Women’s History Month Starts Strong With Virginia’s Women of Hip-Hop
These women being from different generations of rap really shows us how much the genre has grown and evolved over time. Them being a part of it and continually showing that VA is stamped in music makes it even more powerful.
by Anaïs Stewart
March 7, 2026 | 10:32 am
From left to right: Justic R., Farrah Fawx, Lady of Rage
Women's History Month started off strong with the Women's Hip-Hop panel that took place at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Trailblazing artists from Virginia, the legendary Lady of Rage, Farrah Fawx, and Justice R., joined Dr. Kay Coghill, of Hoodrat Scholarship, for a panel discussion about Black Women in Hip-Hop.
The conversation explored their experiences as Black women in the music industry, the trials and tribulations they’ve faced as artists, and what they’ve learned and enjoyed throughout their careers. From hairstyles to fashion, from lyrics to sexualization, the discussion covered anything and everything across the board.
When they were asked how they were introduced to Hip-Hop/Rap music and how they decided to become a part of it, this is how they answered:
“I would go to school and we would trade mixtapes like they were Pokemon cards growing up. Someone gave me Diplomatic Immunity by Dipset. I loved Jha Jha and I loved his voice. I loved her aggression. To me it was a new way to receive femininity. My community was sneaking me CDs, and once I told my mother, she poured into me. I definitely think watching 106 and Park had a huge impact on implementing and making it permanent that this is what I want to do.” - Farrah Fawx
These women being from different generations of rap really shows us how much the genre has grown and evolved over time. Their continued presence and impact also show that VA is stamped in music, which makes it even more powerful.
“Growing up in Farmville, I didn't hear any rap at all until I went to Texas. So in Farmville the radio station is called WFLO. It was Country music, Pop, and the Top 100. So I wasn't getting my inspiration from those guys. When I went to Texas one summer, I heard Grandmaster Flash And the Furious Five and it intrigued me. I was already writing poetry. Now I'm listening to these guys and it’s like poetry with music. Then, when I got home, a radio station came to Farmville, WPAK. It was a Black radio station. They started playing more Black music. When I would come to Richmond, I got to hear WJJS. They played all types of music. So coming back and forth to Richmond and going to Texas is when I was introduced to it.” - Lady of Rage
As lovers of Hip-Hop, as well as being Black, it’s imperative that we protect and nurture our own communities. Everything we do starts from within our own little villages.
“If we can come together and work together as well as empower and inspire each other instead of trying to tear each other down. The answer to all of this is getting back to love.” - Justice R.
“Standing up for us, defending us, protecting us, speaking up for us…” - Lady of Rage
These women have more than just the ability to write and rap. They can also rival their counterparts who doubt that women are just as, if not more, talented than expected. No matter how well we behave or what we create, there always seems to be a desire within the industry to sexualize us and turn us into some sort of caricature of what we truly represent.
On the panel, the women talked about how they’ve been sexualized and being accepted (or disrespected) based on their outer appearance.
“I've definitely witnessed examples where they prefer us sexualized. They'll create the narrative for it to be sexualized.” - Farrah Fawx
“It was definitely a challenge starting off because there's not a lot of representation of masculine presenting women in the industry, so that of course led to me listening to more masculine music.” - Justice R
A producer suggested that the Lady of Rage should lose weight.
“I'm having a conversation with the producer and he's telling me, I have to lose weight. I'm like, and I was smaller than this, I was fly I thought. So he was like you got to lose weight and I was like why? Verbatim he says “n***** gotta wanna f*** you Rage.” - Lady of Rage
They’re not here for that or being minimized by anyone. Their talents speak louder than any of that noise regardless. Although being challenged by the commercialization trying to be implemented upon them, they still remained themselves and persevered.
Lady of Rage passed the torch to the younger women in the audience who were pursuing the same career as a Black woman. It’s so important for younger Black women to get these messages from other Black women who’ve already experienced the things that they have.
“It's important that we continue to see a huge resurgence of female rap because we need to tell our story. Whatever it is, it needs to come from us.” - Farrah Fawx
Dr. Kayln (pictured left) receives recognition from the Honorable Nicole Jones for their work on Virginia Women in Hip Hop.
As the main event came to a close, the Honorable Nicole Jones recognized the VA Hip Hop Foundation for its efforts in celebrating Virginia’s Hip-Hop culture. After accepting the recognition, the foundation’s representatives presented it to Dr. Kay Coghill, whom they entrusted to help bring the event together.
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