Since the debut of “Rapper’s Delight” by SugarHill Gang in 1979, rap music has been the scapegoat for negative behaviors present in black communities. Over time, rap music has grown and developed into a multitude of different styles, all under the genre of Hip-Hop .
Some subcategories of Hip-Hop music are: alternative, boom bap, chopped and screwed, conscious rap, gangsta rap, trap, and coastal. Hip-Hop is not only a genre, but a culture influenced by rap music; different kinds of dance, and also a way for oppressed voices to be heard.
Today, the main criticism of Hip-Hop music is that it normalizes and influences extreme violence. Contrary to this common deception, the Atlantic Magazine states, “As rap became more popular, violent crime declined.” The data was compiled by the FBI, in addition to Whitburn music listening rates, and analyzed. When the data was contrasted, researchers found that in theory, the rate at which people listen to rap music has an indirect relationship with crime data.
Hip-Hop music is criticized for being violence-inducing, and often in the trap or gangsta rap subcategory. Songs like “Faneto” by Chief Keef, “X is Coming” by DMX, and “Murder For Fun” by Gucci Mane are some examples of songs containing remarkably explicit lyrics. In “X is Coming”, DMX raps, “Plucked you like a chicken wit’ your head cut off/They’ll find you wit’ your back open and your legs cut off.” Graphic and inappropriate visuals exposed to listeners in a song are normal in Hip-Hop. In popular artist, Future’s song “Lil One,” the rapper recites, “Turn the hood into Iraq/On the corner, flippin that pack.”
In the argument if hip hop is influenced by reality or reality influences Hip-Hop, the The Chicago Tribune states, “Hip hop music reflects reality.”
Many Hip-Hop songs are written in reference to a state of hardship and trouble growing up in a troubled neighborhood, where negative influences are inevitable even for young children. Drugs, domestic abuse, gun violence, poor education systems, and crime filled areas are among some of the several different obstacles present in those neighborhoods. In perspective, it is not uncommon for rappers to perform with the intention to gain enough popularity and elevate their lifestyles.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) found that, “through the lyrics… rappers tell us certain things about their culture, crime rates, and their relationships with each other. By using this information as a resource, Steinmetz feels that the Criminal Justice system can ultimately make better policies.”
In a study conducted by SHSU, an associate professor of criminal justice and a doctoral candidate examined the top 100 Hip-Hop songs over the last 10 years, noting what they heard. The study resulted in what the researchers called The Legitimacy Theory, which idealizes that people’s belief in the legitimacy of a law gives them a greater urge to follow it.
The violence in Hip-Hop reflects an ugly reality present in black communities and should be utilized to help change the culture to bring forth more positive influences.
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Violence in Hip-Hop: The Orgin of an Ugly Reality
September 28, 2017
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