Driving down the road or walking on the sidewalk, one might hear someone blasting their rap music, full of vulgar language and profanity, from their car. One might conclude the driver and their passengers are up to no good, or they are bad people. Instead of rushing to judgement, it is important to recognize the impact age, race and gender has on one’s opinion of music and one’s opinion of the people listening to or writing certain types of music. Rap music is primarily believed to be enjoyed by the African American culture. It is also understood the use of swear words and profanity are commonly used in rap music lyrics. Without a clear understanding of the African American culture, those outside of the culture could possibly misunderstand
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“African American artists began using their mediums to appeal directly to black audiences in an attempt to spawn cultural movements that would display and bring to the forefront the cultural, social and economic struggles of the African American experience.” (Engels, 3). Gangsta Rap became a new platform for artists to share and educate with the world the hardships of racial injustice through a culturally universal language - music. “Because of the levels of mainstream relevance and influence these two movements had throughout popular culture, the debate became a central part of the discussion over black identity in America. The rise and fall of such visible and permeating cultural representations would no doubt play a role in the ways in which African Americans would establish a cultural identity.” (Engels, 15) This music is supposed to help people understand they are not alone as they face and tackle their very real struggles. The movie Morris in America touches on the potential impact of rap music even the artist struggled to understand. Morris’s father did not want him to write or rap about anything that did not …show more content…
He wanted Morris to tell the truth in his rap songs, so maybe people could relate to him. Not grasping the lesson his father was trying to impart, Morris wrote about things that never happened in his life. He thought it was better to write what people wanted to hear. Ultimately, this is a struggle all artists face; they need to decide on the purpose of their music. Entertainment does not need to be sacrificed for a deeper purpose or message. Lyrics can be written to share real life experiences or what the artist believes their audience needs to hear all in an effort to educate and inform as well as entertain. This is how the success of gangsta rap started - with the personal relevance of the lyrics to the African American audience. “One of the most important and easily identifiable characteristics shared by Blaxploitation and gangsta rap involves the use of and reliance on place, space, and setting to establish cultural relevance, authenticity, and credibility among African American audiences.” (Engels, 6). The audience becomes more engaged in the message. Their active listening brings about interest and social interaction with peers and in turn spreads the desire to share with a wider audience. As the cycle continues, it leads to this culturally iconic music’s wide success lessening the divide between music enthusiasts. African American comedians use color, race, and cultural iconic material as the subject of their jokes. While initially this material can be
“African American artists began using their mediums to appeal directly to black audiences in an attempt to spawn cultural movements that would display and bring to the forefront the cultural, social and economic struggles of the African American experience.” (Engels, 3). Gangsta Rap became a new platform for artists to share and educate with the world the hardships of racial injustice through a culturally universal language - music. “Because of the levels of mainstream relevance and influence these two movements had throughout popular culture, the debate became a central part of the discussion over black identity in America. The rise and fall of such visible and permeating cultural representations would no doubt play a role in the ways in which African Americans would establish a cultural identity.” (Engels, 15) This music is supposed to help people understand they are not alone as they face and tackle their very real struggles. The movie Morris in America touches on the potential impact of rap music even the artist struggled to understand. Morris’s father did not want him to write or rap about anything that did not …show more content…
He wanted Morris to tell the truth in his rap songs, so maybe people could relate to him. Not grasping the lesson his father was trying to impart, Morris wrote about things that never happened in his life. He thought it was better to write what people wanted to hear. Ultimately, this is a struggle all artists face; they need to decide on the purpose of their music. Entertainment does not need to be sacrificed for a deeper purpose or message. Lyrics can be written to share real life experiences or what the artist believes their audience needs to hear all in an effort to educate and inform as well as entertain. This is how the success of gangsta rap started - with the personal relevance of the lyrics to the African American audience. “One of the most important and easily identifiable characteristics shared by Blaxploitation and gangsta rap involves the use of and reliance on place, space, and setting to establish cultural relevance, authenticity, and credibility among African American audiences.” (Engels, 6). The audience becomes more engaged in the message. Their active listening brings about interest and social interaction with peers and in turn spreads the desire to share with a wider audience. As the cycle continues, it leads to this culturally iconic music’s wide success lessening the divide between music enthusiasts. African American comedians use color, race, and cultural iconic material as the subject of their jokes. While initially this material can be