Musical Reproductive Messaging
Our music selection is determined by various factors. There is no bigger factor than sexuality. Dawn R. Hobbs and Gordon G. Gallup Jr. are evolutionary psychologists. In 2011, they decided to research the topic of reproductive messaging in music. They found that on average 92% of the 174 songs that made it to the top ten in 2009 contained one or more reproductive messages.
While these themes are quite taboo to discuss, they are powerful to know about. Once we are able to understand the reasons we desire relationship, we are able to decide if the relationship is worth pursuing. In addition, it adds the ability to process the type of music we listen to.
The 18 Reproductive Themes
- Genitalia
- Other Body Parts
- Courtship/Long-Term Relationships
- Hook Up/Short-Term Relationships
- Foreplay/Arousal/Sex Act Precursors
- Sex Act
- Sexual Prowess
- Promiscuity/Reputation/Derogation
- Sequestering/Mate Guarding
- Fidelity Assurance/Abandonment Prevention
- Commitment and Fidelity
- Resources
- Status
- Mate Provisioning
- Appearance Enhancement/Sex Appeal
- Rejection
- Infidelity/Cheater Detection/Mate Poaching
- Parenting
- Other
This study draws direct parallels to different types, phases, and stages in relationships. The reproductive messaging in music allows for a person to connect with certain songs. Often times, these messages are subliminal. Only once we are aware of the sexual messages are we able to determine whether or not those messages are the messages we want to hear.
Certain times in my life, I listened to hip-hop and rap. To be completely honestly, most hip-hop and rap degrades women. It treats women as an object and drug to be pursued and conquered. While some evolutionary biologists would state that this is the “normal” relationship between woman and man in terms of evolution, I firmly know now that we have actually evolved past that way of being, and we have the ability to have more conscious and firmer consensual relationships. Once I started to pick up on the defluence it had on my life, I decided to step away from certain artists, like Lil Uzi Vert.
It is perfectly okay to express sexuality in music. As long as adults are consenting there is nothing wrong with having a sexual relationship. I have a problem with people violating others rights and autonomy. Much of hip-hop and rap today pushes boundaries which shouldn’t be broken. In another article, we can dive into this further.
I would recommend everyone to become aware to the music they listen to. It may have a greater impact on your life than you may think. Not just when it comes to reproductive signaling either. Songs often provide great influences or great destructive qualities depending on the message.
Remember, there is only two mistakes one can make on the path to truth. Not starting, and not going all the way.
Best,
Aidan Hellrigel
