When allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering against Sean “Diddy” Combs broke recently, I hoped for a long-overdue reckoning in the hip-hop industry. Unlike other fields that have faced #MeToo reckonings, hip-hop continues to enable abuse and sideline women without meaningful accountability. Instead of seizing this moment for change, hip-hop industry leaders dismissed the accusations, allowing the cycle to persist. Despite the progress in Hollywood and other industries, hip-hop has largely escaped a #MeToo reckoning, but this needs to change now.
For decades, hip-hop has empowered black men to raise critical social issues and gain influence in unprecedented ways. Yet, behind the scenes, the industry has cultivated a “boys’ club” that discourages victims from speaking out and glorifies misogyny and violence. Misogynistic lyrics and imagery aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated. For example, in Nicki Minaj’s 2014 Song “Hey Mama” the lyrics include, “Yes I do the cooking Yes I do the cleaning Yes you be the boss I be respecting”.
This pattern undermines female voices, enabling abuse and harassment to persist unchecked. For example, take the case of Megan Thee Stallion, who faced humiliation and harassment from fellow rappers after accusing Tory Lanez of violence. Lanez, Drake, 50 Cent, and other rappers harassed and humiliated her throughout the trial and claimed she was a liar. Lanez was later convicted and given a ten-year sentence. Lanez’s case was rare; too often, hip-hop's biggest names evade real consequences for similar actions.
Like Hollywood’s pre-#MeToo days, hip-hop remains dominated by male gatekeepers. These powerful, nearly untouchable executives control access to success and are often the very people perpetuating abusive behaviors. Hope for change lies in the shifting landscape of the music industry. As streaming growth slows and record labels struggle, artists are gaining leverage. New business models mean that success is no longer controlled solely by traditional power brokers. If we use this moment to amplify artist autonomy, the hip-hop community can begin addressing its own toxic culture.
“The charges against Mr. Combs are the music world’s most high-profile criminal prosecution on sexual misconduct charges since R. Kelly, the R&B star who was trailed by allegations of abuse for decades, was sentenced in 2022 and 2023 to more than 30 years in prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking, and racketeering. ” Before R. Kelly’s conviction in 2022, his abuse charges famously were dismissed in 2004.
In 2005, The Boondocks satirized the controversial dismissal of R. Kelly’s assault charge in 2005 as a response to R. Kelly’s sexual assault claims being controversially dismissed in court. In the episode, the protagonist Huey is attempting to help the prosecutor win a case against R. Kelly and increasingly gets frustrated with the circus of the case. Finally, in outrage, Huey gives this monologue that I have censored for BYU readers:
“What is wrong with you people? Every famous black man that gets arrested is not Nelson Mandela! Yes, the government conspires to put a lot of innocent black men in jail on fallacious charges. But R. Kelly is not one of those men! We all know the man can sing, but what happened to standards? What happened to bare minimums? Are you a fan of R. Kelly? You wanna help R. Kelly? Get some counseling for R. Kelly! But don't pretend that the man is a hero! I'm through playing around here!”
Moments later, Huey’s brother brings in a speaker and starts blasting R. Kelly music and R. Kelly is dismissed on all charges. How much has the music and hip-hop industry changed since 2005? Unfortunately not enough, and we need more transparency and accountability. I usually do not think boycotting a group or company that you disagree with is effective or fair. However, for the music industry where profits are determined by streams, merch, and tours, I encourage you to boycott listening to problematic and abusive musical artists. I'm through playing around here!
Some cling to the idea that a few notorious figures, like R. Kelly or Combs, are outliers. However, focusing on individuals misses the systemic problems affecting the music business. In truth, the industry has long had a problem, where women who report harassment are silenced through legal settlements, forced to sign NDAs, or simply shut out.
A #MeToo moment in hip-hop would bring much-needed accountability. Labels and executives must play their part by adopting clear anti-harassment policies, creating transparent mechanisms for reporting abuse, and fostering a respectful environment. Just as Hollywood embraced change, hip-hop can build a safer, inclusive space if it chooses accountability over complicity.
Fans and the public also hold power. Streaming, merchandise and concert revenue drive the music industry; if you’re listening to artists accused of harming women, consider pressing pause. We all need to demand better, not only from artists but from those who enable and profit from their actions.
With a shift in culture and concrete steps for reform, hip-hop can evolve. By addressing these issues head-on, we can work toward a safer, more inclusive industry—one where every artist’s voice is heard and respected. It’s time for hip-hop to have its own #MeToo moment, and we, as fans and stakeholders, have the power to help make it happen.
