can’t do it all. We have to learn how to generate passive income streams so that we can earn money without working hard for it. We all know time is money and the clock only ticks for 24 hours in a day. How can you capitalize on your 24?

Hip hop has an interesting legacy with women and money. Most pictures that are painted are not realistic for your everyday Janes. Remember, it’s not what you’re called but what you answer to. There are many means for all of us to eat. Travel down your own lane. Men have no room minding our financial business. The message is financial stability and in an unfavorable world where we’re paid less than, viewed as less than, and expected to maintain more than most of the responsibility, we have to get paid one way or the other. However you so choose, make your money work for you.

-Chantelle