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Aaron Santos

Professor Granillo

English 101

7 February 2020

Social Influence of Rap

Music is a powerful tool in advocating for change within society. Throughout the history

of music, artists had always used songs and lyrics to persuade audiences and advocate for change

of issues during that time period. However, many people are against rap music in general, with

the belief that it promotes violence and gang culture. Critics falsely interpret rap music not

realizing the impact it can have on society. Through the observation of hip-hop music and artists,

a patriot is one who works towards social change and perseveres through opposition through

music that addresses societal issues and empowers the African-American community. Thus,

rappers can be patriots by exploiting the inequalities against blacks using music.

Some critics overlook the message behind rap music with the only belief that it promotes

violence and bad attitudes. In an article developed by Carrie Fried, the author references the

behavior of critics and the idea “when a violent lyrical passage is represented as a rap song . . .

subjects find the lyrics objectionable, worry about the consequences of such lyrics, and support

some form of government regulation” (Fried). Because of the association of rap with ghetto and

black culture, some critics believe that this type of music promotes issues while many are

worried about its consequences. Although some rap songs do promote violence and gang culture,

this idea is extremely discriminatory since there are many other types of rap music that promote

social change and addresses issues in the United States. Because of the history behind this type

of music, there are many stereotypes surrounding rap music and its influence on society.
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Critics unfairly use stereotypes to generalize that rap is a negative genre that promotes

violence in America. In a scholarly journal Christine Reyna argues that the “negative attitudes

toward rap were associated with various measures of negative stereotypes of Blacks . . . . [while]

anti-rap attitudes were also associated with discrimination against Blacks” (Reyna). It is unfair to

generalize that all forms of rap are negative by associating it with African-American history and

stereotypes. These prejudice ideas are not accurate and rap music is an important part of uplifting

blacks to address societal issues in the United States. Many artists have songs addressing the

current state of society, with the want of recognition of the issues including discrimination

against African-Americans. Because of this, artists can be patriots by using rap as a way to

promote social change and influence fans in the country.

Artists use rap as a way to influence change for the benefit of American society. In an

article written by Ivette Yee, the author talks about the influence of rap music and how

throughout history it is “infused [with] political messages and stressed social consciousness,

delving into African Americans’ struggle for equality” (Yee). Not only has it been a message for

Black equality, but also rap music has modernized to target many minority groups facing

struggles in America. The definition of being a patriot is also established within the messages of

some rap music, as social change and the empowerment of minorities are key characteristics of

songs developed by artists. One example of this is shown in the song “F*ck Your Ethnicity” by

Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick Lamar is considered to be one of the most influential rap artists in the modern

era who is known to speak out on societal issues and advocate for change using his music. In his

song “F*ck Your Ethnicity” Kendrick speaks out about equality within his lyrics saying how “I

don’t give a fuck if you Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, goddamn it that don’t mean shit to me”
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(Kendrick Lamar). In the context of this song, these lyrics have deep significance to him and

minority groups. Kendrick addresses the topic of equality, and advocates for others to see people

the same way as he does, equal. The rapper is trying to live in a society where the terms Black,

White, Asian, etc. has no real political meaning. His music creates the new idea of patriot by

addressing important issues that need to be said in America. These ideas are continued in many

rap examples including the song “Don’t Shoot” that addresses a different but another important

topic.

“Don’t Shoot” a song by The Game featuring multiple artists including Rick Ross, 2

Chainz, Diddy, and many more artists addresses police brutality specifically the shooting of an

unarmed teenager named Michael Brown. This song featuring more than 10 rap and R&B

musicians is an example of a community of artists coming together to address the need for social

change. Within the song, one important lyrics states how it is “time to take a stand and save our

future like we all got shot, we all got shot throwing up our hands don't let them shoot us” (The

Game). Because this song is about police brutality and how the unarmed teen got shot, this is a

significant part of the song states how all of us need to stand together and stop them from

shooting us. This means that in order to address issues and advocate social change all of us have

to come together as a community. All of the artists who are a part of this song are all within the

realm of my definition of what a patriot is, using their platform for change. Furthermore, “Keep

Ya Head Up” by 2Pac introduces another important issue.

2Pac is considered to be one of the greatest rappers of all time who also uses his platform

for change. In his song “Keep Ya Head Up”, 2Pac raps focus on a specific issue that women face

saying “but please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up forgive but don't forget, girl keep your

head up” (2Pac). In this song, the rapper is a symbol of a patriot uplifting women through
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struggles. This song could also be argued to be towards not only Black women, but also to all

African-Americans suffering from racism and discrimination. It is interesting because the first

time listening to this song brought me comfort through the hook sung by R&B singer Dave

Hollister, who has a very calming voice. Reflecting on this experience allows me to understand

the impact the song had on not only women but for other people as well. This song is an

important characteristic of a patriot who brings light to times of darkness. J. Cole is a rapper who

brings a similar comfort to minorities through his song titled “Apparently”.

J. Cole’s song brings optimism to those who suffer the harsh realities of America

including racism and discrimination. In the song “Apparently” the rapper says “I keep my head

high I got my wings to carry me I don't know freedom I want my dreams to rescue me I keep my

faith strong I ask the Lord to follow me” (J. Cole). From these lyrics, J. Cole is directly relating

to his experiences of being black and a target of racism and discrimination stating how he does

not know freedom but still keeps his head high. The patriot in him influences others which has a

major impact on minority groups in America. Rappers and artists like him and many others have

and continue to fight for social change on issues they find to be problematic in society.

Some critics are against rap and do not realize the social impact it can have. By observing

rap artists, a patriot is one who works towards social change and perseveres through opposition

with music that addresses societal issues and empowers the African-American community. Thus,

rappers can be patriots by exploiting the inequalities against blacks using music. There are many

artists including Kendrick Lamar, The Game, 2Pace, and J.Cole who are all considered patriots

in my eyes who used their music to speak about social issues against minorities with hopes to

change America for the better. We all must understand what it means to be a patriot and work

towards achieving that status for the betterment of society.

Works Cited

2Pac. “Keep Ya Head Up.” Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., Interscope Records, 1993. Spotify,

open.spotify.com/track/73hn54pVkteT7E2CrdAlvU.

Fried, Carrie B. “Bad Rap for Rap: Bias in Reactions to Music Lyrics.” Journal of Applied

Social Psychology, vol. 26, no. 23, Dec. 1996, pp. 2135–2146. EBSCOhost,

doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.1996.tb01791.x.

The Game. “Don’t Shoot.” 2014. Spotify,

open.spotify.com/track/4QV4EEYszD7HGrTo6PzX9K.

J. Cole. “Apparently.” 2014 Forest Hills Drive, ByStorm Entertainment, 2014. Spotify,

open.spotify.com/track/1HNs07uZxZniPNmniw2GTa.

Kendrick Lamar. “F*ck Your Ethnicity.” Section.80, Top Dawg Entertainment, 2011. Spotify,

open.spotify.com/track/5v501hmUMvbHPKa7qm0MGD.

Reyna, Christine, Mark Brandt, and G. T. Viki. "Blame it on Hip-Hop: Anti-Rap Attitudes as a

Proxy for Prejudice: GPIR." Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, vol. 12, no. 3,

2009, pp. 361. ProQuest,

http://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2048/login?url=https://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2457/docview/2

32852148?accountid=38295,

doi:http://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2069/10.1177/1368430209102848.

Yee, Ivette M. "FAU Symposium to Tackle Hip-Hop's Influence on Politics, Social Change."

Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, Feb 25, 2005, pp. 1. ProQuest,

http://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2048/login?url=https://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2457/docview/4

65255634?accountid=38295.