Rapper Monaleo Says ‘It’s Definitely Easier For A Woman Of A Lighter Complexion’ While Speaking On How Colorism Impacts The Entertainment Industry
Rapper Monaleo Says ‘It’s Definitely Easier For A Woman Of A Lighter Complexion’ While Speaking On How Colorism Impacts The Entertainment Industry
Rapper Monaleo is getting candid about colorism in the music industry.
During a recent interview on the “Hollywood Group Chat” podcast, Houston rapper Monaleo spoke about colorism and how it negatively impacts female rappers of a darker complexion. When asked if she believes colorism exists, Monaleo replied,
“For me, colorism is very real. It’s a very real thing…Not to take away from anyone who is a light skin rapper, but it’s definitely easier for a woman of a lighter complexion to blow up quicker than a dark skin woman for sure. “
She continued,
“Little black girls in general, we’ve been indoctrinated to think that darker skin–darker skin people experience a completely different experience than people who are light skin and that is just the bottom line.”
Circling back to the music industry, Monaleo explained why it’s easier for a rapper with a lighter complexion to blow up and become successful faster than a darker-skinned rapper.
“To take it all the way back, when our ancestors were slaves, the darker skin slaves were in the field, they were outside doing hard labor. The lighter skin people were in the house and that it trickled down. Same concept, different times. “
Both Monaleo and podcast host Mehgan James agreed that colorism in the music industry affects women more than men.
“As far as colorism in general and specifically colorism amongst black women, that’s something that dates back far beyond.”
.@TheMonaleo speaks on colorism and how it’s easier for a light skin female rapper to make it in the industry. pic.twitter.com/1d9SVq222H
— The Female Rap Room (@girlsinrap) January 5, 2023
The interview ultimately sparked conversation and debates on Twitter. Many people were bothered that Mehgan James asked Monaleo if colorism is real, while others appreciated the topic being discussed. One user wrote:
“Good to see younger generations to be aware of that but yeah Black people and especially Black women have to deal with racism and colorism. And often inside their own community sometimes for the colorism. It’s really really sad….”
Another person criticized the podcast host and her line of questioning.
“Monaleo handled that. Can’t believe megan really asked is colorism real in 2023? No black person should be asking that tbh. It’s very real.”
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!