Rap music tops the music charts nation wide. The hip-hop subculture has hit mainstream with an unreal impact. Since the late 1980's rap music has been called the "Anti Christ" in our culture, because of it's so-called influence on society. Rap is defined as a style of popular music consisting of improvised rhymes performed to a rhythmic accompaniment. Rap has always been associated with the black community. Until one artist arose and broke the racial barrier for what we call "black" music. Marshall Mathers is as rebellious as humanly possible. Breaking through the racial barrier of not only the rap world but society alike he has been a pioneer in a business solely dominated by the opposite race. Although nearly every artist in the rap world tries to be defiant Mathers accomplishes this with ease. Living the lifestyle of him and his daughter first, Mathers has been involved in many lawsuits and scandals before he hits the age of thirty. Eminem's lyrics and defiant lifestyle make him an easy target and an inspiration to all rebellious youths.
Eminem broke the barrier for white men emerging as the first white rapper to succeed in what was originally known as a black mans world. Eminem music style is not that of what we know as "Gangsta Rap" but that of lyrical rhymes and life stories told in a beat. Eminem did emerge as the first white rapper to make it big, but his style is not that of typical black rap. N.W.A. (Niggaz Wit Attitude) are one of the most well-known gangsta rap groups talking about life on the street and crime. Once gangsta rap emerged more and more people started rapping about police brutality and killing people, and with that crime rose to high levels. Causing much controversy over the lyrics and music genre. Another song we can view is that of Ice Tea "Cop Killa" this stirred up controversy nation wide and even a ban on his music arose because of this. Eminem does rap about crime but in a different aspect.