This is a response to Kathleen's post which can be viewed at http://lifeisbetterinblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2011/03/response-to-dianas-commit-crime-do-time.html.
I agree that Hip Hop has become increasingly violent in its lyrical content. However, as most rappers will say that the content of their music is based on their life experiences, is their music a reflection of our culture today, or does their music dictate our culture? I would argue that these 'gangsta' rappers are just giving the public what they want. If the world was not interested in sex and drugs, then why would they listen to these songs? There is no doubt that the world is more liberal than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Music videos on tv today would be banned 20 years ago. And here is an alternative view on music history. In the 70's and 80's it was all about "sex, drugs and rock'n roll", now its been changed to "sex, drugs and hip hop". Yet, for some reason, rap has been taking all the blame. Most of the time, its from the same people who indulged in the rock and roll culture back in the 70s, 80s and 90s. One of the greatest rock musicians of all time, Kurt Cobain, died from a drug overdose, yet the masses are up in arms when Snoop Dogg raps that he "gets high everyday"? This seems like hypocrisy at the highest level. And if these 'gangsta' rappers are telling the truth (which I doubt), then isn't there something wrong with our society when people can carry guns, pimp women, and take drugs without repercussions?
Fine points, all of them. However, Kurt Cobain died of a gun shot wound to the head, not a drug overdose. Yes, he had enough heroin in him to kill an elephant, but his death was because he shot himself. (I know all the conspiracy theories, but until it is proven that he didn't kill himself, he died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound.)
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