Rap isn't the culprit in my view. Sure, rap isn't helping, but the rappers are recounting what they did in the past - long before rap music.
In the past, huh? Here's Redman in recent self documentary feature on Smack DVD.
Warning: There's drugs and crude language.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sehE45IWikI&mode=related&search=
Rap has been around longer than most of these rappers have even been alive.
and glorifying it for a much wider circle of youth, bringing some white and lots of Spanish youth into the life. It has become the only "authentic" way to be a Black Man and is becoming the mark of "authenticity" for the Spanish youth also. It is Real Life.
"Rap isn't the culprit in my view. Sure, rap isn't helping, but the rappers are recounting what they did in the past - long before rap music."
True in a way...but it doesn't end there.
They are rapping about what they've done - and then the record labels sign them and declare them "heroes."
Young black boys who were not- or are not on the road of druggin' and pimpin' are now given this false message of what constitutes a "hero."
So, instead of the message that the path to success is hard work, good grades, obey the law, become a gentleman - the new message is - deal drugs, get shot, shoot others, drive hot car, bed 50 women, rap about it, make an album, get a part in hit movie or on Law & Order.
Then you will be invited back to the high school you never graduated from and give "inspirational" speeches to young black boys about how to be a "success."
It doesn't help that many of these boys don't have their dads at home to conteract this message and tell them it's a bunch of crap.
Thanks for the reality check,Jayson.
I'm old enough to remember the era from 1964-1968 when mobs of young blacks were torching buildings and looting out hundreds of stores in various cities across this country.
Maybe it was because they were listening to the Temptations,Stevie Wonder,The Dells,Aretha and Wilson Pickett.
Real riot inspiring stuff there.