Introduction
The musical genre known as rap, or rap music, emerged in the late 1970s within African American and Afro-Caribbean communities in the United States. The art form is distinguished by its rhythmic spoken or chanted lyrics, frequently accompanied by a musical beat or instrumental track McFerranet et al.(86) . Rap music lyrics commonly encompass a variety of social, political, and personal themes, such as urban existence, criminality, impoverishment, and racial disparity. Rap music frequently incorporates sampled beats and musical components derived from existing songs or synthesized through electronic instruments, emphasizing crafting a unique rhythm and groove. Rap music has evolved into a widespread cultural phenomenon that has been assimilated and incorporated into diverse musical genres and societies.
Rap music frequently incorporates lyrics depicting the artist’s encounters, societal observations, and narrative, encompassing a broad spectrum of subjects such as governance, ethnicity, societal concerns, relationships, and others. Rap music has attained worldwide cultural significance, with artists from various races and nations significantly contributing to its expansion and appeal. Rap music encompasses a diverse range of sub-genres, such as trap, mumble rap, conscious rap, gangsta rap, and others, each possessing unique attributes and modes of expression. The genre of rap music has exerted a significant influence on mainstream culture, shaping trends in attire, vernacular, movement, and various other modes of creative representation. The artistic and poetic qualities of the subject have been acknowledged, and it has served as a medium for social activism and self-expression. This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of rap music consumption among adolescents.
According to Uhlig et al. (568), this paper examines the impact of rap and singing music therapy on emotional self-regulation among adolescents, focusing on its potential to address bullying behavior. The study reports results from a randomized controlled trial carried out in a school environment, utilizing rap and sing music therapy to augment adolescent participants’ emotional self-regulation abilities. The research comprised two distinct cohorts: an experimental group that underwent rap and sing music therapy sessions and a comparative group that did not receive any intervention. The impact of the intervention was evaluated through self-report questionnaires and physiological stress measures.
Whereas Niederkrotenthaler et al. (237) argued that, This research investigates the correlation between the dissemination of a hip-hop composition by the artist Logic and outcomes related to suicide in the United States 5. The title of the song corresponds to the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The researchers performed an interrupted time series analysis on the Lifeline call volume dataset. The research revealed that after the publication of the musical composition, there was a remarkable surge in the number of calls received by Lifeline, with a specific emphasis on suicide, depression, and anxiety. The study’s authors concluded that the musical composition “1-800-273-8255” correlated with heightened tendencies towards seeking assistance in matters related to mental health and the prevention of suicide.
Pros of rap music in Adolescents
As per Uhlig et al., Adolescents’ ability to control their emotions improved when participating in music therapy sessions that included rapping and singing (570). Essential skills for supervising and regulating emotions in social contexts, especially those connected to bullying behavior, were reported to have improved by intervention group participants. The paper proposes that music therapy, namely rap, and singing, may help reduce bullying behavior among teenagers. The use of rap music in treatment may have a good influence on lowering bullying behavior since self-reported bullying decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Rap music was exciting and pleasurable for teenagers, making therapy sessions more pleasant and increasing adolescent treatment participation.
On the other hand, according to Niederkrotenthaler et al., the research indicates that the song may have influenced encouraging assistance-seeking conduct among teenagers and young adults who may be grappling with mental health problems or suicidal ideation, as far as advantages are concerned. Under its terminology and lyrical content, the musical composition could have potentially heightened consciousness regarding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and motivated people to avail assistance in times of distress. Additional benefits were addressed in the article above ( 238). Rap music can serve as a medium for self-expression among adolescents, enabling them to communicate their ideas, feelings, and personal encounters through lyrics and musical rhythms. The genre of rap music is known to incorporate literary devices such as wordplay, metaphor, and storytelling. This aspect of rap music can contribute to developing creativity and linguistic abilities in young individuals, mainly while composing and presenting their rap lyrics. Cultural awareness is demonstrated through reflecting experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities, including African Americans and other minority groups, in rap music. Adolescents’ exposure to diverse cultural perspectives and the promotion of cultural awareness can be facilitated through listening to rap music.
Cons of rap music in Adolescents
The article by Uhlig et al. ( 572) discusses the potential drawbacks of rap music consumption among adolescents. These drawbacks include: Rap music has been known to include explicit lyrics, violent or offensive content, and the promotion of negative attitudes or behaviors. These elements may not be appropriate for all adolescents and could adversely affect their behavior and attitudes. The utilization of rap music in therapy may be hindered by social or cultural stigmas that are associated with the genre. Adolescents may experience discomfort or social judgment when engaging with rap music, which could impact their willingness to participate in rap music therapy and the efficacy of the intervention.
However, for Niederkrotenthaler et al. (300), Several drawbacks of rap music for adolescents include: Certain rap music may feature explicit lyrics that encompass profanity, violence, misogyny, and drug use. These elements can potentially harm adolescents who cannot critically comprehend and interpret the conveyed messages. Stereotyping is a phenomenon that can be observed in certain rap music, where it may propagate detrimental stereotypes about specific groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minorities. This can potentially strengthen unfavorable attitudes and convictions among young adults. The impact of music on human behavior has been studied extensively, and it has been found that exposure to violent or explicit rap music may correlate with heightened aggression, substance use, and risky behaviors among adolescents. However, the relationship between music and behavior is intricate and has multiple facets.
Main justifications and supporting data in each study
Uhlig and colleagues conducted a systematic review of evidence on rap music and teenage behavior. Rap music has been associated with risky sexual behavior, substance use, and aggressiveness in several studies (581). According to other studies, rap music can help adolescents develop identity and empowerment. According to the writers, rap music’s impacts on adolescent behavior depend on the individual’s pre-existing views and behavior, the music’s substance, and the social and cultural environment in which it is consumed.
However, Niederkrotenthaler et al. conducted a qualitative study of teenagers, parents, and educators’ views on rap music’s pros and cons. Rap music can encourage violence, substance abuse, and misogyny, but the authors found many participants were concerned about its adverse effect( 320). Participants stressed media literacy education and parental involvement in educating teenagers about rap music’s risks and benefits.
Conclusion
Rap music’s diversity, individual variances, and the need for more study on its effects on mental health and well-being must be considered when discussing its impact on adolescents. Consulting credible sources, sharing issues with trusted people, and encouraging critical media literacy skills can help adolescents navigate the merits and cons of rap music. Both studies demonstrate rap music’s diverse and subtle effects on adolescent behavior and attitudes (Bogt et al., 170). Consider each study’s strengths and weaknesses and the context in which adolescents consume and perceive rap music. Individuals must critically assess each study’s facts and arguments and create opinions.
Work Cited
McFerran, Katrina Skewes. “Adolescents and music therapy: Contextualized recommendations for research and practice.” Music Therapy Perspectives 38.1 (2020): 80-88.
Niederkrotenthaler, Thomas, et al. “Association of Logic’s hip hop song “1-800-273-8255” with Lifeline calls and suicides in the United States: interrupted time series analysis.” bmj 375 (2021).
Ter- Bogt, Tom FM, et al. “You’re not alone”: Music as a source of consolation among adolescents and young adults.” Psychology of Music 45.2 (2017): 155-171. what does the article entail about the pros and cons of rap music for the adolescents
Uhlig, Sylka, Erik Jansen, and Erik Scherder. “Being a bully isn’t very cool…”: Rap & Sing Music Therapy for enhanced emotional self-regulation in an adolescent school setting–a Randomized controlled trial.” Psychology of Music 46.4 (2018): 568-587.
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