Monday, October 14, 2013

Boss Bitch: Amazons, Goddesses, and Battle Rappers, oh MY!



Queen of the Ring is known as the "Global Female Movement" in Hip-Hop which consists of talented lyrical artists, feisty battle raps, and hip-hop couture. Hosted by former "Making the Band" member, BABS BUNNY, and rap artist VAGUE, Queen of the Ring blends traditional hip-hop sparring with modern "boss chick" swag. Now, before I get the "nigg-nore" for using the phrase "boss chick" (or boss bitch, as others might say), I want to take some time to dissect the true meaning and essence of the word, at least from my point of view.

Queen of the Ring introduces a variety of female rappers who have utilized their surroundings and experiences to wreck havoc in the ring, wielding their voices as weapons. Typically, it's girl on girl (no pun, I pwomise), in the ring as they battle one another for hard hitting punch lines, "OH NO YOU DIIINT" jokes, and outlandishly fab performances. It's action packed, exciting, and sure to get you hyped up, ready to slap a bi...jk, jk. But it really is a sight to see, and the women are absolutely incredible. Their confidence, cockiness (no trannies, I swear), and pure intellect make you wonder how black women, through all the drama, hood tragedies, and b.s. oppression could come to appear so regal in all our efforts. Yes, these women curse, throw insults, and make threats, but at the end of each battle, you see both sports come together to shake hands, hug, or somehow pay their respect to their opponent. It's all love yall, just tough love! What impresses me the most, above anything else, is their level of community. Yes, we women are communal creatures, and this is something our ancient foremothers practiced for the sake of survival. Where would we women be if it were not for one another?

Long ago, toward the fall of Kemet, women fled in search for a place that would not threaten their matriarchal practice of paying homage to the Great Mother. Newly discovered patriarchy threatened this way of life for many, and women took it upon themselves to keep these traditions alive. Amazons, said to have come out of Libya, soon became the military front for these civilizations that were built in honer of the Great Mother. They were the protectresses, the pioneers, and the warriors of this space, shocking many opposing male militia with their overwhelming power and strength. Greek armies were sent running scared against the Amazons, terrified by their ability to haul ass and take names later (if at all). What do these ancient women share with the trash talking, thug walking, "ain't scared of no nigga" female battle rappers of "Queen of the Ring"? Well, they too are protectresses, pioneers, and warriors in a time where hip-hop is lookin like "Ratchet on Steroids". These women have once again incorporated themselves in a space that has shut the Mother out, the one who gave birth to all this glorious music. Don't forget that music has always been associated with the Great Goddess, and hip-hop is no exception.



We forget about "Ladies First" and bob our heads to the degradation and foolery of our men, who hardly ever seem to pay homage to the women who helped to make hip-hop what it was and is today, ratchet or not. Instead, we are reduced to video vixens (not knocking that), side-kick chicks, and nameless groupies (unless, of course, you have a tell all). Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that women, together, can bring anything to life; we can make anything happen. WE have to make our voices be heard and relevant again, whether the world is listening or not. Oh, but when it rains....yall know the rest! Imagine how afraid those bitchass Greeks must have been when they heard the rumbles of the Amazons, ready to send niggas straight to hell in a heartbeat! Well, now is our turn, modern day Amazons. We have paid to cost to be the boss, and it is surely time to take heed to our greatness.

So what is a Boss Chick/Bitch? She's every aspect of a Goddess, an Amazon, and a female battle rapper. She is confident. She is Cocky. She knows exactly who she is and why she is what she is. She waits for no ones approval, only her own. So be a boss, ladies, and don't take no smack from nobody. And most importantly, bring your sistas with you, cuz you gon need some back up!

Check out my girls on Queen of the Ring. They so feisty yall don't even know!



Much Luv
-S. Sapphire

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