Oct 02 2008
Is rap music just too outrageous?
I am 52 years old and although I listen mainly to jazz music I do appreciate all forms of creative expression. Rap music outrageous? No, I don’t think so. Rap music in it’s essence expresses today’s culture. Granted it may be explicit at times however it’s no worse than tuning into your nightly news with all the graphic violence etc… I applaud the rap artists who can write lyrics to a beat and let it flow effortlessly to the music. That, contrary to popular belief is difficult to do. As a writer myself, I know this to be true. Rap artists just as any other lyricists write of what they know. What they experience on a daily basis. I don’t think the blatant violence or sexual content is offensive at least not to me and is really no different than reading a sexually explicit story, watching a violent movie or as I stated before, watching the nightly news. It’s a matter of taste.
For me I’d much rather listen to Jay Z or LL Cool J than Willie Nelson or any other country star whining about their troubled lives. But, that’s just my taste. It’s different for all of us.
As for teenagers listening to rap, why not? It’s the world in which we live. If your child is brought up properly those lyrics will be nothing more than words set to music. They will know right from wrong but appreciate the rap music for what it is - music.
So, I say live and let live and appreciate these talented young artists for the music they create and applaud their creativity.
Nice to hear the other side of the debate; I’m in the middle of summarizing an article that argues just the opposite. (Isn’t it weird how you decided to post this not long after I started?)
It’s called “How Hip-Hop Holds Blacks Back” by John H. McWhorter (I can email it to you if you can’t find it online). And while it points how exactly this the type of music makes society cling to old stereotypes. However, it does neglect to mention the passion and work it takes to create a single song.
So, nice statement on that.
Mental telepathy I would think. Thanks for reading and I will check out the article.
Having written poetry and rhyme and being obsessive compulsive about every word sounding right I can agree with you…and then they have to put it to music or vice a versa.
Great post!
http://writelyapplied.today.com
Have you listened to Tupac Shakur? He was a lyrical genius in rapper form, always telling a story straight from the heart. Wonderful article, glad I stopped by.
Thank you. Yes I have listened to Tupac in the past and you are right his lyrices truly touched the soul.
Jo
http://apoetsview.today.com