From its start in the cauldron of New York City's underclass, rap music's jolting energy and angry messages have been hostile to many outsiders, but to none more so than women. In too many rap lyrics, women are cast as pliant toys or conniving Delilahs. The male rappers who weave this image -- among them Ice Cube, Ice-T, Too Short and the Geto Boys -- spin exaggerated tales of salaciousness and violence, portraying themselves as potent, swashbuckling urban heroes. Since a macho image is a proven formula for success, rap producers were reluctant to sign female rappers. The music moguls were...
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