Women that ROCK

A greatly fascinating topic in the metal world is the presence of women. The entire notion of a female in the heavy metal scene is almost mind-blowing considering the fact that it is safe to say that heavy metal is mostly preferred by adolescent boys and young men. The content of heavy metal music lyrics evolved from a society which was very identified with drug use and the general social upheaval associated with the 1960's to a vow of total anarchy and power.

Studies have shown that metal listeners are at a high risk of delinquent and aggressive behaviors associated with heavy metal music listening patterns (Roberts, Dimsdale, East, & Friedman, 1998). Similarly, studies have also concluded that hard rock music was preferred by subjects who were high in need for sensation and thrill seeking. This reckless demographic being generally young males, young males that LOVE women (and probably struggle to find them, not that I would know anything about that).

Steve Waksman, author of “This Aint The Summer of Love”, accredits Kim Fowley, associate of famed 60’s producer Phill Spector, for the introduction of women into the hard rock scene. Fowley was great with finding the next big trend, this next big trend for Fowley being all girl rock groups. “Girls who can bring hysteria, magic, beauty, and teen authority to the stage”(Waksman 131). Fowley knew his next endeavor would be a great success if he could only obtain girls, “that were instrumentalists as well as vocalists”(Waksman 131). Fowley understood the rock demographic I have described above. Let’s face it, every angstfull metalhead teen boy loves a hot metal chick. The problem was that this was a tough find, ultimately glorifying the presence of an all female band even more.

I recently came across a band called wicked wisdom. This band is interesting because they are an American Nu Metal band featuring Jada Pinkett Smith…yep, Will Smith’s wife. When granted their first official tour with a spot on the world renowned Ozzfest, critics where outraged with the idea of such an unaccredited band performing on second stage. Jada is afterall not just a woman; she’s married to the guy who wrote “getting jiggy with it”.

Below is a clip of wicked wisdom live on the tonight show. Does Jada fit with the underlying metal theme? Can you take her presence seriously?