Thumbnail image: https://wapstore.cardib.com/products/wap-digital-single

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, two empowering female artists just released their hit single “WAP”, and it didn’t take long for it to receive some intense backlash. The title of the song serves as an acronym for a well-lubricated vagina, some wet a** p***y, which made many heads disapprove of its outright explicit content. However, for countless women, it was a celebration of female sexuality and empowerment. Its direct sexual lyrics appreciate female desires and intimacy, and beating around the bush is not Cardi or Megan’s intention throughout the single. “WAP” exposes a newfound light on female sexuality that many women are shamed for discussing. While a multitude of female artists have released music containing sexual lyrics and desires, “WAP” is raw, upfront, and an inspiring mantra for all women to embrace their sensuality without shame. 

After all, male artists are no strangers to sexuality in their songs. In “Lollipop”, Lil Wayne raps, “Sh, sh, she lick me like a lollipop”. The Weeknd raps, “Baby I can make that p**** rain, often” in his hit song “Often”.  Yet, this is considered normal for male artists or often plainly disregarded. But, of course, when two females release a similar song expressing sexual desires, it is considered inappropriate and disgraceful to the point of the single reaching massive exposure. Truthfully, male artists sing and rap about sex all the time. While it might be hard to believe that even in 2020 gender standards exist, sexuality remains a controversial issue. Women unfortunately are not supposed to be as sexually hungry as men. A few commenters made some unpleasant remarks to “WAP” to make this unbearably obvious. 

Ben Shapiro, founder of Daily Wire, a conservative American news site, not only held a segment dedicated to uncomfortably reading the lyrics of “WAP”, but also tweeted, “As I also discussed on the show, my only real concern is that the women involved -- who apparently require a "bucket and a mop" -- get the medical care they require. My doctor wife's differential diagnosis: bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or trichomonis.” Shapiro and his wife take the song out of context and condemn women for having a very wet vagina. The lyrics of needing a “bucket and a mop for this wet-a** p***y” are not meant to be taken literally. It is a hyperbole at most, meant to illustrate how pleasing their vaginas will be during sexual intercourse. 

Republican US House candidate for the CA-33 District, James P. Bradley, also expressed his blunt disapproval of the song tweeting, “Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion are what happens when children are raised without God and without a strong father figure. Their new "song" The #WAP (which i heard accidentally) made me want to pour holy water in my ears and I feel sorry for future girls if this is their role model!” Bradley not only scolded the song but also heavily criticized the upbringing of the two female artists as well as the female supporters of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. His comments were insensitive, to say the least. These replies, however, further indicate that women are not meant to express their sexuality as they please. A women’s sensuality is often taboo and profoundly uncomfortable for men, as you can see these unpleasant comments are from two well-known conservative males. 

At times, it seems that women are not meant to show skin or express sexuality in any way, shape, or, form. But, when a male appears shirtless or expresses his desire for sex, this is completely okay. The public seems completely unbothered or even in favor of their music. Where was the same disapproval for other male artists rapping about sex and other desires? Females deserve these same reactions and responses. Maybe the reason “WAP” is terribly uncomfortable for people is that women often hide away in fear of public judgment and are not inherently explicit when it comes to sexuality in their music.

Image https://wapstore.cardib.com/products/wap-water-artwork-signed-vinyl-purple-digital-single

 Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are role models by demonstrating that nothing will prevent them from communicating their sexuality, something that is a normal human tendency.  “WAP” allows women to feel more comfortable in their skin, find confidence in their bodies, and also exhibits that females can have sexual tendencies just like men. This is a pivotal moment as women embrace their bodies and speak out unbothered by the unfavorable gender norms that rip women to pieces. Let’s hope that all women can come out of their shells untroubled, but for now, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion put women one step ahead with “WAP”. Bravo to them! 

Credits: Cardi B on cardibofficial.com