Rap Music Influence On American Culture

Rap music is a platform for black artists to express themselves. Rap and hip hop are used as a tool to inspire and influence black Americans. The reality of living in the ghetto as a black American is explained through rap music. Rap music has changed black culture in America. Hip hop and rap music have been a prominent force in black culture and the music industry for some time now. Music of all styles relates to the feeling of identity and expression, and rap music has seized its role in the black community. The first time I heard a Kendrick Lamar song was in 2012, when his album “good kid m.A.A.d City” put him in the spotlight of the rap game. Four years ago, when his album came out, I was a 14 year old white kid from Cape Cod who had

More specifically, the rap industry carries a heavy influence over black culture. A majority of famous rappers are black, and have experienced many of the hardships rapped about in their music. Rap created a new future for the black underprivileged youth. The music industry is an extremely cutthroat business, but now that business holds a spot for young rappers trying to escape the ghetto. Modern rap artists will boast of their skills and how it got them out of the hood. Many black Americans that live in low income neighborhoods fall into a cycle that is impossible to break free from. Berry, states: “Kids are forced to learn from the rhythm of life around them” (Kennedy 524). The presence of gangs and crime create a way to make money, in hopes of a better future. The lifestyle of a gangster is characterized by prison time, violence, and drugs. These men find that they have become trapped in this lifestyle, making it impossible to pursue any other future. Berry, states: “rap music is indisputably entangled with the struggle for black identity and legitimacy within mainstream society” (Kennedy 520). Now with the power and popularity of rap music, these men and women can use their artistry and talent to make themselves rich. Artists like Fetty Wap, Eazy E, and Tupac all started from the bottom. They used their art to become well known in the hip hop community, which led to economic gains. Rap also created a cultural change. Many rap artists create a brand out of their name. Artists influence youth of all cultures to buy their clothing, their music, their style. Jay Z and Kanye West have worked to create their music streaming business, Tidal, more popular. Glenn Peoples, in “Turning the tide?”, states: “Tidal is attempting to draw customers through such perks as exclusive content (like Lil Wayne and Rihanna songs) and early access to concert tickets” (Peoples 1). The rap business has become