Posted on 08/21/2013 6:54:23 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
I listen to rap. I grew up listening to rap. Since I was old enough to enjoy music, rap has been one of my favorite genres. It remains so to this day.
I'm not just talking about mainstream or party-mix rap. I am talking about hard-core rap, underground rap, and rap performed by artists that nine out of ten rap fans have never heard of.
So given that I am a genuine rap aficionado, how can it be that I largely agree with liberals like the late anti-rap activist Delores Tucker and conservatives like Bill O'Reilly who argue that rap is a destructive influence on underprivileged black youths?
Rap music has been targeted to middle-class suburbia almost since the genre's inception. Millions of white people listen to rap, which means that characterizing rap as "black" music or music intended predominately for a black audience is inaccurate.
Yet there is a fundamental difference between how rap -- and "gangsta" rap in particular -- resonates with suburban middle-class males (who are predominately white) and urban lower-class males (who are predominately black).
Growing up in a middle-class Boston suburb, for me the themes of violence, gang life, and drug dealing woven into the lyrics of songs by NWA, Mobb Deep, and the Wu Tang Clan were abstract and foreign. It was akin to watching a movie about a fantastical adventure, like Rambo or Indiana Jones. I did not live in an environment depicted by these rappers, and had no opportunities (and no need) to engage in the destructive behavior --robbing, selling crack cocaine, joining a gang, etc. -- that they were glorifying.
Moreover, I grew up in a stable two-parent household, in which my parents disciplined me and regulated my behavior.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
Naturally? For whom? I don't think that is natural at all.
Rap is not music, quite the contrary.
It’s the rambling of a fool with a rhyming dictionary.
That’s not what this dude’s agenda is - look how he praises Delores for her feminism in standing up to misogyny.
Yes, he’s one of *them*.
The primary difference seems to be that when suburban white teens watch Goodfellas they don’t think that Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci actually live that life...nor do those actors pretend to.
I use to be into rap too, when I was like 5. When a record played I would yell gibberish over it as well. The only difference was I didn’t declare myself God like Kanye West.
Rap is a regressive expression of tribalism.
What Rap Music ?
Those boys were wiggers. The type of people the author is referring to.
Look. This style of black entertainers acting out for the amusement of whites is not new.
Ever heard of Stepin Fetchit? He too was a black caricature. A silly black token designed to entertain the white folds.
And rap artists today? No different. Except that their ‘art’ is more vulgar, profane and racist than ever before.
My son - now grown and matured - used to leave rap CD’s in the car. I would fling ‘em like a Frisbee out the window to see how far they would fly. I told him I would have NO racist cRap Music in my car. Period.
grr. Folks not folds.
There are people out there who are more likely to believe something simply because it rhymes. This is the profoundly ignorant cRAP audience, who are led along via a ring in their nose.
I hate rap and also modern cookie cutter country music. If they ever come out with country rap, shoot my a$$!
“I don’t think that is natural at all.”
It is for me. Sorry, you must be in your senior years (meaning 60’s) while I’m not even 30. I’m not into ‘soft’ music unless the situation or mood arises like having a date. I can listen to Snoop Dogg (or Lion) one day, Slayer the next day and Sinatra the next. That’s the level and complexity of my musical taste. Of course, rap sucks nowadays so I head back to the classics like Led Zep or GNR.
Also, minor Hollywood Mafia actors (like Frank Vincent, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa) like to stir the pot about how "connected" they truly are. It enhances their reputations socially and makes people consider their performances "authentic."
That’s a good point.
A suburban kid or an inner city kid?
I honestly don't know the answer.
RAP IS CRAP!
I am 41, I can listen to classical, jazz, light rock, country, Kpop and assorted other things.
Hard rock and rap is just noise and vulgarity, no redeeming qualities
You are exactly right. Rap isn't music, not even close. And the music that is called 'country' is cookie cutter. It all sounds the same. The singers have no voices compared to, for example, Marty Robbins or Patsy Cline. I could name more.
I avoid the 'Voice' like a plague. It is stupid and most of the singers do nothing more than scream into the microphone.
If I have typos, it is because I have a cat on my lap.
Gangster rap does not say anything worth listening to.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.