Interviews Addressing The Issue

Which Type Of People Attract To Rap Music

Rap has become one of the most listened to genres in our generation. Most rap songs have drug, sex and crime references. Does it really have an affect on teenagers and if so is it a good or bad effect?

I think that it depends on the person. For example, if a kid who does drugs was listening to rap it would not affect them as much as a kid who has not tried any sort of illegal thing.

Kids who are already doing drugs, drinking, and having sex are not as impressed or interested in the lyrics because they know how the rappers feel when they rap about those sorts of things.

What do you think?
Do you think certain groups or types of people are more prone to be affected by rap?


Photo By: Terry Schmitt/AP

Lil Wayne and DMX arrested

Lil Wayne and DMX were arrested.

Lil Wayne faces three felony drug charges on January 23, 2008.

DMX made an appearance at the Criminal Court in the Queens Borough of New York, Friday, July 23, 2004. He had been facing drug and weapons charges.

Does this portray a good example for their fans?

Photo by: Yuma County Sherriff's Office, Scout Tufankjian/ AP

The Way Teens Dance When Listening to Rap

Is it good or bad?
This is a video clip, showing how teens dance to rap music.

How Rap Affects Teenagers

In an informal poll conducted on Chicago streets, the majority of people think that rap lyrics have both a positive and negative effect on teenagers.

One of the largest genres of influential music for teens is hip-hop, and it has been influential since the late 1980’s, with the arrival of N.W.A on the billboard top 200 as # 1. The lyrics in the songs they wrote and performed glorified sex, drug use, and alcohol consumption, and had a large effect on the behavior of teenagers.

A study took place in London and an article was written concerning the issues of the effects of rap lyrics. “Positive portrayals of drug use have increased over time, and drug references increased overall,” said Dr. Denise Herd. “This is an alarming trend as rap artists are role models for the nation’s youth, especially in urban areas. Many of these young people are already at risk and need to get positive messages from the media.”

Rap History

Early songs in rap history were often informative tales, making sure that the listeners knew the consequences of their actions. "This indicates a shift from cautionary songs, such as those that emphasized the dangers of cocaine and crack, to songs that glorify the use of marijuana and other drugs as a part of a desirable hip-hop lifestyle," said Dr Herd.

“I got mushrooms, I got acid, I got tabs and aspirin tablets. I’m your brother when you need, some good weed to set you free. You know me, I’m your friend, when you need a minithin [a stimulant] I’m Shady.” Enimem sand in “I’m Shady.” He’s a role model for a lot of adolescents despite his lyrics.

Some People are Annoyed with Rap Music

Rap music to some people is a shameful genre of music to listen to.

“The beats may be good but the lyrics are terrible. I think the lyrics do affect teenagers and the way they behave. Kids at my school look up to their favorite artists and do the same things they do. I have friends that do drugs just because Lil Wayne does it,” said Jessica G., 17

“My sister listens to rap and all I hear from her bed room is cursing. I hate it," said Julia Murphy, 14.

Some experts say adults don’t approve of their children listening to rap.

" I don’t let my daughter listen to it when I’m around. I can’t help but think she is doing illegal things,” says Holly White, 43.
People Still Enjoy the Cool Beats of Rap

Some people are not as affected by rap as others may be. Others may just listen to the background bass, and beats instead of the raunchy lyrics.

"I love the way rap sounds, although I don't really listen to the lyrics enough to be affected by it," said Monica J., 17
The ages vary from young to old that listen to rap music and still enjoy it.

"The lyrics may be stupid but, the beats are amazing," said Oz, 50.

"My mom is definitely unaware of what I am listening to but I still enjoy listening to my favorite rappers," said Allison M., 16

There are positive and negative affects from music.

"Rap has no affect on me, but I can see how it may affect other teenagers in to doing illegal things," said Eric R., 19

Photo by: Stuart Ramson

Lil Wayne-Pussy Money Weed

The song "Pussy Money Weed" by Lil Wayne is a great example to how raunchy lyrics can be. The chorus to this song is:
pussy,money,weed
pussy,money,weed
pussy,money,weed
yes i love her like
pussy,money,weed
pussy,money,weed
pussy,money,weed

These lyrics are degrading to society. He makes it clear that those three things are the key to life.
I think that these lyrics are embarrassing and makes all other rap songs look bad.

Lil Wayne is a well known rapper to most teenagers. Alot of people look up to him because he is a rebel and does drugs and has many tattoos.

I think that guys that admire Lil Wayne think its cool that he does those things so they started to want to do it too.


Do you think its good that teenagers favorite rappers do drugs, even though they should be setting a good example for them?

Photo by: Chris Pizzello

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