Rap Music and The Gang

Despite the negative aspects of the rap game, rap is increasingly influencing our teenagers. The lyrics of rap music are sung by teenagers all over the world. Ironically, the appeal of rap music may be found in the history of rap music.

Rap is believed to have many origins, but most people agree that rap supposedly began in South Bronx, New York in the mid 1970’s. Rap is reportedly the by product of Jamaican, African, and American Music. Rap is also gang affiliated and born from hard times. Rap did not arise from humble beginnings. Although an art, rap flourished as a form of expression and an identity during a time when gangs were springing up all over New York. Gangs provided protection from the streets for a lot of people. Gangs were cool forms of recognition for others and to some, being a part of a gang was being a part of a family. Some gang members were drug dealers who were renowned for having money and nice things. Gang members were popular sexual partners, because they were high on the social status. Oftentimes female gang members were initiated into the gangs by means of sex. Gangs were also a part of the hip hop/graffiti scene which introduced rap music onto the disco scene. Rap, it would appear, glorified both the disco and the gang. The members of the group Run DMC were not gang affiliated, but they dressed in gang attire, because gang life was mysterious and appealing. Tupak and the Notorious BIG died in the rap game. Tupak and Notorious are also prime examples of gang rivalry. Consequently; money, sex, and drugs, each an aspect of the gang life became associated with the music of the time which happened to be rap music.

Today, the appeal of rap music can be attributed to the times as well. Recession, depression, peer pressure, and stress have a profound effect on people, especially teenagers. Rapping appeals to a lot of people because it does not appeal to higher education, morality, or even discipline. Despite the fact that some rap artist are appealing to teenagers to stay in school, off drugs, and away from gangs, rap music continues to be considered the work of the devil by some. Many older people feel that rap music encourages immorality. Some younger (mostly African-American) people believe it is the only job they have a chance at getting. Still others believe in and can relate to the lyrics of rap music. Teenagers tend to enjoy rap because the lyrics appeals to teenage drama. Dating, bling (flashy jewelry), competition, social status, and sex are high on a teenager’s list of drama. Unfortunately, self-worth and self esteem are not.

Low self esteem inhibits a child. Children are easily led and influenced. A lack of parental guidance, abuse, and rejection can all influence a child. Rap music is not an enemy to the world or to the world’s teens.  It is quite possible that the appeal to rap compensates for something a child lacks. It is also feasible to think that rap music’s gang appeal compensates for a child’s lack of love and attention. It could be that Rap music’s season applies to the times. Whatever the case, Rap music continues to have the gang appeal that made it famous from its inception.