Violence and Hip-Hop

by Chandra Wiseman

Much of society associates the violence that has occurred within the boundaries of Hop-Hop is the main reason for negative feelings toward the genre of music. Giving much of what I have heard in mainstream media and not knowing anything about the music; I would be inclined to believe there is too much violence involved to have any enjoyment in listening it. Hip-Hop would not be the only music that I would offer this opinion to. I would also have reserve about heavy metal music and rock and roll. Heavy metal would definitely be at the top of a list labeled, do not let your children listen to.
NWA is the first of hip-hop rappers that I can remember that were disrespectful in their lyrics. I remember wanting to listen to their entire cd and my parents forbidding it. The only thing heard by my mother was f&@!* the police. I could not listen to rap anymore. I was not a happy camper. It made me sneak and listen to what was forbidden. Being a mother now, I attempt to screen what my children listen to. I have also come to realize, taking the time to sit down with your children and talk with them about what is being said in the songs and what is the right and wrong thing to do. I make sure my twelve year daughter knows who she is and what she is to demand when it comes down to how she is to be respected and treated. I inform my son of how he should act in the streets and how to treat a female. I also remind him that he has a mother and a sister. Treat females how he would want his mother and sister treated. I inform my children that many hip hop artists say and do things to add “flavor” to their persona. They are in the business of making money and to some accomplish it by any means necessary, which includes: wear pants that sag, having a mouthful of gold and diamonds (in their teeth), having tattoos all over their bodies, and saying disrespectful things about their culture, females, police and neighborhood. Learning the difference and still enjoying the music begins at home. It does not take all that is being done. One of the coolest and cleanest of hip hop artists of all time is the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff. I can only recall my mother allowing me to only listen to his music. That is a smart move. When you want to go far in any business, you have to be marketable to more than one race, culture and generation. The appeal has to be universal.
The younger generation is so easy to be impressed. Parents are becoming younger therefore; they are not educating their children about reality. Knowing reality is the key to the younger generation and not being gullible to what rappers and hip hop artist say and do in their songs and in their media indulged life. You cannot disrespect civil service workers and get away with it. Being disrespected in someone else’s neighborhood and toward someone’s sibling can get you killed today. Throwing up signs to certain songs or even saying certain words can get you killed. No cool points for you. Society is quick to be judgmental and not wanting to accept what appears to be distasteful. I guess many should be proud because Hip hop is more acceptable than Heavy Metal.
I believe that it is not the appearance of violence Hip Hop promotes, it is the excuse that is used by the listeners and the media that states, Hip hop is the reason for the violence.
What society need to realize is, people commit acts of violence for others reason not known or revealed to anyone; not because the music says or make it appear to be the in thing to do. Those who commit the acts are victims of insecurities beginning at home.
Hip Hop talks about violence and can indulge violence however; it cannot be the total blame when violence appears on the scene.