Rap, the Good and the Bad

12/17/18
Rap music has been a very controversial topic for a long time now. It has both positive and negative impacts that I think must be more seriously looked at. I wonder how it affects the younger generation and how it shapes their views or beliefs. Could people's values be changing due to some of this rather vulgar music? I do admit that I listen to it often just as many people in our generation do. But I wonder how far the affect has gone.

I do believe there are benefits to rap music. These are that it is a form of expression and free speech. Many rappers share the struggles, hard times, social issues, or problems in the system in the form of a more accessible and entertaining piece. I think that many pieces have the ability to educate all populations of the social or political issues that are happening now. Rap has the ability to bring together many people and unify them through a song. I am not saying in any way that rap cannot be negative. Although I know many negative impacts, I still listen to this music. Why is that? Perhaps it is because I have become accustomed or because everyone else does. Whatever the reason is, rap is not only negative for the information and entertainment it offers truly is unique. Despite this there are many frightening elements of this music form.

Many rappers present lyrics that present a more negative outlook especially to our youth. Lately I have been coming home and hearing my 11 year old brother blasting some very profane and vulgar music that not even I listen to. I wonder how this affects him. The constant bombardment of violence, sexualization, the use of drugs, breaking the law, and feeling superior is a real concern to me. Many lyrics can give people the idea that women are an object meant to be used to ones discretion. One example is in the song "New Freezer" by Rich the Kid. He says, "I f**k that b***ch because she bougie." This shows that women must be based on her looks and that a man may use her as he pleases and that he is better because he does that. Many rap songs make the conquering of a woman seem like a godly and impressive task and that one should be bowed down to for that. We are now constantly fighting to eliminate this view of women. That they are lesser or simply objects who exist for others. This is wrong, women are strong individuals and this value is not one that should be portrayed to our younger generations specifically. In addition, many gang references and violence is deemed acceptable or normal in these songs which is wrong as well. We cannot teach people that violence is normal and that killing a person is a part of life or makes you better. Also, there are many egotistical views that take away from being humble. A great example of this is Kanye West. He has may lyrics showing his view on how he is the best. In his song "The Glory" he said, "I know I look better in person." This is only one example of many that makes it seem acceptable to think that you are above everyone.

These are only a few negative and positive elements and surely there are arguments on each side. I also wonder how many people actually take in the lyrics in comparison to the amount of people who blindly say the lyrics and just listen to the beat. I am not denying either the positives or negatives. There is a great amount of research available on this topic as well. I just wonder what impact this will have. On my brother and the youth population who listen to rap music.