I've taken hip hop class and it was fun! Hip hop itself isn't degrading to women, however the music industry is using it in that fashion. The music industry is at the root of the problem.

Eve, Usher, Queen Latifah, Lil Mama, Black-Eyed Peas are the exception not the norm. I'm sorry, but I have to agree that lots of hip hop songs and videos aired are indeed derogatory to women. I discourage my children from watching music videos when they are with their dad, and I know for a fact they don't watch them here because I don't have cable. (I encourage them to read instead...) I worked for a music producer for a short time and I can't begin to tell you the vulgarities I had to endure listening to his artists day after day...They had no respect for women, nor did they have respect for themselves. It was all done for the Benjamins.

Unfortunately, Orientale dance has filtered into the rap scene and some aren't happy because it lends to the notion that belly dancers are just a step above strippers. Whenever a video is brought to my attention, I'll pull it up to watch. Some complaints are over the top, however, some are legitimate. I'm quite put off when I see some young girls with their buttocks hanging out of short pants exposing way too much, shaking their rear in front of a camera. I'd be forced to lock my daughter in a closet if I'd ever find her on a music video shakin' it for all to see! And as to my son, he's been warned that when he's older he'd better treat women as if they are goddesses or he and I will have to talk....He doesn't want this, trust me. This is my attempt to neutralize the influences of visuals my children are being bombarded with on a daily basis.

These sexually charged videos are made with young men in mind; they are the consumers targeted by the music industry. The producers of these videos don't care about an ancient art form; they don't care about art! Matter of fact, they don't care about their artists!! The producers' goal is to turn a buck while taking no prisoners.

If you feel someone is being less than rational about hip hop, ask them to rent Rize. Rize is a FANTASTIC documentary all dancers should experience.

And no, I can't name any hip hop artists because I don't watch these videos; I avoid them like the plague. I have my 16 yr old daughter sitting here with me now who says 8 out of 10 hip hop video are too disgusting for her to watch. Lil Scrappy, Lil Boozie, Lil Webbie, Yung Joc, 50 Cent, Akon, Trick Daddy....(she called friends for assistance with this list, although I know she watches MTV on the sly...)

Having said all this, the degradation of women not only exists in rap videos but R&R (Kid Rock for example), and C&W. I am not familiar with C&W stars, but this video I speak of was as raunchy as any video I've ever seen!

I think the people who are involved in pushing the negative image of hip hop should actually take a Hip hop class to find out what it is. Hiphop is aggressive and "in your face." Its not for the weak or someone who wants to pretend that they're a prissy princess. Our society has had problems with women being aggressive, especially women of color.

To show or expose our sexuality is quite confusing for some. I've seen over the top belly dance and hip hop performances, but I've also seen both done well. Erasing sensuality or sexuality from either dance, I feel is a mistake and makes both dances cold.

I have done Hip hop dance longer than I have belly danced. When looking for music to dance to I look for hiphop through the local scene, friends, myspace and other internet sources. Just excepting what's put in front of you on mtv is the reason all the negative hiphop gets promoted. For every negative video on tv there is a positive artist out there struggling to be heard.