CANDY GIRLS….REALLY THE FIRST WOMEN OF HIP HOP???

Immediately I notice that this show like many reality TV shows has selected the perfect group of women to cause drama and intrigue. The drama and intrigue that will be showcased in this show also happens to sound familiar because these women represent the tropes of women as well as the stereotypes of black women in hip hop. These women call themselves the “first women in hip hop” and in the first episode they define themselves through their personalities as well as the categories that their agent has placed them under. When I first heard the tagline “first women in hip hop” I can honestly say that I had one of those moments in which I pondered if these women could actually be considered the “first women in hip hop” or if the ones that deserved the real credibility were the actual wives of existing hip hop moguls such as Justine Simmons (Rev Run’s wife). My outlook on the situation could come from the numerous reality TV shows that I have watched especially the special on Hip Hop wives and video vixens in which wives and video girls have clearly expressed the fact that video girls are also groupies and that there are very few women who take being a video girl as a serious modeling opportunity. I also began to think that I would also consider the first women in hip hop to be all of those female artists that manage to breakthrough to the mainstream male dominated society. But overall I think it bothers me because as the title suggest these women are simply arm candy…and now teenage girls may start deciding that when they grow up they want to pursue this as a career.

As far as the categories, tropes, and stereotypes these women are placed in this is what I immediately picked up as well as what the show clearly said about these models.

Terricka: Immediately one notices that she is a little more outspoken than most of the other models. She has no problem being blunt and outspoken when it comes to here opinion. She is a baby mama who happens to be raising her child on her own. She makes it clear that money is what’s most important to her in order for her to provide for her child. In this first episode she is chosen by Danielle (agent) to be featured in 944 magazine, it is the opportunity of a lifetime for the agency so Danielle wants to be sure that she has selected the right models. Danielle chooses Terricka because she feels that she photographs the best but also acknowledges that Terricka has a terrible personality…Terricka is “officially” the BADWOMAN & SISTA w/ an ATTITUDE

Olivia: She happens to be the mixed model who is the daughter of a white mother and whose father happens to be Booker T. Jones. She sees modeling in these videos as a stepping stone to becoming an actress. She is also constantly attacked by some of the girls because she was very privledged and grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood. Olivia expresses that fact that she knows that her background is different than the other girls but that she would still like to “fit in.” Danielle (agent) describes Olivia as a very sweet girl with a great personality and perfect for magazines and movies. As of right now I almost find it difficult to place Olivia in a specific category but I think that it is important to remember that she is the mixed model and how that will play a role in her getting more/less jobs compared to the other black models.

Brooke: She is referred to by Danielle as her chocolate model who photographs well but does not have a great personality. While Danielle may not be as outspoken as Terricka she has still be painted as a person who tries to act “hard” on the outside…the STRONG BLACK WOMAN.

Blanca: She was briefly introduced this first episode and the only thing that was mentioned was the fact that she was new to the business and that she had a great personality. The previews suggest that Blanca may have a drinking problem or may just be too much of a party girl. I am also assuming that Blanca is Latina due to her name and physical characteristics.

I will definitely be tuning in every Sunday to see if these women really are the “first women in hip hop”…