Dutch DJ Accuses Charli XCX of Masturbating on Air. Wut?!

Nothing like a bit of casual sexism in the music industry.

What the fudge? Rising star Charli XCX may be realising her new found fame doesn't come with the best of times, and this week was definitely up there. The hit-maker who recently teamed up with rapper Iggy Azalea for number one single 'Fancy', took part in a less than savoury interview with a Dutch radio station.

Conforming to the nation's stereotype, DJ Giel Beelen of 3FM goaded the young singer whilst taking part in a common activity on their show. Beelen asked XCX to say 'good morning' in the most sexual way she could, to which she obliged. The sleazy DJ then asked if she had her "hands on [her] body", to which she replied they were behind her back.

Not content with leaving the joke, he exclaimed "Oh I thought you were fingering yourself or something".

She later took to Twitter to tell her followers about her ordeal: 

"Just got asked if I was fingering myself on the radio. s/o sexism. It's the best".

"Like, I just don't understand people's brains sometimes"

SLEAZY DJ

Instead of apologising, the abhorrent DJ quoted the star and added

"I don't care, i love it ;-) thx was fun! RT @charli_xcx: just got asked if I was fingering myself on the radio. s/o sexism. it's the best."

I don't know about you, but I want to punch this guy. No respect.

Album Review: Pharrell Celebrates Womankind in 'G I R L'

With Get Lucky, Blurred Lines and newest single Happy owning the number one spot, it really does seem that everything Pharrell Williams touches turns to gold. It is unsurprising that his second solo album since In My Mind back in 2006 has been so highly anticipated.

What was more staggering is Williams' attempt to re-place himself, leaving behind the lusty perversions of Blurred Lines to write an album filled with celebratory tracks about women. G I R L commences elegantly,consumed with stringed instruments before switching to synth with a pinch of  '70s groove in Marilyn Monroe.

Keeping it smooth and suave in Brand New, Pharrell joins forces with Justin Timberlake to create a toe-tappingly soulful and Jackson 5-esque tune that keeps you smiling.Funk begins to take over throughout the sultry songs Hunger and Gush. The ever-addictive Happy nestles itself in the middle of the album before Miley Cyrus makes a fleeting appearance in Come Get It Bae and French dance duo Daft Punk combine orchestral elements with smooth synthesizer snippets in Gust of Wind, a song that glorifies the feeling of falling in love.

Lost Queen diverts the listeners' journey through G I R L as it adopts remote African qualities with strong harmonious backing vocals and prominent drums. Williams challenges female stereotypes as he sings "I don't have a problem with multi-tasking, taking care of you is my number one passion". Half way through, the song fades to the faint and calming sound of crashing waves before the tempo is slowed and an R'n'B tone is adopted.

The album reaches it's peak in Know Who You Are, a track which combines reggae tones with soulful funk as Alicia Keys provides the perfect accompaniment. Finishing the album with It Girl's subtly sexy lyrics, Williams' softly sings "you my inspiration" as he sets the bar for an understated feminism that has been desperately needed in chart music of late.

I give the album: ★★★★

7 Feminist Elements of Lily Allen's 'Hard Out Here'

Never one to hold back, the fabulously  flamboyant and foul mouthed Lily Allen is back, and it's clear she is here to send a message.  Her comeback single, which she is hailing as a taster for what is to come next year, was released this week and it certainly sparked a lot of debate. For me I think it represents how perfectly ridiculous the music industry is nowadays- sexist to the point of stupidity, women are portrayed as submissive objects who flash their flesh at the click of slimy fingers such as Robin Thicke's. With his gratuitously iconic video Blurred Lines in mind, I have compiled 7 elements of 'Hard Out Here' which are not only feminist, but capable of inspiring females everywhere.

From i4.mirror.co.uk

1.   The Plastic Surgery scene

As Allen lays on a table while a group of men poke and prod at her, an older man tells the singer"Letterman says no". She pokes fun at the industry by highlighting the fact that she as a woman is being rejected by talk show hosts such as the latter and Kimmel, both of which are older men. For me it also emphasised the fact that the interviewing world is very much male dominated, and in general in presenting there are no older women at the forefront. The suited man standing up then describes her body as "terrifying". 

From primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk

2. She points out the unequal perceptions of sexual promiscuity 

Nowadays, most insulting words are female orientated, as Allen rightly says in the lines: " If I told you 'bout my sex life, you'd call me a slut. When boys be talking about their bitches, no one's making a fuss. "

      

3. "There's a glass ceiling to break"

Allen sings about the glass ceiling, and the fact that progress in equality is moving too slowly, and that she can't cope with the pace. Totally behind you on that one Lily! 

4. Owning the word "bitch"

At first listen, you might question why Allen decided to use a derogatory term multiple times in her song, but I think it is powerful AND feminist for two reasons:
1. It's a controversial thing to do, and definitely grabs the listener's attention.
2.  The emphasis on the word is a two fingers to the men who think they have the right to use the word against women. 

5. She sends up the female stereotypes

With the wonderful comparison of Blurred Lines, you will see in visual how Allen  sends up thepathetic Robin Thicke single. She emphasises that it's not about domestication, good looks or sex, it's about intelligence. 

6.  She represents a strong female archetype 

My favourite part of the song is the bridge when she says "Sometimes it's hard to find the words to say, I'll go ahead and say them anyway". She urges women to speak up and speak out, it's truly inspiring. 

7. "Inequality promises that it's here to stay"

Allen highlights a completely true statement, but points out that even though injustice is here to stay, we shouldn't put up with it. 

Lily I've missed you! Welcome back! 

And just in case you really didn't get the video and it's intentions... 

Watch the video here: