Rap Music History

Rap music has its roots in Africa. Even before hip-hop or rap, the of West Africa narrated stories in a rhythmic way with drum beats. Rap came to America from the Carribean Islands (which has large African population). Their musical culture has constantly influenced the changes in American music.

Slang in rap was commonly used by the DJs of African-American origin. They would shout loud on the microphones, "Clap ya hands" or "Are ya ready to party?". People loved to respond to these questions and hence, slowly and steadily these slangs became popular.

The first big rap single that took America by storm was "Rapper's Delight", by Sugarhill Gang in 1979. This song revolutionized the rap music. The single was a great commercial success and producers were finally ready to produce rap records. Many new rap bands like, Run-DMC came up and found numerous fans. There were also people like, Kool Herc who would shout, "Yo this is Kool Herc in the joint-ski saying my mellow-ski Marky D is in the house." People loved his style. Rap had caught attention very quickly.

Bad for Your Health?

A team of researchers from California investigated more than a thousand college students between ages 15 and 26. Students who listen more use more marijuana, alcohol, and "party" drugs. An arguement was made that not only being bad in that way, but the music makes the listener more aggressive, and are more likely to threaten others with a gun or knife, and possibly hurting themselves in the process. What do you think? Do you believe this?

Rap Lyrics Degrading Women?

Many people online believe that in several rap songs, the lyrics are inappropriate towards women. The music may have a good beat and flow, but people find them "disgusting and degrading". A lot of the lyrics are about prostitutes and having sex. Many think this results in people thinking it is okay to sexually harass women. What are all of your opinions on this? Are the lyrics okay in songs? Are they wrong?

"Gangsta" Culture Leads to Crime

Crime nowadays is increasing. Many people believe this is because of the "Gangsta" culture. Rap and Hip-Hop music directly influences Gangstas. Whether it be from violent rap to clothing styles to language and gestures used in communication and even treatment towards children and women. Resulting from all this, when people dress, talk, and behave in certain ways, crime will follow. People conclude that if the disaster that ocurred in New Orleans had ocurred in a different location that did not have as much crime, there would have been more scenes of neighbors helping neighbors instead of preying upon eachother. We as a nation have to think that if all this really does stem back to the lyrics in certain songs, then either the lyrics need to stop or people need to exercise some self control. I'm not saying to not listen to rap music because I enjoy some of it also, but it doesn't make me want to go out and commit crimes.