There are many people that believe that hip-hop music can influence one's behavior. Rap music has had a bad reputation over the last decade from the gangsta era of N.W.A to a more present-tense 50 Cent. Some believe that thug rappers and their gangsta lyrics should be the gun-activists main focus. Jay Nordlinger states:.
"It must be, in part, a fear of uncoolness "of fogeydom "that keeps many people from coming to grips with rap. They are perfectly happy to claim that the sight of Joe Camel causes millions of young'uns to smoke cigarettes; but they are reluctant to consider what rap "poured constantly into you ears "might do. (620).
For example, many believed that the Sean "Puffy- Combs trial of 1999, was all influenced from rap music. Combs, being the owner of the widely known Bad Boy Records, was simply being judged by the ownership of such a name on a record label and the fact that much of his music and his protégés was really how they lived and behaved on a regular basis. Considering the fact that none of the main accusers were at the club that he and Jennifer Lopez were attending, people still believe he is guilty to this day. The reasons that people believe such things are all due to the music that he produces or is associated with, which is completely unfair. Rap music, just like any other genre of music, is simply a form of entertainment which should not be taken so seriously to people.
For example, over the past few years, there have been backlashes against the controversial rapper/actor Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem. Gay rights activists, Feminists, and many religions are appalled at his vulgar lyrics, and on many failed attempts, they have tried censorship against him. Lyrics such as, "You don't wanna f*** with Shady (his nickname), cause Shady, will f***** kill you,"" anger the average person that knows nothing about hip-hop culture, but to the regular rap listener, those words are nothing but another set of lyrics being heard over a track of music.