The Negative Portrayal of Women in Hip Hop and Rap Music...

Doug E. Fresh, a popular beat-boxer in rap music today, has been quoted saying, â€Å"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,†¦show more content†¦Musicians may feel that the only way to increase sales is to make their lyrics as graphic as possible. It seems as though the lyrics to songs are giving permission to listeners to do wro ng and immoral things (Tanner). As stated in the article â€Å"How Much Are Violent Lyrics to Blame?† by Emily Tanner, â€Å"Music is important in today’s society and when music becomes corrupt in its meaning then society may in turn become corrupt and immoral.† The corruptness of music today seems to be linked to the crude language and aggression found particularly in hip-hop and rap music. Some rap artists use vulgar language in their lyrics that are easily adoptable by teens (Holden). Not only have certain lyrics influenced the way teens speak but also their actions. An article on Headliners.org stated that â€Å"lyrics in the music are too violent and are to blame for many problems.† The problems range anywhere from suicide and aggression towards women to underage drinking and drug use. Lyrics are not only to blame, but also what people see in artists’ music videos can affect what they do (Doaks). The urge to emulate these rap musicians has escalated quickly causing a spike in rebellious tendencies among teens. With rap singers bragging about experimenting with drugs, their new Nike shoes, or the fight they got into last week it seems to become obvious where teensShow MoreRelatedMisogyny Hip Hop W Sources Essay1571 Words   |  7 PagesMisogyny in Hip Hop | 3.5.2012Dr. Tshombe WalkerAFR 1503 | Tina Marie | Misogyny in Hip Hop culture refers to lyrics, videos, or other aspects of hip hop culture that support, glorify, justify or normalize the objectification, exploitation or victimization of women. Misogyny in hip hop music instills and perpetuates negative stereotypes about women. It can range from innuendos to stereotypical characterizations and defamations. Overt misogyny in rap and hip hop music emerged in theRead MoreThe Portrayal Of Women Of Contemporary Rap Videos1427 Words   |  6 Pagesexamine the portrayal of women in contemporary rap videos, and to see if it could be potentially harmful. 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