Overview of music series part I: Rap

Definition of musical genre; Rap
Rap is a distinct musical genre combining voiced lyrics and a strong, heavy beat.

This musical genre can be found prevalently within this culture:The streets of large cities and the people who live on the streets. A large part of rap springs from gangs, drugs, and other negative elements.

How can rap be good?

Some rap can be encouraging. Like rappers who have realized that life is more valuable than street cred, and have turned their lives around or are trying to turn their lives around. This is good, but all rap does not fall into this category. Curse words outnumber words of hope 30 to 1 in rap. There is precious little hope for this musical genre.

How can rap be bad?

Rap has many negative aspects. It has its ups and downs. Unfortunately, its downs are far more prevalent than its ups. As mentioned before, the culture rap springs from is far from nourishing. There are drugs, guns, alcohol, and prostitution involved in many of the most popular rap songs on the charts today. I don't want to go deep into the bad end as far as lyrics, so I'll spare you the details. The point is, rappers don't care for morals as far as I can tell. That may be stereotypical, but for the most part, rappers are only interested in showing off their "street cred," as it's called. Street cred is any combination of criminal misdemeanors. Criminal pasts are nearly always praised. Misdemeanors are good, and the worse you are as far as the law goes, the better material you are for a rap song. If you have dealt drugs in the past, you are that much more popular in this culture. Promiscuity is promoted and applauded.

My advice:

This genre of music is not only disagreeable as far as the ear is concerned, but it is detrimental to core values every Christian should hold. Avoid it like the plague, or it will plague you.

Artists to avoid include Eminem (avoid at all costs!), 50 Cent, the Black Eyed Peas, Ciara, Missy Elliot, Pretty Ricky, Chris Brown and Sean Paul.

If you disagree with me on anything in this article, please let me know.