Indy Emcees You Need To Hear Right Now

Indy emcees, or independent emcees, are artists who produce and perform music independently, without the support of a major record label. While the music industry is dominated by male artists, there are many talented female emcees who are making waves in the hip-hop scene and challenging gender stereotypes. One such artist is Manon Voice, an Indianapolis native who uses hip-hop as a creative outlet to deal with personal struggles. Voice, along with other female emcees like Mariah Ivey, Allison Victoria, Kiana Flowers, and Syd Blaine, are breaking down barriers and showcasing that they can go toe-to-toe with their male counterparts. They are fighting against stigmas and stereotypes, challenging the patriarchal culture of hip-hop, and proving that their stories and voices matter.

Indy emcees face a male-dominated industry

Voice is not alone in her experiences as a female emcee. Fellow artist Mariah Ivey has also spoken out about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. "You're put in this box as a female emcee in terms of branding and imaging, where you are either masculine or you are hyper-sexualized," Ivey says. She goes on to explain that women emcees are often branded as either one or the other, and those who don't fit into these molds can struggle to have their voices heard.

In addition to the issues of branding and imaging, there is also the issue of recognition. Ivey points out that female emcees want to be recognized simply as "emcees" rather than being qualified as "female emcees." This qualification often comes with the implication that their gender is a factor in their talent. "Some average male rapper can get away with just being decent, Voice says. "But let a woman come through and just be an average rapper, and everybody's like, 'She's wack.' It's like you really have to be three times as good."

The expectations and stigmas that women in hip-hop face are not limited to Indiana or the Midwest. Voice notes that Indianapolis is just a microcosm of the larger culture, and that more women's voices are needed in hip-hop to challenge the patriarchal norms. "We have to say, 'These are our stories. Our stories matter. Who we are matters. We don't have to fit these stereotypes and these stigmas. We're going to be exactly who we are,'" she says.

Despite the challenges they face, female emcees like Voice and Ivey are determined to persevere and make their voices heard. They hope that by speaking out, they can encourage others to question and challenge the biases and stereotypes that women in hip-hop often face.

Indy emcees are often boxed into branding and imaging

Ivey says, "You're put in this box as a female emcee in terms of branding and imaging, where you are either masculine or you are hyper-sexualized. Those are typically the two molds that we've seen women emcees fall into or be branded as. One who falls in the middle and is not really either of them doesn't necessarily have the easiest time highlighting her voice."

The term "female emcee" is often seen as a hindrance. These artists want to be recognized as just "emcees". The expectations put on women in hip-hop are often higher than those put on men. Voice explains, "There is a sense that you're not taken as seriously because you are a woman. If you rap well, then it's like, 'Oh, she raps well for a woman.' Some average male rapper can get away with just being decent. But let a woman come through and just be an average rapper, and everybody's like, 'She's wack.' It's like you really have to be three times as good."

The issues that Voice and Ivey face are not exclusive to their region. Indianapolis, their hometown, is just a microcosm of the larger culture. This is why more women's voices are needed in hip-hop. They need to challenge the patriarchal culture and say, "These are our stories. Our stories matter. Who we are matters. We don't have to fit these stereotypes and these stigmas. We're going to be exactly who we are."

The hope is that showcases like the one at State Street Pub can get people thinking about how they embrace and support women in hip-hop. Ivey concludes, "I want people to look at this show as a whole and begin to question and challenge themselves to step out of whatever boxes or labels they had previously put on us as women, and to respect us and see us for our talent and our ability."

Indy emcees are often hyper-sexualised

> "You're put in this box as a female emcee in terms of branding and imaging, where you are either masculine or you are hyper-sexualized. Those are typically the two molds that we've seen women emcees fall into or be branded as. One who falls in the middle and is not really either of them doesn't necessarily have the easiest time highlighting her voice."

Voice agrees, arguing that the expectations placed on women in hip-hop are often higher than those for men:

> "There is a sense that you're not taken as seriously because you are a woman. If you rap well, then it's like, 'Oh, she raps well for a woman.' Some average male rapper can get away with just being decent. But let a woman come through and just be an average rapper, and everybody's like, 'She's wack.' It's like you really have to be three times as good."

The pair are keen to challenge the patriarchal culture of hip-hop and the stereotypes and stigmas that come with it. Voice says:

> "We have to challenge that patriarchal culture. We have to say, 'These are our stories. Our stories matter. Who we are matters. We don't have to fit these stereotypes and these stigmas. We're going to be exactly who we are.'"

Indy emcees are often not taken seriously

Ivey also points out the common issue of women being recognized as "female emcees" rather than just "emcees". This distinction creates a barrier and implies that women need to work harder to be considered on par with their male counterparts. The expectations placed on women in hip-hop are often higher, and there is a sense that they are not taken as seriously as men. Voice elaborates on this, saying that if a woman is an average rapper, she is often dismissed as "wack", while an average male rapper can get away with being decent.

The challenges faced by Indy emcees are not limited to Indiana or the Midwest. Voice emphasizes that Indianapolis is just a microcosm of the larger culture, and that more women's voices are needed in hip-hop to challenge the patriarchal norms. By sharing their stories and refusing to conform to stereotypes, women in hip-hop can break free from the stigmas and gain respect for their talent and ability.

The issue of gender inequality in the music industry is not unique to hip-hop. It is a pervasive problem that spans various genres and regions. However, the male-dominated nature of the hip-hop industry and the specific challenges faced by women in this genre cannot be ignored. By addressing these issues and creating spaces for women to showcase their talent, such as the Indy Women in Hip-Hop showcase, there is a chance to foster change and empower female artists.

It is important to continue having open discussions about the challenges faced by Indy emcees and to provide platforms that celebrate and amplify their voices. Only then can we begin to address the underlying issues and create a more inclusive and equitable music industry.

Indy emcees must be three times as good

Voice is not alone in her experiences and observations. Fellow Indianapolis native and emcee, Mariah Ivey, has also spoken out about the challenges facing women in hip-hop. Ivey notes that female emcees are often put into boxes when it comes to branding and imaging, where they are either portrayed as masculine or hyper-sexualised. This dichotomy makes it difficult for women who don't fit into either of these molds to be heard and respected for their talent.

The issues raised by Voice and Ivey are not unique to Indiana or the Midwest. As Voice points out, Indianapolis is just a microcosm of the larger culture, and the patriarchal nature of the hip-hop industry is prevalent across the United States. To challenge this culture, more women's voices are needed in hip-hop. By sharing their stories and refusing to conform to stereotypes, female emcees can break down the barriers and change the narrative surrounding women in hip-hop.

Despite the challenges, there are platforms and showcases that celebrate and support women in hip-hop, such as the Indy Women in Hip Hop showcase at State Street Pub. Events like these provide an opportunity for female emcees to be heard and recognised for their talent, and to challenge the stereotypes and stigmas that they face. By participating in and supporting these events, female emcees can continue to make their voices heard and work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful hip-hop culture.

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