The link between rap lyrics and violence is overvalued. The claim that violent lyrics cause violent behavior is neither convincing nor conclusive (United States Senate). Hip-hop is a distinct form of art and expression, just as any other type of music. The violent lyrics made by rappers are a reflection of the violence that takes place in many urban American cities. It is simply unjust to blame rap music lyrics for social violence.
The condemnation of rap music is greatly due to misperception. It is often misunderstood because of generational and cultural differences. Rap music is an art form that reflects life. Gangsta rap emerged in the late 80's when crack and gangs ruled the West Coast. The origins of this new style came from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Compton, and Oakland. A form of music that mimicked the gangs and violence on the streets was bound to rise. The real problems are outside the music, not within (Leland).
The problem of urban violence is much bigger than rap. Rappers such as Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, who have been publicly criticized for their lyrics, grew up in the ghetto, and their words reflect what they have lived through. It is what is often referred to as the "realness" of hip-hop. Listeners can listen and know they are real, and that the rapper has truly experienced all of the things he discusses. The lyrics made by these rappers are not creating the worlds of violence and drugs; it is the reality of the streets. It was their lives, and the realities that they had to face everyday. In an article from Newsweek by John Leland, he states, "These performers should be classic American success stories: young men of humble origins who through sheer talent and hard work rose to the mansion on the hill" (Leland).
Snoop Dogg grew up in Long Beach, 25 miles south of L.A. It is the city where Snoop joined the Golgotha Trinity Baptist youth choir and, later, the Insane Crips (Leland).
Inner-city American violence has existed long before rap was developed. ... If a rapper's life is filled with violence, the rap will be filled with violence. ... First, what does society see wrong with rap music? ... The other main issue of concern is violence. ... You can ban the music, but the violence will remain. ...
Although it is not what anyone could call "clean" music, rap has made its imprint on the kids of this generation. ... When drugs, alcohol, and guns became popular in society, so did rap and hip-hop music; this is not a coincidence. ... Conversely, rap and hip-hop music do not only allow troublesome kids to relate to it. ... Still more that remains clear of the violence and trouble is the simple fact that rap and hip-hop are the best for dancing when people go out to clubs. ... Whether it be interpreted as bad or good, rap and hip-hop are definitely the most significant music gen...
., are few lyrics from the music genre "gangsta rap." ... "Gangsta rap" is hardly the only source of violence, but it is a potent one. Not only is the music violent but the rappers lifestyle is also. ... His music also glorifies violence and demeans women. ... His music also glorifies violence. ...
Rap Music and Violence The issue of whether rap music contributes to violent crime is a continual debate here in America. ... My own opinion on this matter is that rap songs that contain violence to an extreme degree are wrong and immoral. ... Gangster rap is hardly the only source of violence, but it is a potent one. Not only is the music violent but the rappers lifestyle is also. ... His music also glorifies violence and demeans women. ...
Does Rap Music Promote Violence? As a little girl growing up in a stereotypical middle class neighborhood, I can remember being repeatedly told not to listen to rap music. ... As a child, I was curious and unsure as to why listening to this particular music, rap, is looked down upon. ... Rappers are "glamorizing" violence and children are unknowingly being desensitized over time about issues involving sex, violence, and drugs. ... Whether the problem lies within the rap music or somewhere else, we must find an answer. ...
Rap: The cause or the result of violence? In the article "Redeeming the Rap Music Experience" Venise Berry examines the cause and effects of rap music and rap artists. ... I truly believe that both of these ideologies are true, Rap creates violence but is it also created by this same violence. ... Although rap is a direct result of the violence that takes place in urban America, violence also results from the lyrics and images expressed in rap music. ... Many rap songs glorify violence and show it as a necessity of life. ...
The negative implications of rap music have become almost as popular as the music itself (Krohn et al. 1995). ... One other aspect of these rappers lives that is glorified through their music is violence. ... Tucker, former California assemblyman whose district covered many black areas of Los Angeles, said that rappers preach drug culture and violence. ... She says that there is a distinction between rap music and "gangster/porn" rap. She says some rap music is positive but gangster rap only portrays negative behaviors and attitudes. ...
Rap Music Is Not A Violent Form of Entertainment Many people think that rap music is making kids more violent. They think that rap music is just a glorification of violence. ... "Violence is the No.1 killer of black males today gangsta rap confirms negative impressions of rap music the last thing black males need is to be exposed to a genre of music that says the way to resolve conflicts is with violence" (Stateman 3). ... Makani Themba believes in some of these aspects but also has different views on how violence is encouraged by rap music. ... Does music have an influence on violence ...
Of the many different types of music, rap music is perhaps the most scrutinize in society. ... It would be accurate to say that rap music as a genre is the music of the urban America generation. ... This brings me to the article entitle "Rap Music and its Violent Progeny: America's Culture of Violence in Context The Journal of Negro Education." ... The origin of rap music dates back to ancient Africa. ... The article also stats how the increased amount of violence in media, other music forms, movies, television, video games has all nurtured a culture of violence. ...
