This paper will focus on the depictions of and the reasons given for crime and violence in rap music. This seems to be relevant because a certain glorification of rap seems to endure in mainstream society, which also goes hand in hand with this music's belittlement. In the 1980s, few people would have thought that rap would be the major force it is today. The music is still, for the most part, rather simply crafted, not all lyrics are expressions of streetwise genius but maybe that is its strength: reducing everything to the minimum, cleansing the music from all unnecessary components. This minimalism is also visible in its content. The depicted experiences are mostly on a very basic existential level, crime and violence abound. Real life conflicts are not only reflected in the music, they are sometimes even initiated by words spoken on a record.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A Note on Secondary Sources
- Good Intentions Don't Make Good Sales
- Early Attempts
- Depictions of Crime and their Relevance for Success
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the portrayal of crime and violence in rap music and explores the reasons behind this trend. It focuses on mainstream rap due to its significant audience and the successful combination of narrative elements. The paper analyzes the lyrics, while acknowledging the importance of music production in the success of rap music. The paper traces the evolution of rap lyrics, primarily focusing on the depiction and imitation of criminal lifestyles.
- The prevalence of violence and crime in rap narratives.
- The relationship between the portrayal of violence and the commercial success of rap artists.
- The role of societal expectations and consumer interests in shaping the content of rap music.
- The impact of criminal lifestyles and social failures on the themes explored in rap music.
- The debate surrounding the influence of rap music on societal attitudes towards violence.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of crime and violence in rap music, highlighting the enduring presence of these themes within the genre. It emphasizes the focus on mainstream rap and the significance of lyrics in shaping the genre's narrative.
- A Note on Secondary Sources: This chapter addresses the challenges of researching rap music academically. It critiques the limitations of some academic publications on the subject, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with the music itself.
- Good Intentions Don't Make Good Sales: This chapter explores the commercial success of violent rap music compared to more "conscious" or socially aware rap. It analyzes the role of audience expectations and the industry's tendency to favor violence and criminality in its narratives.
- Early Attempts: This chapter examines the early careers of some prominent rap artists who initially pursued less aggressive or more politically-oriented music. It contrasts their early work with their later success through the portrayal of violence and criminal lifestyles.
Keywords
This paper explores the themes of violence, crime, commercial success, audience expectations, criminal lifestyles, social failures, and the influence of rap music on societal attitudes. It focuses on the genre of mainstream rap and analyzes the role of lyrics in shaping the genre's narrative. The paper examines the early careers of prominent rap artists and their evolution from socially conscious themes to the portrayal of violence and criminality. It also discusses the debate surrounding the impact of rap music on societal attitudes towards violence.
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- Emal Ghamsharick (Autor:in), 2007, "Be nice or leave!" - Why is rap so violent?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/84185
