When it comes to vulgarity and misogyny, most people agree that rap music can be extremely and unnecessarily offensive; however this agreement usually dissolves when considering the art and interpretation of this genre of music. Supporters of the free expression of hip hop music argue that controversial lyrics can often bring attention to greater issues in society and that rap is simply a poetic expression of the African-American culture and history. According to rapper Jay-Z, rap has done more than any leader or politician to improve race relations in America. For example, rapper Diddy created a slogan, “Barack the Vote”, in 2008 to encourage young adults to vote for Barack Obama. That movement was powerful and successful but the negative
…show more content…
Edward Tyson, a professor at Fordham University, conducted a study to explore the therapeutic value of rap music. His research concluded that rap music was not entirely harmful and could, in fact, be a positive tool to help troubled youth work through their issues. Some argue that rap music is a freedom of expression and that all rap music is not negative. For example, Lupe Fiasco, a popular hip hop artist, focuses on delivering positive messages through his music. The lyrics of his music often tell a story and, unlike many other hip hop songs, are not filled with profanity. There are also an increasing number of Christian rap artists, such as Cross Movement, whose music is free of negativity. However, according to Science Daily, the drug references in rap songs have increased greatly between 1979 and 2008. (www.sciencedaily.com) In some of his songs, such as I Feel Like Dying and Kush, Lil Wayne raps about drugs and how he feels while using them. He does not discourage the use of drugs and, in fact, praises the illegal substances. His message is heard by millions of impressionable black adolescents who are greatly influenced by these words. This is one example of how rap music endorses racial and gender stereotypes, encourages drug use, and essentially hinders the potential of black youth from becoming productive
Edward Tyson, a professor at Fordham University, conducted a study to explore the therapeutic value of rap music. His research concluded that rap music was not entirely harmful and could, in fact, be a positive tool to help troubled youth work through their issues. Some argue that rap music is a freedom of expression and that all rap music is not negative. For example, Lupe Fiasco, a popular hip hop artist, focuses on delivering positive messages through his music. The lyrics of his music often tell a story and, unlike many other hip hop songs, are not filled with profanity. There are also an increasing number of Christian rap artists, such as Cross Movement, whose music is free of negativity. However, according to Science Daily, the drug references in rap songs have increased greatly between 1979 and 2008. (www.sciencedaily.com) In some of his songs, such as I Feel Like Dying and Kush, Lil Wayne raps about drugs and how he feels while using them. He does not discourage the use of drugs and, in fact, praises the illegal substances. His message is heard by millions of impressionable black adolescents who are greatly influenced by these words. This is one example of how rap music endorses racial and gender stereotypes, encourages drug use, and essentially hinders the potential of black youth from becoming productive