Popular Genres of Music in the US: Hip-hop

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Hip-hop is one of the most popular genres of music in the U.S. It is very influential in today’s youth, especially young African-American males. It has created such a false image for them, leading them to believe that much of what the rappers talk about is appropriate. Nowadays, some of the most popular rap songs and lyrics are just too graphic for them to be listening to at their age. Hip-hop music causes African-American males to engage in activities that will negatively affect their future.
In today’s culture hip-hop has become very common. Many teens do not realize what they are listening to. The subject that rappers choose to talk about in their music is significant. The lyrics generally push black teens into thinking that it is okay to be a gangster and live a life of crime. Parents teach their kids to say no to drugs while their favorite rapper is telling them that it is okay. Hip-hop artists such as Young Jeezy, promotes the usage and selling of drugs. In the song, “Chickens No Flour” Young Jeezy sings “We cooking chickens no flour / We count the money no powder.” Here, Young Jeezy is talking about cocaine with no powder and with a sale transaction. Young teens that are fans of his music will imitate this activity since he has a powerful influence on them. This is a big issue because it leads to more young black boys selling drugs on the streets. Each day, African-American teens end up in jail, wasting their lives behind bars: “Lest we forget, all of us need to be constantly reminded that half of all prison inmates—one million—are Black men.” (“Hipping and Hopping” 7). We as black people need to start seeing the impact that the lurid lyrics are having on young people. These artists are sending out ...

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...ere feeling the same as Lil Wayne and think that woman are just trash. Black women are literally and figuratively being denigrated in unprecedented ways. The lyrics show women in a sexual manner and always refer to them in derogatory terms. In all of the videos, rappers give this ideal look about how a beautiful woman needs to be. She needs to have curves, a slim waist, long hair, and a big butt.
Hip-hop music has negatively affected African-American teens. Though hip-hop is not the only cause that affects young males, it is a big part of many young boys’ life. There definitely needs to be some changes to these lyrics. Artists should realize that they have a responsibility to their fan to advocate a positive outlook and good value. If nothing is done about this, then Hip-Hop will continue to lead the youth to a place where no one wants to see them go.

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