2008 Woodie Awards
Hip-hop music: Is it good or bad?
A genre of music that has its ups and downs all around
Sam Adamopoulos
Issue date: 3/26/07 Section: Voices
Whether people realize it or not, they often think in stereotypes.
When the subject of hip-hop comes up in a conversation, they might get mental images. These images could be of jewelry, expensive cars, and the artists who flaunt these luxuries. The negative images people associate with hip-hop also come to mind -- gang violence, profanity, and a misogynistic view of women. Many ignore the positive message of some hip-hop, and only focus on the negative.
Those who watch MTV, VH1, BET, or other music channels have probably been exposed to some form of hip-hop. This means they have more than likely seen attractive women exploited in music videos. If these women pranced around happily while being referred to as “bitches” and “hos,” it might have been a hip-hip video. People see this and may automatically assume all songs in this genre have the same attitude towards women. Despite the misconception, some recording artists defy this negative stereotype. The song “S.E.X.” by Lyfe Jennings has a suggestive title, but a meaningful message. In the song, the artist encourages a young girl to practice abstinence, something not often associated with hip-hop.
Unfortunately, life today is plagued with unfortunate and depressing news. Many children suffer from abuse, whether it be violent, sexual, or both. There are hip-hop artists who brag about being violent, and others who describe the consequences of violence. Ludacris’ latest album, Release Therapy, has a song titled “Runaway Love”. In the song he talks about three different girls that have suffered through some form of abuse. Listening to the song could make people realize that society needs to focus more on preventing children from experiencing these torments.
Gang violence has left citizens terrified in many urban parts of the country. During the late 80’s a subgenre of hip-hop known as “gangsta rap” spread throughout America. Artists such as N.W.A., Tupac Shakur, and Ice T were all pioneers during the pinnacle of gangsta rap’s popularity. An online entry in Wikipedia states, “Gangster rappers often defend themselves by claiming that they are describing the reality of inner-city life, and that they are only adopting a character, like an actor playing a role, which behaves in ways that they may not necessarily endorse.”
The fact can’t be ignored that hip-hop is a form of entertainment. Novels are a form of entertainment as well. Plenty of novels have plots involving murder. When a teenager decides to pick up a gun and shoot their classmates, which form of entertainment takes the blame? Many critics would say that violent inner-city teens base their behavior on hip-hop influence. Supposedly the idea of them learning it from a book with a grotesque description of a murder is improbable. This absurd theory proves itself to be stereotypical from two different aspects. Hip-hop artists do not look at you through the television screen and tell you to go out and commit murder, arson or rape. Also, saying that inner-city kids do not get influenced by books could be interpreted as an insult to them. Is the possibility of a novel’s influence not a factor because teens are ignorant and have never read a book? A bold statement, yet true to a certain extent.
Some hip-hop based groups attempt to persuade people that violence is wrong. According to Alexandra Marks in an article for The Christian Science Monitor, “artists have been developing a social critique and nurturing hip-hop’s potential political power to deal with issues from education funding to gun control.” As a matter of fact, this article also states that in June, 2002, Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, instigated a march on city hall in New York. Reportedly, Simmons, along with approximately 100,000 people, marched and protested an incredibly large cut in education funding. If critics become aware of incidents like this, it may alter their tunnel-vision views on this misunderstood genre.
Alexandra Marks does not stand alone in her claims. Exposing hip-hop’s positive side has now become a goal for members of the clergy as well. Efrem Smith, a pastor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, combines his love for God and hip-hop. According to an online article by Smith, he believes the influence of music and culture can motivate young people and encourage them to attend church more often.
Some rappers use their art to promote humanitarian causes. Kanye West, a rapper/producer poetically spoke out against the mining in Sierra Leone. His song “Diamonds are Forever” sparks an interest in these issues. In the song he raps, “Good morning, this ain’t Vietnam still, people lose hands, legs, arms, fo’ real. Little was known on Sierra Leone, and how it connect to the diamonds we own.” Picturing the gruesome comparison to the Vietnam War may encourage people to become more vocal in protesting the ill treatment of diamond mine workers.
All in all, hip-hop may have a history of sending mixed messages. If children are going to be exposed to this type of music, perhaps society should embrace it. Negative hip-hop exists, but it should not be the main focus. People have the power to expose younger generations to hip-hop, and teach them how to differentiate between the good and the bad.
When the subject of hip-hop comes up in a conversation, they might get mental images. These images could be of jewelry, expensive cars, and the artists who flaunt these luxuries. The negative images people associate with hip-hop also come to mind -- gang violence, profanity, and a misogynistic view of women. Many ignore the positive message of some hip-hop, and only focus on the negative.
Those who watch MTV, VH1, BET, or other music channels have probably been exposed to some form of hip-hop. This means they have more than likely seen attractive women exploited in music videos. If these women pranced around happily while being referred to as “bitches” and “hos,” it might have been a hip-hip video. People see this and may automatically assume all songs in this genre have the same attitude towards women. Despite the misconception, some recording artists defy this negative stereotype. The song “S.E.X.” by Lyfe Jennings has a suggestive title, but a meaningful message. In the song, the artist encourages a young girl to practice abstinence, something not often associated with hip-hop.
Unfortunately, life today is plagued with unfortunate and depressing news. Many children suffer from abuse, whether it be violent, sexual, or both. There are hip-hop artists who brag about being violent, and others who describe the consequences of violence. Ludacris’ latest album, Release Therapy, has a song titled “Runaway Love”. In the song he talks about three different girls that have suffered through some form of abuse. Listening to the song could make people realize that society needs to focus more on preventing children from experiencing these torments.
Gang violence has left citizens terrified in many urban parts of the country. During the late 80’s a subgenre of hip-hop known as “gangsta rap” spread throughout America. Artists such as N.W.A., Tupac Shakur, and Ice T were all pioneers during the pinnacle of gangsta rap’s popularity. An online entry in Wikipedia states, “Gangster rappers often defend themselves by claiming that they are describing the reality of inner-city life, and that they are only adopting a character, like an actor playing a role, which behaves in ways that they may not necessarily endorse.”
The fact can’t be ignored that hip-hop is a form of entertainment. Novels are a form of entertainment as well. Plenty of novels have plots involving murder. When a teenager decides to pick up a gun and shoot their classmates, which form of entertainment takes the blame? Many critics would say that violent inner-city teens base their behavior on hip-hop influence. Supposedly the idea of them learning it from a book with a grotesque description of a murder is improbable. This absurd theory proves itself to be stereotypical from two different aspects. Hip-hop artists do not look at you through the television screen and tell you to go out and commit murder, arson or rape. Also, saying that inner-city kids do not get influenced by books could be interpreted as an insult to them. Is the possibility of a novel’s influence not a factor because teens are ignorant and have never read a book? A bold statement, yet true to a certain extent.
Some hip-hop based groups attempt to persuade people that violence is wrong. According to Alexandra Marks in an article for The Christian Science Monitor, “artists have been developing a social critique and nurturing hip-hop’s potential political power to deal with issues from education funding to gun control.” As a matter of fact, this article also states that in June, 2002, Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, instigated a march on city hall in New York. Reportedly, Simmons, along with approximately 100,000 people, marched and protested an incredibly large cut in education funding. If critics become aware of incidents like this, it may alter their tunnel-vision views on this misunderstood genre.
Alexandra Marks does not stand alone in her claims. Exposing hip-hop’s positive side has now become a goal for members of the clergy as well. Efrem Smith, a pastor in Minneapolis, Minnesota, combines his love for God and hip-hop. According to an online article by Smith, he believes the influence of music and culture can motivate young people and encourage them to attend church more often.
Some rappers use their art to promote humanitarian causes. Kanye West, a rapper/producer poetically spoke out against the mining in Sierra Leone. His song “Diamonds are Forever” sparks an interest in these issues. In the song he raps, “Good morning, this ain’t Vietnam still, people lose hands, legs, arms, fo’ real. Little was known on Sierra Leone, and how it connect to the diamonds we own.” Picturing the gruesome comparison to the Vietnam War may encourage people to become more vocal in protesting the ill treatment of diamond mine workers.
All in all, hip-hop may have a history of sending mixed messages. If children are going to be exposed to this type of music, perhaps society should embrace it. Negative hip-hop exists, but it should not be the main focus. People have the power to expose younger generations to hip-hop, and teach them how to differentiate between the good and the bad.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Dormonshae Pendleton
posted 9/26/08 @ 2:58 PM EST
this explains a lot about the influence of hip hop
Post a Comment