The Negative Portrayal of Women in Hip Hop and Rap Music

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Doug E. Fresh, a popular beat-boxer in rap music today, has been quoted saying, “Hip-hop is supposed to uplift and create, to educate people on a larger level and to make a change.” Although this is the original intention of hip-hop music, public opinion currently holds the opposite view. Since the 1970’s musical artists have changed the face of hip-hop and rap and worldwide, people – mostly teens—have been striving to emulate certain artists and their lyrics, which has created negative stereotypes for hip-hop music and also for those who choose to listen to it. With vulgar lyrics referencing drugs, alcohol, sex, and aggression, it’s no wonder these stereotypes exist. However, is music really the direct cause of how teens act, or could their behavior possibly be the result of music that taps into the emotional feelings of those who listen to it? Could it be peer pressure and the fact that with technology today it has become harder to regulate what teens listen to? When analyzing these questions, it has become apparent, not only why people listen to music, but how it affects each and every person, possibly resulting in inappropriate lifestyle choices. Hip-hop music hasn’t always had a bad reputation attached to it; it actually had positive beginnings. DJ Kool Herc was the first to lay the building blocks of hip hop in 1973 in the South Bronx (Swanson). Unlike the situation in today’s society, hip-hop music was a cry against oppression and a way to let out built up anger while trying to move away from gang violence in inner-city neighborhoods. Once hip-hop began to gain popularity, break dancing competitions replaced violent gang fights. Even then, this genre of music seemed to influence those who heard it, ... ... middle of paper ... ...ent Lyrics to Blame?. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec 2013. . Holden, Martha. "Global Post." The Influence of Pop Music on Teens in the US. N.p.. Web. 1 December 2013. . Linder, Todd. “The Effects of Music on People's Behavior”. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec 2013. . Swanson, Abbie Fentress. WNYC News. “The South Bronx: Where Hip-Hop Was Born”. N.p., 02 Aug 2010. Web. 5 Dec 2013. . Tanner, Emily. "Western New York Catholic." News-Youth. N.p., 28 Nov 2012. Web. 1 Dec 2013.

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