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The Smithsonian Channel is working with MTV to develop a new series, Meaning In Music, that explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, economics and Hip-Hop. Led by Dometi Pongo, each episode of the new series is set to include exclusive photos, animations and interviews. The five-part digital series has a guest list that includes Vic Mensa, Freedia the Queen Diva, Fat Joe, Rob Markman and several other key figures in the world of Hip-Hop.
Meaning In Music kicked off on Monday with its first episode, "Ladies First: Black Women & Sex in Hip-Hop." The first edition of the limited series explores the intersections of gender, sexuality and music. Specifically, the episode looks at the double standards that exist for women that take ownership of their sexuality through music as opposed to male artists that do the same.
"In the summer of 2020, the news cycle shifted its judgmental gaze to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. Their crime? A catchy song made up of three letters, 'WAP'. Lost in the waves of condemnation that followed was the context that male performers had released sexually charged songs for decades–so why criticize female artists? The answer involves a journey through music history, packed with misogyny and double standards, and ends up in a present that sees female artists challenging male artists for dominance on the hip-hop chart," the episode's description reads.
The five-part series will continue throughout the week as Pongo leads viewers on an interesting journey. New episodes will be made available through The Smithsonian Channel's various social media channels as well as MTV News’ social media and streaming platforms.
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