Hip-Hop Is Top

The Realm of Hip-Hop Artists - Taken from: www.musicoversleep.com

In the article, “How Hip-Hop Music Lost Its Way and Betrayed Its Fans,” author Brent Staples pointedly degrades the genre of hip-hop music as he finds it dangerous.  Many hip-hop artists like 50 Cent and Tupac, according to Staples, give into the stereotypical view that African-American blacks are violent, deal drugs and have no education.  However, it is Brent Staples who holds the stereotypical mindset, for hip-hop music is not the only dangerous genre as there are numerous exceptions of good hip-hop music and demoralizing songs from other artists.  Thus, a review of the other genres, as well as the positive music of hip-hop, is important to demonstrate that this kind of genre isn't all that bad.

Taken from: www.mentallyawake.org 

First, it is narrow-minded to only point to the degradation in hip-hop music when there are so many other genres that contain graphic violent and sexual materials.  Music such as hard rock and rap can easily fit in such a negative category, and the Caucasian presence in rock music directly contradicts Staples’ stereotypical view that White Americans are normal and moral.  Another predominant "white" genre, country music, further disputes this article as I have heard country western songs that would rival any gang lord’s head-bopping hip-hop.  One country song in particular, "Gunpowder and Lead" by Miranda Lambert shocked me by her repetitive references to alcohol and cigarette use as the singer waits to murder her boyfriend.  Although this song of Lambert may be extreme, it simply illustrates that there will be bad artists and good artists in all genres; one cannot just focus on a particular type of music. Of course, one can also point to the good music in country, rock and rap, and there are many good and enjoyable songs to listen to in these genres, yet to claim that these are solidly good and that hip-hop is completely evil is irrational.  

Tupac - Taken from wwww.fanpop.com

Then, the ever-increasing amount of good music in hip-hop directly disputes with Brent Staples' claims in which he tries to shame this genre.  Megan Hook, in her article "Hip-Hop Music for the Entire Family," lists several "family friendly" posts that do not contain violent and sexual content that would be inappropriate for younger ears to hear.  Her lists of songs and artists include popular bands like Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Rihanna among others [Hook].  Then, from personal experience, older hip-hop bands like Tupac (which were mentioned in Staples' article) have created touching songs like "Letter to My Unborn Child."  Tupac has also written songs such as "Life Goes On" and "Dear Mama" which many still find to be inspirational.  Finally, even the singer and rapper 50 Cent has lighter, less objectionable content, especially in his songs "New Day" and, more recently, "My Life."  50 Cent does collaborate these songs with other artists, such as Alicia Keys and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, which adds to the respectability of his music.

Taken from: www.musiccourtblog.com 

Overall, there is much evidence which disputes with Brent Staples and his poor view of hip-hop music.  While Staples cites violence and crime rates with this specific genre, it can be also found that country and rock music contain shockingly similar messages to hip-hop music.  Then, hip-hop music can be kid friendly and encouraging as well, like some of its musical counterparts.  Staples is giving into stereotypical views of blacks and their music as he only downgrades the hip-hop genre of America, and, in doing so, he becomes no better than the rough New York gang lords who live that sort of life.  Music is much more than a particular tune or beat, and as there is so much good to offer in the hip-hop world, I believe that it is equal with the other genres.  

Works Cited:

Hook, Megan. "Hip-Hop Music for the Entire Family." Mom.me. BermanBraun, LCC., 2013. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.

Staples, Brent. 2011. Argument! New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2011. 299-300. Print.