One Less Bitch
N.W.A.
A Dark Tale of Exploitation and Violence
N.W.A.'s song "One Less Bitch" is a stark and controversial narrative that delves into themes of exploitation, violence, and misogyny. The lyrics, delivered with raw intensity, paint a grim picture of the treatment of women within the context of street life and the pimping culture. The song's narrative follows the exploits of the protagonist, who manipulates and ultimately disposes of women who are seen as disposable and solely valuable for their ability to generate money through sex work.
The song opens with a description of a woman named Clara, who is depicted as a prostitute working under the control of the protagonist. The lyrics describe her physical attributes in a dehumanizing manner and detail the violent consequences she faces when she attempts to defy or deceive him. This pattern of exploitation and violence is repeated with other women in the song, such as Vikky, who is also manipulated and ultimately killed when she becomes a liability. The recurring refrain, "One less bitch you gotta worry about," underscores the callous and brutal attitude towards these women.
N.W.A., known for their provocative and often controversial lyrics, uses this song to highlight the harsh realities of street life and the brutal treatment of women within that context. The song's explicit content and graphic descriptions serve to shock and provoke, forcing listeners to confront the darker aspects of urban life. However, it also raises important questions about the portrayal of women in hip-hop and the impact of such narratives on societal attitudes towards gender and violence.
The song's closing lines, delivered by Eazy-E, further emphasize the cynical and misogynistic worldview that underpins the narrative. By equating all women with "money-hungry, scandalous groupie hoes," the song reinforces a deeply negative and reductive view of women. This perspective, while reflective of certain realities within the context of the song, also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of misogyny in hip-hop culture.