Hearing a familiar synchronized music beat or one appealing to the ears causes most people to dance, nod their heads and maybe move to the rhythm. Without prior knowledge of the lyrics of the song being played, the beat is what drives the stimulation of interest in the song.
If you had a chance to hear the lyrics to one of your favorite songs without the synched musical beat in the background, would you still listen to the song? Most would be exposed and astounded at the lyrics in which match up with their favorite songs.
Degrading and inappropriate lyrics are seen in all music genres, but the one that catches the most attention seems to be rap and hip-hop music. Artist such as Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Too-Short, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Nas have been some of the most prolific influences to the foundation of rap music as we know it today.
Rap and hip-hop music has been the foundation of expression for African American’s since the 1970’s stardom in the Bronx, N.Y., with deep root beginnings as early as 1925. Hip-Hop was an art and an expression which became a culture for African-Americans during the 70’s pursuing poetry, dance and graffiti art. Now in our society as we know it today, many of these roots in which hip-hop and rap was founded upon has now collapsed into a segment in which we can no longer control.
KRS-ONE, one of the influential starters of this musical epidemic stated, “hip-hop is something you live, rap is something you do,” in correlation to understanding the purpose of music in our life’s.
It has come to my attention that rap and hip-hop music has had many generations of degrading and negative influential music, but not to the point in which our society today channels its expression.
New and up-coming artist such as Trinidad James, 2 Chains, Y.G., and Tyga all have music that far beyond degrades women and views them as the lowest level in our societal pyramid. Songs such as “B%$&!# ain’t Sh**,” by Y.G are a pure example of what direction rap and hip-hop is moving towards.
Within that song by Y.G, the chorus makes reference to “B****** ain’t Sh** but hoe’s and tricks,” which continues through the duration of the song.
Though the beat versus the lyrics is relevant in deciding on music, it didn’t seem that way as YG “Young Gangsta” took the stage at The Republik at Ala Moana center for his free concert on Thursday December 5. Free was limited to the first 1,000 guest in line, any after that the capacity max and they would not be allowed into the venue.
What message is this sending to our youth today as Y.G’s song demoralizes women to a very low standard of no value in society? This exploitation of women in a negative demeanor has been allowed in the rap and hip-hop industry for some time, but I feel it’s getting worse and worse. Not just Y.G, but many artist contribute to songs that disrespect women and their place in society such as, “Big Booty Hoe’s, I Love Bad B******,” by 2 Chains.
The fact that the concert was full of youth singing the lyrics to a demoralizing song just shows what direction our society is heading towards.
Granted everyone has the opportunity to listen to the music they would like to hear, it’s just very depressing that people dance to it knowing that it’s doing nothing but giving you and others around you a negative appearance.
Music has been degrading women over the course of many generations, but hip-hop and rap music today is just getting to out of hand.
