Mylene Cruz is one talented woman, but her talent just isn’t enough according to those at her record company. Roy Asheton believes the only way he can sell Mylene’s records is through “sexing” her up to make her more consumable for a mass audience. Her current reputation as a gospel disco queen just isn’t enough. This scenario is proof that Hip-Hop is not the only culprit of sexism, because it happens in just about every other musical genre. In Mylene’s case, it’s taking place behind the scenes currently but once she becomes the sex idol Asheton is grooming her to be, soon sexism will take the stage front and center. It’s really important to remember the role of labels in what music is being sold as stated in the Rose reading. Shaolin’s treatment of Mylene has always been sexist because if he’s talking about her, he often calls her a bitch rather than her own name. He has very little respect for her, but that’s not reflected in his music because he’s not the lyricist and he has enough respect for Zeke to keep his comments somewhat private.
The Get Down Brothers are often targeted by Cadillac as they threaten both his masculinity and his taste in music. After Shao strikes up a deal with Big Annie, Cadillac resorts to calling the Get Down Brothers homos multiple times and no one blinks an eye. Not only does their music threaten the “sanctity” of disco in Cadillac’s eyes – the group is made up of five men who are very close to each other (three of which are actual brothers to be fair). He’s not saying these things to start any rumors – but if it did spread it would harm the credibility of the group on the streets. Even Mylene is guilty in this case because in the past she accused Shao of having feelings for Zeke just because they’re close as black men are obviously not allowed to be close friends with each other. Shao and Zeke have both a friendship and business relationship of sorts if the Get Down Brothers are counted as a business – much like the relationship between Akon and Deyvne Stephens described in the Snorton article. I’m curious to see if the Get Down Brothers will have anything to say once Dizzee and Thor open up about their relationship (if they even choose to).
