Exploratory

Brannon Whitted

Ms. Mckoy

English II

30 August 2013

Exploratory Essay

            One of the most popular genre’s of music is Hip hop. Hip hop or Rap music, is a complex genre of music it’s also known as street poetry. Rap originated in the mid-1970s from African American, and Hispanic performers in New York City. This genre of music was a way for some African Americans to vent or let go of the emotions they felt, and become one of the greats while doing it. Time passed over the years and people observed the original artist of this genre of music and believed they could do the same. A new generation of rappers came an added on to the rap genre calling it gangster rap. The new rappers focused on violence and mischief; which led me to this question. Should America view rap and hip hop negatively or positively?

                        I asked the previous question because if America feels rap and hip hop is a negative form of music which focuses on malicious actions, it will vanish over the upcoming years. I believe rap is not negative; however, I do believe some rappers are not what children and even adults should listen to. These rappers that are that negative I think are ignorant. Ignorant means lacking knowledge or awareness, which is why I say not everybody has had great life. If these rappers were brought up differently they wouldn't have so much negativity in there music. Therefore the issue is bigger than me. Negative rappers are hurt and ashamed people and music is all they have. Rap is there stress reliever.

            Two reasons why I believe people may see rap negatively is the profanity or slang words they use, and the actions they say they do. Most rappers use profanity. In my opinion, if a rapper hasn't used profanity before he eventually will to get across or for no reason. The other reason why I believe some rappers persuade people there negative is they say things. Rappers always talk up a story, they maybe lies, but they run with it. Rick Ross is perfect example. Rick Ross is a mainstream hip hop artist from Carol, Florida who portrays to be a drug dealer. A man by the name of, Ricky Donnell “Freeway” Ross was a convicted King pin drug dealer from L.A. Ricky Donnell Ross went to prison at a young age illiterate, in prison he learned to read and write. (“The Rise and Fall of Ricky Ross“1) When he was released from jail he found out a man had stolen his identity. Rick Ross (the rapper) has been making millions of dollars for the past years using this man’s name he never met. His real name is William Lenard Roberts II. He was found by The Smoking Gun (a newspaper) in July 2008 as a correctional officer prior to his rap career. William apologized publicly for saying something inappropriate about females, but he didn't have the decency to say sorry for stealing someone’s identity. (“Statement from Rick Ross”)

            Rappers like Rick Ross make the music industry itself seem corrupt. What needs to be understood is that not all rappers are thieves, drug dealers, and killers. Rappers such as J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Big Sean have humble beginnings. It’s been there dream to rap since they were children. They didn't lie or cause harm to do so. So should rap be viewed negatively or positively by America? I believe they should view it positively. The good outweighs the bad in my opinion. Not everyone in the hip hop industry is bad. What we need to do is let this rappers be heard, you might agree with their opinions.