Is rap music detrimental to society?

[vede]

Rap is just the new thing.

Rap has been popular since the 70's and has been happening since at least the 20's. It's not going anywhere.

So, yes, I think rap is relatively detrimental to society, because it popularizes illegal activities.

That's like saying "singing in an AB AB rhythm popularizes chicken sandwiches". How can the method in which a song is sung popularize anything? I think what you mean to say is... the mainstream media and pop culture popularizes illegal activities through music and various other mediums. That's something I could agree with, to a certain degree.

For you people who think rap is synonymous with people singing about "bitches and ho's", for whatever reason, were you aware that music exists outside of MTV? Have you thought that maybe MTV and various other outlets that model their behavior from that culture is actually the culprit for popularizing "gangsta rap" and the lyrics that are sometimes found within? It's marketing. And you guys pretty much fell right for it, because you honestly believe you've actually heard any real rap.

Firstly, with my "the new thing" statement, which is admittedly easily misunderstood, I meant that it has only recently become extremely popular. Most of my arguments are primarily aimed at gangster rap, which is relatively new, and does often feature drugs, gang violence, and "bitches and hos." (right?)

Secondly, you have massively misunderstood my ideas. I'm not saying that the music itself is the problem. (Note that all further statements about "rap" are about gangster rap, unless otherwise noted.) I'm saying that rap's constant inclusion of gang activities, mixed with its extreme popularity, is perpetuating the things in the music, like gang activities. A certain beat or tune will not affect people's minds. The method in which the song is sung affects nothing. It is simply the subject matter combined with the musician's "coolness."

I am completely aware of rap music that doesn't involve "bitches and hos." I don't like it, but that's just preference.

 

[Arcticflame]

No more so than bad hair metal in the 80s was.

I would argue with you on that, as bad hair metal required a certain amount of skill to play guitar, drums etc.

It takes no skill or talent to be a (populist) rapper, just image.

Not all rap is bad, what separates good rap from bad rap (in my opinion) is that they have chosen rap singing in order for it to fit in with the song, not base a song and beat around the rap. E.G. RATM has rap, but the music itself fits with it, and is good music to begin with.

 

[Ares Tyr]

Okay, okay... please, listen. And please tell me if you notice any difference in the followng verses.

"Soulja Boy Off In This Hoe
Watch me Lean And Watch Me Rock?
Super Man Dat Hoe
Then Watch me Crank Dat Robocop?
Super Fresh, Now Watch Me Jock
Jocking On Them Haterz Man
When I Do Dat Soulja Boy
I Lean To The Left And Crank Dat Dance
(Now You)
I'm Jocking On Yo ***** Ass
And If We Get The Fightin
Then I'm Cocking On Your *****
You Catch Me At Yo Local Party
Yes I Crank It Everyday
Haterz Get Mad Cause
"I Got Me some Bathing Apes""

-Soulja Boy, "Crank Dat Soulja Boy"

" [Opio] Yeahhh, beats like this you just can't peep
It's a natural, international, not that same ol' shit
Get split in half, figuratively speaking take a bloodbath
when I run past MC's, drop the mic like the Sunsplash
is in Jamaica, the heart-breaka lyrics
like a stake through your left pectoral your shit is horrible
I'm clean, like brand new Mo-Mo's on a Porsche
and your shit is sittin on rims, let me begin
to elaborate, rings on his hands like each finger was Saturn
and the latest fashions but the same patterns
kept flashin up in his rap, concerned with, glamorous
tales of fatalities like he was Tarantino
The analogy is that we know that Quentin write Fiction
Fantasies, woven intricately, while I'm predicting
every motion, them slight changes in your tone of voice
is a toast to your parasitic choice of speak
Leakin cold blood out the arteries if you bit
Cause we done said it, you can't configurate
like the great Hieroglyphics resistance we incinerate
Lit it up, now I'm fin to cut
Peep the demonstration of uniqueness

[Del The Funky Homosapien] Ain't no MC hurtin me, matter of fact you work for me
Havoc stricken palladiums made me numb
to anything you speak to desecrate the great Hieroglyphics
And with it goes the flows that chop egos, to segments
Behind the decimal points, I point backwards
when you lack words you toil but boil I coil clowns
all around, repellin sellin statues of wack groups
Statues for Hieroglyphic travellers
Any lackluster MC's I mallux ya, right on your cranium crack it
Bust your teeth through your limbs and then tip you over
If you know of Del, well then
I ill constantly with consonants, followed by nouns and make
mounds of manuscripts to whip challengers, that ain't
too talented, so before I reach my destintation
let's waste some MC's for fun (yeah)
I understand the fans needs so I feed em smorgasboards
so they can gorge and MC's can gouge they eyes out, from the teargas
emitted from my tongue, leaving fans sprung
And for the crews who high-strung, eat dung (ewww)
They just gnats and ticks, bugging me (bzzzzzzz)
Hugging me nuts in a cuddly clutch, my
Hieroglyphic theory is validated by facts
Dilated the tracks, so they wide and fat
Violated the wax, but colonized the wise words
with more enzymes ten times nutritional
Unintentional, my flows just go there, yeah"

- Hieroglyphics, "Oakland Blackouts"

(song link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRfCq7sPqf0 )

Give it a chance, otherwise you have no right to claim your statements.


Alright. Now, first, if you cannot see the skill and intellegience of the second and third verses, then you either a.) have severe onset Downes Syndrome, b.) have recently recieved blunt trauma to the head, or c.) are just a prick.

Now, another thing is that the first verse is by what most people know as Rap music, or God forbid, call it "Hip Hop". The second and third verse are the true definition of Hip Hop and utilize the element of Hip Hop called "Rapping" in order to convey their skill. The song also includes turntables and good production. The song is deep, intelligent, and above all else, the highest form of Hip Hop by two MCs (not rappers).

Soulja Boy is what is wrong with music, and especially Hip Hop today, as are all artists like him.

The Hieroglyphics are some of the best musicians and artists of our current generation.

So before criticizing an entire genre, stop grouping togethers artists of such different skill levels. It's like saying you hate rock music because, hey, if the Jonas Brothers suck, then so must Led Zeppelin.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

Only the new stuff, most of the older rap was about real issues and a persons struggle to survive, creating using lyrics, a real message, today it's shit, absolutely shit.

 

[Ares Tyr]

Only the new stuff, most of the older rap was about real issues and a persons struggle to survive, creating using lyrics, a real message, today it's shit, absolutely shit.

Good stuff is still around, you just have to look a little harder for quality music. I.E. Lupe Fiasco, Hieroglyphics, Common, Murs, MC Lars, etc.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

Only the new stuff, most of the older rap was about real issues and a persons struggle to survive, creating using lyrics, a real message, today it's shit, absolutely shit.

Good stuff is still around, you just have to look a little harder for quality music. I.E. Lupe Fiasco, Hieroglyphics, Common, Murs, MC Lars, etc.

Agreed but when you look at it as a singular entity it shits you to tears how much crap is out there.

 

[Ares Tyr]

Indeed, but the same can be said about most popular music now-a-days. Jonas Brothers, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, etc. There's a great number of shitty artists for every genre. In fact, in music, there is a general rule I follow that for ever twenty or so untalented music acts, there's one or two good ones to check out. So I'd keep that in mind for music in general.

 

[Alex_P]

Agreed but when you look at it as a singular entity it shits you to tears how much crap is out there.

That's true of any genre, though. How much balls-out terrible rock music is out there, for example?

-- Alex

EDIT: Nevermind, Ares beat me to it.

 

[The Iron Ninja]

No, it's not. Stupid people are detrimental to society.

And the difference between that and rap is...

The difference between stupid people and and rap music? I'm not sure where you're going with this... but for one thing, stupid people are people, and rap music is a type of music.

The Difference between Stupid people and Ivoryagent? not a thing
But in all seriousness I hate rap music and as such I think the world would be very much better off without it.
However, speaking out against rap music in these forums is fairly pointless as, since the escapist seems to largely be filled with intelligent, insightful people, very few fans of Rap music will even see this.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

No, it's not. Stupid people are detrimental to society.

And the difference between that and rap is...

The difference between stupid people and and rap music? I'm not sure where you're going with this... but for one thing, stupid people are people, and rap music is a type of music.

The Difference between Stupid people and HSIAMetalking? not a thing
But in all seriousness I hate rap music and as such I think the world would be very much better off without it.
However, speaking out against rap music in these forums is fairly pointless as, since the escapist seems to largely be filled with intelligent, insightful people, very few fans of Rap music will even see this.

That's a bit mean, listen to older rap.why dislike something because the people who relate to it have not been able to achieve as much as you have?

 

[scoobyduped]

I wouldn't say that it's detrimental to society. I would, however, say that it's detrimental to real music.

Okay, I know that there is good rap, but a majority of the stuff that people listen to doesn't fall into that category.

 

[The Iron Ninja]

No, it's not. Stupid people are detrimental to society.

And the difference between that and rap is...

The difference between stupid people and and rap music? I'm not sure where you're going with this... but for one thing, stupid people are people, and rap music is a type of music.

The Difference between Stupid people and HSIAMetalking? not a thing
But in all seriousness I hate rap music and as such I think the world would be very much better off without it.
However, speaking out against rap music in these forums is fairly pointless as, since the escapist seems to largely be filled with intelligent, insightful people, very few fans of Rap music will even see this.

That's a bit mean, listen to older rap.why dislike something because the people who relate to it have not been able to achieve as much as you have?

Fair enough. But I don't like it. Also, apologies to HSIAMetalking, as I accidentaly wrote the wrong name, I meant Ivoryangent, now who is stupid? (it's me)

Edit: I have now changed the original post to suit my liking, but my shame lives on through your quotations... the shame... The shame!(louder this time)

 

[Ares Tyr]

No, it's not. Stupid people are detrimental to society.

And the difference between that and rap is...

The difference between stupid people and and rap music? I'm not sure where you're going with this... but for one thing, stupid people are people, and rap music is a type of music.

The Difference between Stupid people and HSIAMetalking? not a thing
But in all seriousness I hate rap music and as such I think the world would be very much better off without it.
However, speaking out against rap music in these forums is fairly pointless as, since the escapist seems to largely be filled with intelligent, insightful people, very few fans of Rap music will even see this.

I'm seeing it and I'm pretty angry at it. It seems the general consensus amonst people who consider themselves intelligent is that rap music is for the illiterate and impoverished masses. And they would be very unintelligent for thinking that. Perfect example would be MC Lars, a Standford graduate with a degree in English who's songs include "Ahab" about Captain Ahab from Moby Dick and "Mr. Raven" based on Edgar Allen-Poe's classic poem.

Or the Hieroglyphics' unofficial leader, Del The Funky Homosapien who wrote the first Hip Hop concept album based on a journey through far-future space and a war on a ruling, Big Brother-esque Corporation. Easily some of the best music composed in the Hip Hop genre. Everyone and their brother thinks that rap music requires no talent to make, and that anyone can rap. And upon asking them to prove it by doing it themselves, instantly make fools of themselves.

I wouldn't say that it's detrimental to society. I would, however, say that it's detrimental to real music.

Not only is Hip Hop the fastest growing genre of music in, history? Maybe? But it's also one of the most influential. It's very difficult to find a genre that has not been effected by Hip Hop music. If Hip Hop is not real music, then it must be fake and half of the known world must be dancing and making fake stuff that doesn't exist because its not real, definetly not.

Real vocalist learn to sing and use melody like say a guitarist.

A rapper learns to use complicated rythmns and flows over a mostly percussion beat (like a drummer, when a vocalist is compared to a guitarist) while weaving together a series of poetry-like verses using the English language and culture to create stories and metaphors to show their skill of the language and their vocabulary. Contrary to popular belief, real Hip Hop is about proving your intelligence, not your ability to make Platinum records and Dance crazes.

So, yeah.

Edit: Sorry, you edited your post and added something like an apology.

 

[Dommyboy]

No, it's not. Stupid people are detrimental to society.

And they are the creators of rap. So take out one and the other falls.

 

[Ares Tyr]

No, it's not. Stupid people are detrimental to society.

And they are the creators of rap. So take out one and the other falls.

GRAAAAH!

People like you are why most rap fans are accused of being violent.

 

[Hey Joe]

Man, back in the day the rap game meant shit you know? Run DMC were doing there thing, you know, before they went commercial and most rap pre-'95 absolutely spoke some harsh truths about society at large.

That does still exist today, but there's a lot more 'lot at the size of my penis' kind of rap.

 

[highly orchestrated bear attacks]

Yes. If a person has a certain lack of intelligence, simple opinions like musical preference can easily fester into closedmindedness, then rudeness, and eventually intolerance. Rap is just the new thing. People who like it will eventually start hanging out with other people who like it, and they are brought under the illusion that only "cool" people like it, because their friends like it, and they think their friends are "cool."

This also means that the "cool" people think the people who made the stuff that is "cool" are "cool," and want to emulate them. The only examples they have are through their material. Normally, this might just be playing music or having long hair or something, but the most popular form of rap, gangster rap, contains gang violence, prostitution, rampant drug-use, and excessive profanity. Other genres may have been played by drug-users, but few actually referenced it directly or as often as rap. I'm not saying it's the only "big thing" that was detrimental, I'm just saying it's the one that perpetuates the worst sort of activities. I'm not saying rap is going to make every little kid actually go out and do drive-by or something, but it probably will influence them to do whatever they can get away with, or act like they might do some gang-related violence, or act like they are in a gang.

My argument could also be used against video games. Most video games, however, feature obviously fictitious settings or stories, so doing the things in the games is nigh impossible. I'm sure a lot of kids who played Halo think it would be awesome to be a pwnsome SPARTAN fighting aliens. Most video games also only feature over-the-top activities. The whole "gangster" genre of anything, though, features things that would be easy to do. Do drugs, cuss, act like you're in a gang, etc.

So, yes, I think rap is relatively detrimental to society, because it popularizes illegal activities.

EDIT: I'm not saying all rap is bad, I'm just saying that gangster rap is bad. Not the music, but the people who make it, and what they popularize by putting it into the music. If you like the music, that's totally fine, just don't be an idiot. If this were about gangsters putting gang activities into rock music, that form of rock music would be detrimental. I might be a bit rambley here, but you guys get what I'm saying, right?

Does this not sound just like Grand Theft Auto? You can not battle that 1)Video games are not detrimental and 2)Video Games are a work of art if you dismiss other art forms as well. In rap music, they are telling a fictional tale. It is not real life. Is there a possibility that someone might hear rap music and act out the lyrics? Yeah, but those individuals shouldn't be doing much of anything. They would do the same to video games, or movies, or books. Hell, what about Manson and the white album? It sounds like an O'Reilly move, which is like shooting yourself in the elbow with a crossbow...Difficult and stupid.

 

[Ares Tyr]

Yes. If a person has a certain lack of intelligence, simple opinions like musical preference can easily fester into closedmindedness, then rudeness, and eventually intolerance. Rap is just the new thing. People who like it will eventually start hanging out with other people who like it, and they are brought under the illusion that only "cool" people like it, because their friends like it, and they think their friends are "cool."

This also means that the "cool" people think the people who made the stuff that is "cool" are "cool," and want to emulate them. The only examples they have are through their material. Normally, this might just be playing music or having long hair or something, but the most popular form of rap, gangster rap, contains gang violence, prostitution, rampant drug-use, and excessive profanity. Other genres may have been played by drug-users, but few actually referenced it directly or as often as rap. I'm not saying it's the only "big thing" that was detrimental, I'm just saying it's the one that perpetuates the worst sort of activities. I'm not saying rap is going to make every little kid actually go out and do drive-by or something, but it probably will influence them to do whatever they can get away with, or act like they might do some gang-related violence, or act like they are in a gang.

My argument could also be used against video games. Most video games, however, feature obviously fictitious settings or stories, so doing the things in the games is nigh impossible. I'm sure a lot of kids who played Halo think it would be awesome to be a pwnsome SPARTAN fighting aliens. Most video games also only feature over-the-top activities. The whole "gangster" genre of anything, though, features things that would be easy to do. Do drugs, cuss, act like you're in a gang, etc.

So, yes, I think rap is relatively detrimental to society, because it popularizes illegal activities.

EDIT: I'm not saying all rap is bad, I'm just saying that gangster rap is bad. Not the music, but the people who make it, and what they popularize by putting it into the music. If you like the music, that's totally fine, just don't be an idiot. If this were about gangsters putting gang activities into rock music, that form of rock music would be detrimental. I might be a bit rambley here, but you guys get what I'm saying, right?

Does this not sound just like Grand Theft Auto? You can not battle that 1)Video games are not detrimental and 2)Video Games are a work of art if you dismiss other art forms as well. In rap music, they are telling a fictional tale. It is not real life. Is there a possibility that someone might hear rap music and act out the lyrics? Yeah, but those individuals shouldn't be doing much of anything. They would do the same to video games, or movies, or books. Hell, what about Manson and the white album? It sounds like an O'Reilly move, which is like shooting yourself in the elbow with a crossbow...Difficult and stupid.

Yes, and anyone acting in the manner of Bill "The Antichrist" O'Reilly should be immediatley spayed and neutered.

Come on, you're a gamer (otherwise you probably wouldn't be here), how can you even use that arguement when the media has used the same one to attack something you love?

 

[The Iron Ninja]

(said alot of stuff which will just take up alot of space if I re-post it, look up to see it)

I stand by my original statement, though from what you wrote (and may I say there is quite a big chunk of words up there) I have deciphered that you are not a listener of the type of Rap music I was refering to, I'm sure there are many examples of rap music that would come across as inteligent. But what I was refering to was the mainstream modern rap music that plauges our radio (and our music television) so much. It is utter crap, However I also think that almost all modern rock/indie/emo/punk/pop/hip-hop music is all pretty shit as well.
"Bring me my Jethro Tull CD Hodges" (my Butler) "I wish to revel in the sounds of a bygone age"

 

[The Thief]

I don't think the entire genre is to blame, but certain "artists" within said genre are. Some of the content in their songs is just plain ignorant bile. Add to that the way they objectify women and spend ridiculous amounts of money on even more ridiculous shit just to make themselves look bigger and you've got a real terrible role model for kids.

As for it being detrimental to society, my ears would disagree, but I would have to say no. Kids who listen to that filth are usually worse off already, so it's just a drop in the bucket.