Author: Alex R
Editor: Ricky M
In recent years, hip-hop has become the most popular genre in the United States. The genre has some of the most prominent artists in the world, but this can sometimes lead to evil influences when these artists don’t give out the best example, Sometimes even ending their own paths, leaving the fans with a lot of pain, as well as their families. At the same time, a lot would argue that their intentions are usually a way to ask for help through their music, or perhaps even utilize their platform to discuss their addiction in an effort to aid those experiencing what they did.
Incidents in the Past
Anyone who has heard even a small amount of rap music is likely to have noticed how frequently drugs are mentioned in the lyrics. There are several references to various substances, in addition to the typical ones that refer to alcohol or marijuana, such as “purple drank,” “pop a bean,” and “dogfood.” Rappers nowadays sometimes
give the impression that the more drug allusions they make, the more popularity they will get — that somehow, referencing drugs is a surefire approach to success. I’ve frequently questioned whether this purported lifestyle is indicative of them in reality and how many of them truly use the substances they sing about using. As someone like myself who enjoys rap music to a different extent is usually pretty easy to skip over the drug references, and sometimes since it has become the “normal” it feels pretty casual while listening. However, after the death of some of the biggest names in the genre, there’s a reminder that these references are more than simply words for many individuals, including the rappers themselves; they stand for an expectation and a reality of the rap culture. The deaths of names like Mac Miller, Juice Wrld, and Lil Peep are certain proof of that. Another aspect to discuss is the audience, the genre of hip-hop keeps reaching younger ages every day. The younger generation is been fed the idea of drugs by their own idols, making it very difficult to guide them in a different way. According to Eric Beeson, a certified professional counselor for the online master’s in counseling program at Northwestern University, references to drugs and alcohol can persuade young people to use them. According to Beeson, “Motivating influences for young people include esteem, respect, authority, control, and sex.” “Influence changes a little bit more when those elements are combined with drugs and alcohol,” the speaker said.
There can also be good influences….
Although a lot of rappers nowadays do glorify the use of drugs and their euphoric effects, others have expressed concern about drug culture, emphasizing the negative consequences, including addiction. The genre has always been part of the struggle of the street, and the street comes with drugs. Let’s look at it this way, you have respectable and successful people showing their vulnerability towards their drug addiction as well as showing their struggle. It’s a way of saying, even when you have reached the peak of society, drug addiction can still catch you, and it’s always there ready to hurt. We find Artists like Kendrick Lamar talk about the pain it brought him seeing his dad do anything for crack cocaine, destroying his view of him as a child, but also feeling the need to help him in any way possible. Artists like Kanye West who some can say is one of those artists whose ego is bigger than him, open up about his opioid addiction. Although the new wave of hip hop did create an influence of drug glorification for the youth, there are others out there advocating for awareness, and trying to help the fans feel some sort of comfort, plus the feeling the relatability.
References:
https://stanforddaily.com/2017/11/23/why-glorify-drugs-in-hip-hop/
https://www.drugrehab.com/featured/substance-use-and-rap-music/