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A form of hip-hop music, Gangsta rap draws upon urban crime and the violence inner-city youths are enmeshed in. It emerged in the mid-1980s and it has struck a chord with many young African-Americans, especially males. The genre was popularized by performers like N.W.A., Schoolly D, and Ice-T. This form of music glorifies violence and lawlessness which has caused problems for the Black community in America. Its popularity sheds light on the problems that plague young African-Americans and the bleak future that lies ahead for many from the community.
A Picture of Negativity
Gangsta rap has been embraced by a large section of the youth in the African-American community. It’s a reflection of their misguided mindsets and the disturbed backgrounds they have. What’s truly sad about this genre of music is how it makes hooliganism look glamorous. It promotes behavior and attitudes that create social disturbance promoting unruly elements.
Serving time only seems to pump up a performer’s popularity. Even if we were to consider that it isn’t so, their popularity certainly doesn’t dip if they end up serving time. That surely is a glorification of unruliness and hooliganism.
Does it Trigger Crime?
While gangsta rap certainly isn’t the direct reason behind crime in the African-American community, it certainly is a factor behind it. One can see that in the videos, the recordings, the live shows, and material available on the internet. The lyrics of the songs and the content in the videos do portray violence as a show of heroic rebellion against the system.
Again, we should take into account gangsta rap performers who have ended up behind bars. 50 cent (Curtis Jackson) served a term for selling cocaine, possessing heroin, domestic violence, and driving with no license. DMX (Earl Simmons) went a step further. He was found to possess crack cocaine. He was also found guilty of reckless driving, criminal possession of a weapon, and parole violation.
It’s only stating the obvious that if elements like these are hero-worshipped, their fans have little or no chance of leading healthy successful lives.
Is there a Strain of Racism?
Another disturbing aspect of gangsta rap is the rampant use of the word “nigga.” While many argue that a black person calling another black person “nigger” shouldn’t be cause for alarm, calling someone so isn’t really a show of endearment.
Using the word reflects a lack of self-respect and lack of respect for the African-American community. Embracing what is a racial slur should always be condemned. There can be no justification behind it. No attempt should be made to condone it.
Final Thoughts
True, there is no direct link between crime in the African-African community and gangsta rap, but it certainly does glamorize hooliganism. It does set a bad example before the African-American youth and misguides them. Glorification of violence and lawlessness only creates elements that cause social disturbance. The popularity of gangsta rap is a reflection of faults in American society and it calls for introspection.
