26-year-old Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, known in popular culture as Megan Thee Stallion, earned her first two Grammy Awards earlier this month. She won Best Rap Performance for the remixed version of “Savage,” featuring Beyonce, and was also recognized as Best New Artist.
Megan Thee Stallion is the first female to win Best New Artist since Lauryn Hill in 1999. Female empowerment is booming, and Megan Thee Stallion is a huge contributor.
Rap and hip-hop have long been dominated by male artists. Much of this culture is misogynistic, with women being minimized to sexual objects. In order to combat this, many female rappers have turned to self-sexualization in order to stand out. But Megan Thee Stallion does this differently.
Megan takes the stereotypes given to women by men and dismantles them so women are able to reclaim them for feminine empowerment.
In “Savage,” which won Best Rap Performance at this year’s event – held March 14 in Los Angeles — Megan shows that women can be strong, sexually liberated, sophisticated and emotional, given the juxtaposition of the words “savage,” “nasty,” “classy” and “moody.” No woman is just one thing, and Megan proves this through her lyricism.
Megan is able to proudly display her female sexuality without completely centering the focus on men. While many of her lyrics are inherently sexual, they are so for her own sake and gratification. This has shifted the narrative surrounding female sexuality, allowing women to celebrate their sexuality, rather than tailoring it to please the male gaze.
She has identified herself as an independent hustler with powerful sex appeal. Megan strives to prove that women can be “hot,” while also simultaneously promoting education and individual success. Megan was devoted to completing her college education, combating the stereotype that women are mere objects and that pretty girls aren’t to be taken seriously. Make no mistake, Megan Thee Stallion is taken seriously.
Megan has also been a huge proponent of body positivity. She has called out the mainstream sentiment that one body type is more desirable and should be sought after above others. Megan’s “hot girl” mentality is not limited to one body type; it is extended to all women.
Megan’s unapologetic attitude is infectious. This is glaringly present in her music, and has empowered many women to be unashamed in their feminine identities.
It is no surprise that Megan Thee Stallion is the first female winner of Best New Artist since 1999. She embodies the feminism that is rapidly increasing today, and is one of the leaders of the upcoming culture of healthy competition among women and powerful displays and celebrations of female sexuality.
“I really just want women, in general, just to be comfortable in their own skin and know that the first person you need to please when you wake up is yourself,” Megan Thee Stallion said.

ANNA MALEWSIEWSKI
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