Why does everyone keep collaborating with Chris Brown???

 By: Bella Carbone

I often find myself having to remove beloved songs of my past from my pre-feminist era from my Spotify playlists to save myself from the embarrassment of listening to those voices now and cringing at myself for ever supporting such problematic people. Every now and then when I hear the beginning couple of seconds of “Put It Down” by Brandy ft Chris Brown, I indulge in a couple of enjoyable, safe moments before I skip the song so as not to listen to the voice of an abuser. (Note: I do understand that streams pay artists but when an artist is paid $0.00318 per stream and I am not sure if this is split because he is only featured I’m pretty sure not much damage is done.) Yet, as a feminist who wants to support and hear out victims, I find it hard to listen to the music of an abuser or assaulter. If the roles were reversed I could not imagine how I could live each day with a flood of people constantly supporting, loving, and uplifting my abuser/assaulter all while receiving a ton of harassment and victim-shaming. This tends to be the reality for many victims (especially those who are not famous or also have a bunch of supporters such as Rihanna) and if you feel that you can relate to this situation know you are not alone and there are ways for you to get help. But, if the small practice of removing male artists who are outwardly misogynistic, abusive, assaulters, and homophobic, gives me peace of mind and the fact that I do not care to hear what they have to say gives reasoning to my actions. This group of men includes but is not limited to Chris Brown, Eminem, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Tory Lanez, Trey Songz, DaBaby, and Diddy (note a lot of these artists are hip-hop or R&B because those are the main genres I listen to). Even Rihanna, a victim I support and one of the reasons I do not listen to Chris Brown, has collaborated with some of these artists.

Another issue I have is with some of my favorite artists like Jhené Aiko, Chloë, and H.E.R. who have collaborated with Chris Brown way into the 2020s. Before the 2020s even began, this man was accused, arrested for, or charged with acts of physical violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Well into the 2020s, he’s been accused of horrific acts, and with his track record, I would not be surprised if he receives future punishment for them. These women, who are mothers, daughters, friends, and family have collaborated with this man. What if they personally knew his victims, would they feel so inclined to duet him even if it’s for the recognition or money? I know artists are very performative with their activism because they mostly care about their public image or their coin but, when I feel empowered as a feminist by their music, it hurts to see them make music that, not only amplifies and financially subsidizes problematic men but also reinforces gender norms with such men.

 I understand that sexism and homophobia are the norm in rap music and the industry in general but this is why I currently feel the need to speak on these issues. Just because something is of the past does not mean that now that we have progressed we can not investigate it. This is how prejudice becomes deeply intertwined within our culture and society. But, let me get back on topic. I do not feel the need to explain why all these male artists are problematic because you can do the research on your own and decide for yourself what reaches your threshold of cancellable actions. Further, there is one particular man who fits in the category, Jay-Z, who I can’t seem to give up. I do not like the fact that he has been questionable in his motives in his odd relationship with a young Foxy Brown and his almost exploitative ways that can be seen as similar to his relationship with a young Beyoncé. But, I do still listen to my few favorite collaborations he has with other female artists that I love. That’s the hard thing with music. It’s so hard to decide who you want to cancel because they are problematic and whose music is just too good to let go of. So, if I seem like I am cherry-picking I apologize but, I feel like if I cut out some of these men I am at least doing a partial justiciable, maybe even a semi-justiciable act. I feel like if I cut out every artist with anti-feminist roots I would not be able to listen to music since it is inherently capitalistic but, for my pleasure on this earth, I’ll keep my music and my sanity.