Is there any need for foul language in Rap or Hip-Hop music?
I believe that when we look at this question the main issue that one must confront is one of content and the use of that content. Any type of music whether it be rap, rock and roll, opera, country, or even Christian music is about expression. Expressing ones ideas and emotions though music is as old as music itself. Take for example the latest craze of Latin music. The vernacular of the people in which the music comes from is reflected in the music in the form of Spanish words and phrases throughout the songs. The history of the Latin culture can be seen in the rhythms and instruments played by performers as well as in the lyrics. In rock and roll music of today the rebellious words of the times can be heard in the lyrics of the music. In Christian music, the Word of God and of the scriptures can be heard in the lyrics of that type of music as well. The ‘history’ and beliefs of the church can be heard in the type of words that are heard. In ancient Indian verses and song warriors would chant before they went to war and to the gods. These chants and songs reflected the image of the culture and a small piece of each participant can be seen and heard in the music.
Words and music can be a great way for individuals in all forms of society to express themselves and to relay certain things about a culture or a situation. Lyrics, just as in poems and stories have different meaning when put in different context. This is the same for Rap music and hip-hop. Traditionally rap and hip-hop music comes from the African-American culture. (Obviously some generalizations will be made in order to keep coherence to the point.) Just as in other cultures and groups the vernacular and way of presenting the lyrics are a great reflection of the mood of the song and of the author or writer. A Rock and Roll rebellious type song would not have the same message and the same effect on the listener if it were sung in a slow old country style. The same can be seen with Rap and hip-hop. The way rap artists present their music is by representing the culture in which they live and to affect a certain group of individuals.
The Essay on Country/Western Music & Rap/Hip-Hop Music Comparison
Listening to music in today’s society, you will find that there are many types of music, some genres being similar to others, and some not so similar. Country (western) and rap (hip-hop) are most likely at the top of the list of being dissimilar. Country, originally brought up in the south is still very rural while rap is more of an urban style of music, originally performed on the two coastal ...
Now to the foul language point. Foul language is a part of life. Just as certain types of language can be seen in different parts of the country and of the world. The same is true in different parts of our own country within differing cultures. People that listen to hardcore rap of to hip hop many of them live in a culture in which foul langue is a part of everyday life. Expression comes in many forms and to many a way to express themselves to a certain audience is by cursing and using foul language to stress a point. Although many disagree that foul language should not be a part of any type of music, censorship should be avoided at all costs. If we can tell a certain group of individuals that they cannot express themselves and cannot make music to relate to others around them, then we are in affect censoring ourselves. No one is exactly the same and no cultures are exactly the same in their beliefs, or worship or in the way they produce music. At one point many belied that rock and roll was ‘foul’ and should not be played. There was once a time in history that women musicians or singers were considered to be ‘foul’. In order to progress in a musical and social sense we must embrace others cultures and be able to be tolerant.
The Essay on Hate Language in Rap Music
Hate Language in Rap Music In a recent survey of Americans, 75% reported believing that exposure to violence in popular music, television shows, and movies, inspires young people to act aggressively (Lacayo, 1995; Smith et al., 2000). The consumption of media containing heterosexist and homophobic languages, by young adults and children, harbors aggression and sexual confusion. Jung and Smith ( ...
