Gangster Rap and Reality

Gangster or Rap music can be considered a style of art, and a way for the artists to express feelings through their words on paper. However, there are quite a few rap artists that get criticized for their lyrics. I want to discuss why rappers use certain lyrics in their music and why people shouldn’t believe that it causes violence among the younger generations and reflects reality. People shouldn’t censor the music just because of violent, vulgar and abusive messages it promotes to the world. I believe in my own mind, that there is a reason for these types of lyrics that rap artist’s use and I will simply explain those reasons. Rap has been called one of the most important music forces to emerge in two decades. It’s pounding beats and rhymes exploded on the streets of the urban America in the early 1980s and since have become the theme music and lyrical heart of the vibrant youth culture called hip-hop. There are many different types of rap artist. There are some that talk about money, some talk about righteousness, and the list goes on and on. Every rap artist has their own way of expressing themselves. There are those that talk about sex,

. . .
“ I think that kids know the difference between right and wrong, music and reality. If people didn’t have a choice that would be one thing, but as long as people have a choice to do or not to do something then they shouldn’t try to criticize it. Delores Tucker, head of national congress of black women has been among those pressuring different record companies to stop distributing gangster rap music. It’s also true and I strongly agree with that rap artists use lyrics that reflect on their childhood and the way they grew up. I think it takes a great deal of talent to write lyrics that rap artists write, because you have to use metaphors and similes, and at the same time get your point across so the listeners can understand. The words and phrases used, are words of actual life events and the positive things or outcomes of them. In conclusion, I am in favor of gangster rap, and I don’t think people should criticize these rap artists because they are speaking the truth. It is the reflection of horrible suffering, struggle and pain of the ghetto life. I feel that art reflects life, so I ask myself why aren’t the National Black leaders like Delores Tucker, more concerned about where the source of rap music exists than the work denuding these types of harsh conditions. Personally, I feel that rap music is a form of art. Situations they’ve been in are shown through their lyrics and we need to try to find the source of the problem instead of criticizing the person speaking about the problem. Rap artists generally write about what they know because it is easier to write about things and situations that you know, and if sex, drugs and violence is what you know about, then you are going to write about situations that involve those subjects. Rap music, how much influence does it really have on it’s youthful listeners? Many, from record company executives to high school students agree that it plays a critical role in the lives of many tans, affecting the way they dance, dress and speak(SIRS 1993). Violence has been existing for hundreds and hundreds of years, gangster rap music hasn’t remotely made violence more intense or worse .

Common topics in this essay:
Delores Tucker, Luke Skywalker, Gangster Rap, La Soul, Sex Violence, rap music, rap artists, Lil Kim, gangster rap, William Bennett, Senate Majority, , gangster rap music, gangster rappers, rap artist, rappers talk, criticized lyrics, drugs sex, sex drugs violence, sex drugs, drugs violence, Live Crew, talk sex drugs, talk drugs songs, lyrics rap artists,

Approximate Word count = 1552
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Already a member? Click here