negative criticism presented against rap music
Despite all the negative criticism presented against rap music, the genre has a huge fan base in America and the rest of the world. Therefore, this may promote skepticism about the negative representation of rap in American society, especially among youths. Yes, the themes of violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and materialism are common in the rap music scene. However, not all rappers express these ideas; some rappers stick to the foundation of rap as music for uplifting and motivating African American and Hispanic youths living in low-income societies to strive to their best. Some rapper depicts violence, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse from an educational viewpoint. These rappers use anti-violent lyrics to discourage violence and gangs among American societies to help youths promote peace and venture into better economic opportunities that are safe and legal (Trapp, 1482). Rappers like Tupac Shakur gained criticism for painting the reality of American society, especially the African American community that was suffering from increases rates broken families and poverty (Trapp, 1483). Such rappers used their music to bring awareness to issues such as violence, drug addiction, affecting marginalized societies. Therefore, while listening to music for entertainment purposes, American teenagers also learn more about the issues affecting their country.
Hip hop has also played an essential role in promoting social and political awareness to issues affecting the past and present American society. Rap music serves as a tool for social change through the education and information of members of the community on social issues affecting American society. Rap music, like other forms of music, allow artists self-expression, which provides a platform to share ideologies on political and social issues openly. Therefore rap engages teenagers to become part and parcel of the change process. Creating awareness among the youths of social and political matters helps build a generation that is informed, and enlightened making it easier to promote change. Rap creates awareness of issues such as racial discrimination, disparities in the criminal justice system, and police brutality among others that evoke emotions of listeners who may or may not be suffering from the same issues (Trapp, 1490). Rap music also discusses topics such as social unity, the importance of education, and hard work that motivates American teenagers to believe in their dreams and put extra effort into their academic capabilities. There are selected rap artists who have adopted a political tone and use their music to address the socio-economic and political disparities affecting citizens from low-income urban areas.
One of the positive benefits of rap is the unification of the America society and the world. As mentioned, rap began as a subculture for African American and Hispanic communities before spreading to America and the rest of the world. Currently, rap is a vital music genre that defines the popular culture of all American citizens. Therefore, whether white or black most American teenagers are either fans or are listeners of rap music. Given that rap has a huge nonblack following, it means that the musical genre has managed to break the barriers of race and plays an essential role in promoting social change and the unification of American society (Trapp, 1492). Some aspects of rap that are quite influential among American teenagers across all races is the urban street style fashion that teenagers have adopted from their favorite hip hop artists. Styles such as wearing baggy jeans, oversized shirts, and expensive sneakers were part of the rap aesthetic in the 90s before transformation into teenage culture and identity in American society.
Conclusion
Hip hop is a famous genre that resonated with the majority of American youths from different races. It forms an essential part of contemporary pop culture, and most American teenagers aspire to achieve the rap lifestyle at any cost. Although Hip hop music started as a genre aimed at uplifting, motivating, and educating members of the society, contemporary musicians have transformed its purpose. Hip hop music still promotes social change; however, it is a negative aspect as it influences youths to gang violence, criminal activities, materialism, and substance abuse, among others. Unfortunately, this promotes negative academic, psychological, and social consequences among American teenagers.