Raps Hidden Value

Rap today has become the scapegoat for negative press, constantly berated for containing controversial lyrics and topics; and although it is very controversial, it is also very influential.

Before you reject the idea of it being influential, let me play devil’s advocate for a bit and explain.

Rap has not always been like this.When I say this, I don’t mean the obscene language; I mean that, although it has more or less always contained strong language, it had a social message accompanied by it, instead of just always rambling on about money.

See, the problem isn’t talking about money, the problem is when it is the only thing that you talk about. Rappers like Tupac and Nas, even though they spoke about money, it wasn’t the focal point of their songs. Instead, they saw how their voices could make a difference, not just in their community but around the world.

Songs like “I Gave You Power” by Nas gives us a unique perspective on a current problem, gun control; where instead of hearing the shooters side, you hear the weapons point of view, giving it a sense of humanity that the listener can sympathize with.

Another song that really hits hard is “Dear Mama” by Tupac. Although it contains a simple message by expressing love for his mother, it turns out to be much more than that. Tupac had garnered this reputation for being “bad boy”, but this song demonstrates that even the toughest of men can be emotional, showing us that he is more than just some rap artist; that just like us, he is human.

Rap is not for everyone, but that does not mean we should just excuse the power that it has and the impact that it leaves. Where it truly shines is when it gives the other angle of America, the one that nobody likes to see or speak of. But instead of using this sad reality as a way to make quick money, it should encourage the youth to seek knowledge and help usher in a new era, where this point of view is no longer a norm.