The dark side of gangsta rap

     The origins of hip-hop music or "rap" as it is commonly known, started in the late seventies and early eighties. It was a type of music that centered around urban culture, mostly poor black inner city youths. It focused mainly on the challenges of being raised in an environment with few opportunities. Most of the early artists songs revolved around this. The lyrics were generally upbeat and positive. A few of the pioneers of this genre were groups such as  Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa.

     However, during the late eighties and early nineties, a new type of rap had emerged. It was known as gangsta rap, and it was taking the music world by storm. Some of the pioneers of this new trend in hip hop were Ice-T, and a group known as N.W.A.  Much of their music was directed toward resentment of the law enforcement community. As shown in the videos below:

                                                        Ice-T-Cop Killer and Body Count

                                                                   N.W.A-Fuck Da Police

     A deep resentment had started to emerge among many urban youths toward the police. Whether this injustice was real or perceived. Nonetheless, it was a reflection in their music and attitudes. A fairly recent poll done by CBS, in July of 2009, reflects the resentment of police to this day:

     Now we could certainly conclude that there are good police officers, and bad ones. Just like with any other human beings. But to hold ALL police officers as being corrupt just does not make logical sense. It is intolerable and irrational. And, to advocate violence against any group is discrimination in it's ugliest form.
     Another point of contention I have with gangsta rap is the degrading way of how they treat women. Many are seen as nothing but objects of sex and nothing more. One famous, or I should say "infamous" group of performers who are known for degrading women is the rap band known as 2 Live Crew.

     As you can seen gangsta rap brings no benefit to society whatsoever. Music should be uplifting and bring joy to us. How can you derive joy from advocating murder and sexism?