5 Things Wrong with Rap Music

Rap music was the first music I fell in love with. I listen to it daily still, and it’s a way of life for me. The world would suck without it. Yet, I see some problems in todays rap music.

It feels like rappers are now like actors playing a role. Or if they don’t want to be labeled as playing a role, when did lying become the cool thing to do? Maybe that’s just what I hear and I’ll tell you why…

5 Things Wrong with Rap

1. Killing People

This one is shameful because I don’t know any other music genre that does this. 99.97% of these rappers haven’t killed anyone, yet, they try to be creative with different ways to destroy you and your life. It’s one thing to talk about the things you have experienced in your life time, I know I haven’t lived in the best neighborhoods either. It’s something else to talk about murdering someone in every song. Kids are listening, and they usually repeat what they hear.

2. Disrespecting Women

I don’t know about you, but I love women. The world would be very gay without them (that was a joke). I have a mother also, so this is not the way you’re going to convince me that all women are bitches and hoes. They are the mothers of our children, a cornerstone of our communities and people we need to appreciate and respect.

3. Lyrical Content

I hate the radio. Why? Because constantly hearing songs about booty popping, and drinking in the club doesn’t always do it for me. With this site, I have a voice, and I choose to use it to inspire and educate people. I believe everyone is allowed to have their own creative form; so rap the way you want, but I’m not a fan of it when it dumbs the mainstream down. Your voice can be used to uplift, educate, inspire and much more. How about you use it wisely for a change?

4. Money

Rappers try to sell you the idea that they live a lifestyle with tons of money, big houses, exotic cars, etc. They don’t. There are a small handful of rappers (Diddy, 50 Cent, Jay Z, Kanye, etc.) who are living the lifestyle they rap about. Most rappers struggle day to day, paycheck to paycheck just like most of us.

5. Crime

This somewhat goes along with #1. Most of you rappers aren’t doing what you rap about, and honestly, I don’t know why anyone would brag about going to jail. Times are hard for everyone, but lying about committing crimes, and putting ideas into the youths minds isn’t cool, it’s sad.

Conclusion

This post doesn’t apply to all rap music, but if you are a rapper and think what I’m saying is bull shit… I’m probably talking to you.

I worked at a non-profit in Watts for 3 years. I asked a small kid what he wanted to be when he grew up and he told me his dream is being a rapper. I asked him to let me hear his rap and heard 40 seconds of killing, money, bitches, and bull shit. I see something wrong with that, something that needs a change. We need more artists like Nas, Mos Def, and others who rap intelligently about ideas, bring awareness and help our communities. Do you agree?

Leave a comment please.

^{Thanks to Mike and JD for the look over.}