Women have been influencing hip hop and rap for more than three decades, breaking down barriers and setting trends.
Recently however, new age female rap artists have made commitments to their career and also their education.
Award-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion (Megan Pete) has shown she is capable of doing it all while pursuing her education. While becoming a sensation she has remained in college and is currently a part-time student at Texas Southern University majoring in health administration.
In May, People magazine released an article on Pete about her accomplishments and her collegiate education. In the article Pete said that her reason to complete college is due to the remembrance of both her mother and grandmother who passed away in March of 2019.
“I want to get my degree because I really want my mom to be proud,” Pete told People.
During her career she has started initiatives to promote a “Hot Girl Semester,” which is a play off her original song “Hot Girl Summer.” This initiative supports collegiate women on the way to getting their degree. Pete’s stance on education has garnered support from her fans who are currently in college, inspiring them to follow their dreams and get an education.
Florida A&M sophomore Linda Williams is a fan of Megan Thee Stallion and feels inspired by her.
“I feel empowered by female rappers enrolled in college because it shows how versatile a person can be. People view rappers in a certain way and being in college kind of challenges some of those negative stereotypes, especially with female rappers,” said Williams.
Up-and-coming rapper Rubi Rose also found a way to follow her dreams and continue her education at Georgia State University in Atlanta. She has managed to build her brand while attending college.
Since discovering artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Rubi Rose, FAMU junior Keondra Hatten has seen it as a reminder that with discipline you can do anything.
“I would have to agree that rappers in college portray a positive image of their dreams. They have chosen to further their education while focusing on their dreams. Having a degree could help the rappers whether it be financially or through networking,” Hatten said.
In the male dominated industry of rap, female rappers have managed to break down walls while getting their degree and showing balance. They have shown you can be a student by day and a rapper at night by promoting education and following dreams.