BWP | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Bytches With Problems |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Years active | 1989–1994 |
| Labels | No Face/RAL/Chaos- Columbia Records |
| Past members | Lyndah McCaskill Tanisha Michele Morgan |
BWP (Bytches With Problems) was an American female rap duo that consisted of Lyndah McCaskill and Tanisha Michele Morgan.[1]
Both raised in Queens, New York. Lyndah McCaskill attended Andrew Jackson High School. [2]
BWP are perhaps best known today for their controversial music video "Two Minute Brother" from their 1991 album The Bytches.[3]
The content of BWP's music generally focused on the sexual and romantic experiences of black women as well as the experiences of black women and girls living in poverty. In their interviews, the group remained outspoken against patriarchy, colorism, and misogynoir. The group stood out from other rap acts at the time for the fact that their music was geared towards women. Many of their songs and music videos often began with skits that encapsulated the subject matter of the song. Their lyrics also focused on their frustration with the social and economic dynamics of patriarchy such as their 1991 hit, "We Want Money". In the words of McCaskill, "In any relationship women do a lot for a man, they cook, clean they may support him in any way possible and it's like, we deserve a break today". In addition to addressing the problems that existed for black women, the group also stated that they looked to provide solutions to these issues through their music. [4][5]
Many women expressed their dissatisfaction with the groups use of the word bitch to refer to women. In an interview, Tanisha Morgan explained that the group was looking to redefine the term. In her words, "We look at [bitch] as a positive, strong, aggressive woman who goes after what she wants... if she gets called a bitch she should take it and wear it as a medal of honor. In another interview, Morgan stated that Bytches stood for "Beautiful Young Talented College Honeys" she went on to draw similarities to the way in which artists such as Richard Pryor redefined and repurposed the word nigger. In the same interview McCaskill also explained that due to catcalling, sexual and physical abuse, and the general disrespect that black women face, it is sometimes necessary "be a bitch" in order to command respect and not be taken advantage of. [4] [5]