Shadia Mansour, first lady of Arabic hip-hop, featured in Esquire mag contest

(Photo: Hip Hop Diplomacy)

Esquire magazine is hosting a run-off for the “hottest” woman and Palestinian hip-hop artist Shadia Mansour is in the running.

The contest with “sixty-four women, six rounds, and one winner — your winner — without any actual consequences” is kitschy at best, and sexist at worst. But (unfortunately) it is also one of the few mainstream profiles of a Palestinian woman outside of the “terrorist” or “victim” paradigm. Best of luck to Shadia, the first lady of Arabic hip-hop.

For a reminder on Shadia Mansour’s way with words and rhythm, check out her “El Kofeyye 3arabeyye” music video.