Hip Hop: Violence Infused?

by Brittany Hill

One of the most controversial topics when hip hop arises is whether or not hip hop is to blame for the many violent acts committed by individuals who support and listen to hip hop. There are so many people who use hip hop as a scapegoat when it comes to discussing violence, especially violence that involves today’s youth. However, one can often encounter individuals, such as myself, who actually find blaming hip hop for violence as being absolutely absurd and quite ridiculous.
Violence is purely none other than an act. Acts are in turn committed by individuals. No matter how much an individual tries to justify their acts of violence, their actions are merely their actions and that of no one else’s. Typically when violence is committed, there is no driving force. There is nothing or no one forcing another to participate or partake in such acts of foolishness. Violence, just like most things in this world, is a choice. You have the option to do or not to do. The decision is strictly up to you. No commercial on television or song on the radio can physically make you do so.
Hip hop is just a business. Just like movies and places such as the circus. It is simply there for your amusement and enjoyment. Hip hop artist are entertainers, just like actors and clowns. That is there occupation and they are going to do what it takes to get paid. They find out what sells and will do whatever it takes to sell their product as much as possible. If they find their audience is interested in sex, fighting, fashion, or even squirrels, then you better believe you will hear them discussing sex, fighting , fashion, and even squirrels. Just as we are looking to make a living, hip hop artist do too. Giving the audience what they want is their role as entertainers, whether non supporters like it or not.
What I find amazing about this controversial subject is how hip hop is constantly singled out and placed as the one to blame when there are several other genres of music speaking on many of the same things. For example, American Idol winner and country singer Carrie Underwood released her song “Before He Cheats” a couple of years ago which spoke on committing vandalism to her supposedly boyfriend that she caught cheating. Her chorus held lyrics such as “slashed all four tires” and “dug my key into the side of his pretty, little souped up four wheel drive”. Just like many hip hop songs and songs in other genres before and after, Ms. Underwood’s hit, violence was the main topic of conversation. They are hits, because artist, whether rock, pop, hip hop, or country, finds that it sells.
Whether one thinks hip hop influences violence a little or a lot, it certainly is NOT the cause of violent acts. No one should verbally say they committed theft or murder, because Lil’ Wayne or Eminem told them so out of a speakerbox. If you aren’t ready to be held accountable for your actions, then well I suggest you take a second thought before you engage in them.