Why ‘WAP’ became the sex-positive anthem of the year

Jack Black knows the power of “WAP.” The actor and comedian expressed as much when he shared his take on the “WAP” challenge, inspired by the seductive anthem from hip-hop superstars Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.

In August, Cardi and Megan dropped their collaboration along with a sultry music video featuring lots and lots of… cats. Since then, the track has soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, inspired countless memes and Halloween costumes, and, more recently, earned the rappers an American Music Award.

The song and video, which many have noted is a tribute to the 1990s cult classic “BAPS,” celebrates female sexual prowess. And while I have been joyfully listening to it every day since it was released, the song has seen its share of criticism from those who believe it’s degrading to young women, girls…  and cats. (By the way, this list of critics includes Russell Brand and Carole Baskin.)

To put it simply – “WAP” is sonically pleasing, clever and catchy. Why the backlash? Lyrically, many male musicians have long been obsessed with sex – not as a vehicle for expressing mutual lust or passion – but as a symbol of perpetual power and dominance. And as a signal of social superiority to their male contemporaries.

This artistic misogyny transcends genre and time. Just go listen to “What’z Ya Phone #” by the late Tupac Shakur or “It’s So Easy” by Guns N’ Roses.

Singer and actress Janelle Monae shared her thoughts on this hypocrisy over the summer.

She reflected on the fact that black women have long accepted, and even internalized, music that is demeaning to us. So, why is there a problem when we take ownership of our own sexual power?

Here’s the truth: Powerful men gleefully celebrate “freaks” until a woman raises her hand and says: “Yes. I am a freak. What are you gonna do about it?” Then, suddenly, many become concerned about their offspring being negatively influenced by such braggadocio.

Megan Thee Stallion lamented this school of thought in an interview with GQ Magazine:

“Sex is something that should be good on both ends, but a lot of times it feels like it’s something that men use as a weapon or like a threat. I feel like men think that they own sex, and I feel like it scares them when women own sex.”

Lil’ Kim, one of Megan’s most prominent predecessors in hip-hop, perhaps illustrated this double standard best in a verse from her 2002 collaboration with Christina Aguilera, “Can’t Hold Us Down”:

“Here’s something I just can’t understand If the guy have three girls then he’s the man He can even give her some head, or sex her off But if a girl do the same, she’s a whore”

Almost 19 years later, the core message behind “Can’t Hold Us Down” still rings true.

If we want to set a lasting example for young women and girls, we should focus on making worthwhile progress on issues such as equal pay, and better promoting gender inclusivity in all facets of society. Part of inclusivity is letting young women know that it is natural to want and express sexual intimacy – even if their desire is not tied to marriage or a committed romantic relationship.

“WAP” resonates with millions of women because it represents the antithesis of what girls are traditionally taught to be as adults. Cardi ends the first verse of the song by rejecting the antiquated housewife role:

“I don’t cook, I don’t clean. But let me tell you how I got this ring.”

I think we should all listen to whatever makes us happy. Two beautiful and talented women bragging about their erotic acumen? Sign me up for that.