pros and cons of rap music essay

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How Does Rap Music Affect the Youth? Influences & Effects

Rap music , a genre that emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1970s, has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Known for its powerful lyrics, rhythmic beats, and the distinctive vocal delivery of its artists, rap music has garnered both acclaim and criticism. It holds a unique position in the world of music, influencing and shaping the lives of young individuals in ways that are both positive and negative. In this article, we will delve into the complex relationship between rap music and youth , exploring the effects it has on their attitudes, behavior, and perceptions.

The Art of Rap Music: A Brief Overview

Before delving into the impact of rap music on youth, it is essential to understand the core elements of this genre. Rap music, often referred to as hip-hop , is characterized by its spoken-word lyrics and its focus on social, cultural, and political themes. The lyrical content of rap songs frequently addresses issues such as poverty, inequality, racism, violence, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Rap artists use rhythm and rhyme to convey their messages, making it an influential form of expression.

Rap music has undergone significant transformations since its inception. While early rap was primarily a reflection of urban life and social struggles, it has now diversified to encompass various subgenres, each with its unique themes and style. From the conscious and thought-provoking lyrics of artists like Tupac Shakur to the more party-oriented, danceable beats of modern rappers, rap music spans a wide spectrum, catering to a diverse audience.

The Power of Lyrics: Shaping Perceptions and Values

One of the most compelling aspects of rap music is its lyrical content. The words in rap songs serve as a potent means of communication, allowing artists to express their experiences, emotions, and perspectives. As such, the content of these lyrics can significantly affect the perceptions and values of young listeners.

Rap music often delves into social and political issues, offering a unique perspective on the world. Youth who engage with rap music may develop a greater awareness of social injustices and a deeper understanding of the complexities of urban life. This exposure can foster empathy and a desire to bring about positive change in their communities. However, it is essential to note that not all rap music is socially conscious, and some songs may promote negative values and attitudes.

Rap Music and Identity: A Mirror for Youth

For many young individuals, rap music serves as a mirror that reflects their own experiences and identities. The stories and struggles shared in rap songs can resonate with youth who have faced similar challenges. This connection to the music can help young people feel seen and understood, which is particularly significant for marginalized communities.

Rap music often celebrates individuality, self-expression, and resilience. These themes can empower young listeners to embrace their uniqueness and overcome obstacles they encounter in their lives. Rap artists who openly discuss their personal journeys from adversity to success can serve as inspirational figures for youth striving to overcome their own hardships.

Rap Music as a Vehicle for Self-Expression

Rap music provides a platform for young individuals to express themselves and their creative talents. Many youth are drawn to the art of rap as a means to channel their emotions and experiences into music. This creative outlet can be therapeutic, allowing them to process their feelings and find their own voice.

The act of writing and performing rap lyrics can foster important skills in young people, such as creativity, storytelling, and public speaking. These skills can be invaluable in various aspects of life, including education and career development. Furthermore, the process of creating music can be a positive alternative to engaging in risky behaviors.

The Influence of Rap Culture and Fashion

Rap music is not limited to audio alone; it also extends into various cultural elements, including fashion. The fashion choices of rap artists and their influence on youth culture are profound. Iconic trends such as baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, and unique accessories have all been popularized by rap artists.

Rap fashion can be a form of self-expression and identity for young people. It allows them to embrace a style that reflects their admiration for their favorite artists and the culture they represent. However, it is important to note that fashion choices associated with rap culture can sometimes be controversial or raise concerns, particularly when they involve symbols or language that may be offensive or inappropriate.

Rap Music and Negative Influence: The Controversy

While rap music has undoubtedly had a positive impact on many young individuals, it is not without controversy. Critics argue that certain aspects of rap culture perpetuate negative influences on youth. One of the primary criticisms revolves around the explicit content often found in rap lyrics, including references to drug use, violence, misogyny, and materialism.

It is essential to recognize that not all rap music contains explicit or harmful content. However, songs with such themes can influence young listeners, normalizing behaviors or attitudes that may be detrimental. Parents and guardians often express concerns about the impact of explicit rap music on their children, leading to debates about censorship and parental responsibility.

The Role of Parental Guidance and Education

To mitigate the potential negative impact of rap music, parental guidance plays a crucial role. Parents and guardians can engage in open and informed discussions with their children about the music they listen to, encouraging critical thinking and discernment. This approach can help young individuals develop a balanced perspective on the content they encounter.

In addition to parental guidance, education is another essential component in helping youth interpret and contextualize the messages in rap music. Schools and community programs can incorporate discussions about the cultural significance of rap music, its historical context, and its impact on society. This educational approach can empower young people to become critical thinkers and informed consumers of media.

The Empowerment of Youth Through Rap Activism

Rap music has not only served as a medium of expression for artists but also as a platform for activism and social change. Numerous rap artists have used their influence to address pressing social issues and advocate for positive change. This aspect of rap music can empower youth to become active participants in their communities.

Rap activists often encourage young listeners to become socially engaged, support local initiatives, and advocate for social justice. By aligning with the values and messages of these artists, youth can feel a sense of purpose and contribute to meaningful causes. In this way, rap music can inspire positive action and community involvement.

The Global Impact of Rap Music: A Unifying Force

Rap music has transcended its origins in the United States to become a global cultural phenomenon. It has the power to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds through its universal themes of resilience, self-expression, and social justice. The global appeal of rap music can help bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of interconnectedness among youth around the world.

The international reach of rap music also allows youth to explore different cultures and perspectives. They can gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of their peers from different countries, ultimately promoting tolerance, empathy, and a broader worldview.

Rap music is a multifaceted and influential genre that significantly impacts the lives of young individuals. Its lyrics, themes, and cultural elements can shape the perceptions, values, and identities of youth. While there are undoubtedly positive aspects to the influence of rap music, such as self-expression and empowerment, it is essential to acknowledge the potential negative influences and controversy associated with explicit content.

As young individuals navigate the complex world of rap music, parental guidance and education become critical tools to help them develop discernment and critical thinking skills. By fostering open discussions and providing resources for understanding the cultural context and significance of rap music, parents, guardians, and educators can empower youth to make informed choices and become positive agents of change in their communities.

In the end, rap music’s impact on youth is a reflection of the broader societal context in which it exists. By addressing the complex dynamics between rap music and its young audience, we can better understand the forces at play and work towards harnessing its positive potential while mitigating its negative influences.

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Patria, a passionate and seasoned music journalist with a keen ear for the latest tunes and a deep appreciation for the diverse world of music. With a career spanning over a decade, Patria has become a respected voice in the music industry, offering insightful commentary, in-depth reviews, and engaging features.

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The influence of rap music in society

Published: April 23, 2020

By Ryan Hill

Music continues to be one of the most recognizable and influential elements of society. For thousands of years, music has brought people together and evoked emotions and feelings. It can bring you back to a certain place in time and transport you to a memory that feels so real you swear you are experiencing it for the first time. No matter where you go in the world, people connect and interact with music, no language needed. You do not need to understand the words in a song or have any words at all to enjoy it. Research shows that music is recognized by infants in the womb, and if that is not a display of the power music has on humans, nothing is.

Looking at the way today’s cultures and societies have changed in recent years, there is one genre of music that seems to exceed the rest in popularity among youth and that is rap music. Whether young or old, black or white, everyone knows someone who has a connection with rap. The various sub-genres and categories that make this music different as well as the wide variety of artists who share this music to the world, have helped make this a staple in society these days. But is it spreading a positive message to those who listen? Are there behavioural changes from those involved in this music? Before those questions are answered or even discussed, learning the history of rap music will allow for a better understanding of what it is today.

Rap music began in the early 1970s in the United States as a mix of disco and funk at clubs and other music spots. The DJs would generally speak over or after the songs and incorporate the crowd to get a better reaction from the music. Soon the spoken lyrics were rhymed throughout the songs which energized the audience. The music first had a disco and crowd-oriented vibe that allowed all who listened to get involved. The Sugarhill Gang were the founding fathers of rap and really became popular because their style and beat had never been heard before. As the 1980s began, rap became more of a personalized style that strayed from disco and changed to have more of a hip hop feel. Run-DMC was the first rap group to really hit on a mainstream platform in this different style.

In 1986 a new group named NWA came onto the scene and they exploded, achieving platinum album status when they sold over 3.5 million albums of their first release, a cultural staple in society at the time. However, they used an aggressive “thug/gangster” style which generally involved songs about gangs, black social movements, drug wars and police violence which were all relevant issues. NWA became extremely popular with teens at that time because they themselves were involved in those same issues and the group’s rebellious attitude just added to it.

Since then, rap has experienced more changes in sub-genre and has also gained popularity and mainstream attention virtually every year since thanks to the advancements of social media which allowed fans to connect with their favourite artists, such as Kanye West, Drake and Eminem, in a way they never could before.

A few years ago, a new style of rap has taken over called “mumble rap.” This rap has a slower, drowsy beat and the rappers who “sing” basically just talk in a slow, mumble voice. For whatever reason, this sub-genre of rap has spread like wildfire among youth and young adults and is one of the most popular and influential styles of music to date.

“When I was like, 12 or 13, I really started to get into music more and especially rap,” says Issac Campbell, a 23-year-old Conestoga College student and Cambridge resident when explaining his discovery of rap music in the late 2000s. “Eminem was huge then and still is. I would probably say he is my favourite and he opened me up to rap.”

Eminem, along with other megastars in the industry like Jay Z, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent, are still going strong today despite competing with mumble rap which is on their tails.

“I think (rap) used to be more lyrical like any other song and kind of like a poem which is why everyone loved it,” says Campbell. “Now, the more you talk about awful things, the more popular you are. Guys like Lil Uzi Vert and other mumble rappers do not even rhyme anymore. It is weird.”

Campbell understands that music, like everything else in the world, will change over time and he knows he is not going to enjoy all music and all genres. However, no one knows what the future will hold and for Campbell, he just hopes it is time for a change. “I do not know where rap will go but as long as the current style dies out I will be happy. It’s just negative music for everyone and does not need to stick around. All I want is for rap to go back to what it was because that’s what made it blow up.”

Mumble rap focuses on drugs, sex, money and violence, topics you wouldn’t want a young person to listen to. The website, The Conversation, an independent source of news and views from the academic and research community, calls it, “a brainless and lazy reflection of music.” However, it doesn’t matter how much mumble rap is criticized, people still want to engage with whatever is popular. Whether people think it is cool to act like the people leading the charge in mumble rap or just a monkey see, monkey do scenario, one has to wonder what will come of teenagers listening to this type of music for hours on end? 

Local rapper Kevin Edworthy, commonly known as KVNE, explains what rap music means to him without all the outside noise and distractions that can sway someone, especially as a rapper himself. Tucked away in the countryside of Hamilton, Ont., away from the distractions, Edworthy sits alone in his simply crafted home music studio with his productions and lyrics constantly playing in the background. The wooden panels that line the walls give the esthetic of a log cabin hidden from the outside world and the smell of oak mixed with the plastics of all the music gear almost give it that “new car smell.”

Edworthy’s nonchalant area of work is erratically different from himself physically. His bright blue eyes and wildly bleached hair make him stand out from everyone else. When frustrated or tired of countless hours in his studio, he will take some time to throw around a football with his four-year-old son or do some other activity with him, as his son is the most important person in his life, the one who inspires and motivates him every day. 

“I was about 11 or 12 when I got my first guitar. I never really put it down. I quickly found myself playing in bands in elementary school and continued through high school,” says Edworthy when explaining how he found his love for music. Although starting with the guitar and being influenced by Kurt Cobain, he kind of fell into the hip-hop and rap aspect of the music industry by accident and has never looked back.

“I started actually doing production and engineering – which led to songwriting for other artists then eventually my manager started encouraging me to just put my own voice on some of the material and start releasing it and that’s what I did.”

Edworthy knows the music he and other artists in his genre create is under a microscope in today’s society because of its immense popularity so he is determined to share the correct message.

“I think with hip-hop being the biggest genre in the world right now it is detrimental to youth and teens. That is why myself and my team work so hard to spread a positive message with our work because there are so many negatives in the world right now.”

Edworthy does not believe those negatives can all be attributed to mumble rap as he believes all influences in a person’s life are responsible, musical induced or not. 

“I don’t think it’s really better or worse than any other genre. I think truthfully listeners need to start looking at the situation as a whole and less in one aspect. If an artist mumbles lyrics because of the substances he is over-influenced by, obviously no, I don’t think that is beneficial for our youth. But at the end of the day, you, as the listener, are responsible for making the effort and seeing the bigger picture. I know a handful of artists who might have sounds similar to an artist endorsing a lifestyle of drugs and gang violence, but aren’t about that life.”

An example of one of the many misleading rappers in the industry who Edworthy is talking about is Tom MacDonald. With half his head shaved, the other half in long braids featuring a new colour each time you see him, and his neck plastered with tattoos and his face not far behind, along with a silver grill of teeth for a finishing touch, MacDonald looks like a rapper who preaches drugs, crime and everything else the world doesn’t need more of. However, he is the exact opposite. MacDonald is a 28-year-old Canadian rapper who shares his beliefs on how crooked the rap industry has become and how brainwashed millions of young minds are when listening to this music. MacDonald has over a dozen songs that protest these issues including a song in 2017 titled “Dear Rappers” as a plea for these mumble rappers to stop the negative influences on youth because it is becoming detrimental to society. The song includes lyrics like, “Your music feels kinda like you’re tryna write a check. Everything is digital, I mean no disrespect but I’m payin’ even more, and you give me even less.”

MacDonald feels as though these rappers care less about the message and music and more about the money and fame. He says these rappers are exploiting the new style of producing music and taking advantage of people. In his song Dear Rappers, he says, “You taught me to think, you taught me to grow, You taught me the things to survive on my own. But now you teach me to drink, you teach me to smoke you teach me to think, every woman’s a ho.” This is an emotional line for MacDonald as it shows how he was influenced and fell in love with rap music as a kid and now that he is living his dream making this music, he is ashamed and embarrassed about what it has become but doesn’t have the power to change it. 

MacDonald is not alone. Another Canadian rapper, Daniel Nwosu Jr., most commonly known as “Dax,” made a song with MacDonald in April 2020 called “Blame the Rappers” where he expresses how important musicians and the message they spread are to the world.

“We are medication straight through voice, some give life, some destroy. And even though this money seems nice it can’t come so we must take that as a hint that there’s other things in life you should enjoy.”

As more people and specifically rappers continue to step up and voice their opinion about what mumble rap is and where it is heading, more recognition is being brought to the sub-genre which may finally get these rebellious rappers’ voices heard, or it could just bring more publicity to the already thriving mumble rap world.

The proof is in the pudding. Dozens of the rappers who are labeled as mumble rappers have died recently from overdoses, gun violence and other acts that they seem to promote and gloat about in their music. Any time you see a headline in the news about a musician or singer dying, it is usually a rapper. And these deaths are not just coincidence or bad luck. Mac Miller’s death was one of the most notable ones in recent memory and caused a lot of grief in the rap community. With a history of arrests due to drug possession and driving under the influence, Miller clearly had issues with substances and overdosed on a mix of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol in September 2018. In 2017, 21-year-old Lil Peep overdosed before a show in Arizona. He had taken a mixture of mushrooms, cannabis and six Xanax pills. Most recently in December 2019, another 21-year-old rising star, Juice Wrld, was travelling in a private jet containing illegal weapons as well as 70 lbs of marijuana among other drugs. While aboard, Juice Wrld had a seizure and died due to an overdose of oxycodone and codeine. 

There have been other similar deaths in the past and there will be many more in the future. Obviously there is a difference in the rap industry between those who take substances for pain and suffering and those who glorify drug use in their music, but these themes are always a constant that follow the mumble rap sub-genre. When teens and young adults listen to this music and all their friends listen as well, what are they expected to believe and how are they expected to act?

A study from Emory University in Georgia discovered that teens between the ages of 14-18 who listened to rap music for roughly around 14 hours a week were three times more likely to get in a fight with a teacher, 2.5 times more likely to find themselves getting arrested, and 1.5 times more likely to take part in illegal activities such as underage drinking and experimentation with drugs. Another study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 analyzed Billboard magazine’s most popular songs of 2005 and it was found that substance use was referenced in 77 per cent of rap songs, the highest percentage of drug mentions among all genres included in the study. Of the Top 10 rap hits of 2020 on Spotify right now, nine of them discuss either gun violence, drugs or sex. The dominance of these songs and artists in the industry today are not just a sub-genre anymore, it is the genre.

Although it may seem bleak and a bad way for teens to be spending their time, Jackson Gagne, an independent music producer and engineer in the small town of Welland, Ont., wants to believe otherwise, and sways others to look past the negatives of the hip-hop/rap world in recent years to find the beauty that still lies there.

“It is like anything else in life. There is always pros and cons, good and bad. People do drugs without rap, it’s the person’s choice to decide what path they want to live.”

Gagne also knows the messages being spread by these artists aren’t ideal so he believes people need to stay true to themselves and their principles.

“I think there is a lot of lying and false people in not just rap but all music and media. I only produce and make music for a small number of people but even I feel the weight of saying the right things.”

A lot of artists start with good intentions and a goal to spread a message or help people through their music, but sometimes things change. “I think people forget where they started and why they fell in love with music in the first place. Money and fame change people, it’s sad to see,” Gagne says.

There is one true way for people to personally evaluate what rap and mumble rap artists do for young minds as a whole. With sold-out concerts, millions of followers on social media and thousands of songs sold and downloaded monthly, there is no doubt these artists are influencers, but what are they influencing people to do? Are people “under the influence” of an ill mind that will damage their future? Or is it an influence that will allow them to achieve things they could have never thought possible before? When analyzing these rappers as a whole or individually, the only question that has to be definitively answered is, when exposed to these rap influencers, do people walk away better or worse?

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Misogyny in Rap Music: a Cultural and Social Dilemma

How it works

Rap music, which started in the African American areas of New York City back in the 1970s, has now become a global hit. It’s a strong way for people to express themselves, giving a voice to those who often feel unheard and highlighting different social issues. But, despite its importance, rap music has also faced criticism for how it portrays women, often showing them in a bad light. This essay looks into why misogyny is present in rap music, how it affects listeners, and what people are doing to change these negative views.

• 1 The Historical Context of Misogyny in Rap
• 2 The Impact on Society and Listeners
• 3 Challenging Misogyny in Rap Music
• 4 The Role of Consumers and Society

The Historical Context of Misogyny in Rap

To get why there’s misogyny in rap music, we need to look at its history. Rap started as a way for people to resist and tell their stories, showing the tough lives of African American communities. In the beginning, rap was used to talk about big issues like racism, police violence, and money problems. But, in the 1980s and 1990s, as rap became more popular and profitable, the topics started to change. Record companies, wanting to make more money, pushed artists to talk about more shocking and controversial stuff, like violence, drugs, and sexual content.

How women are shown in rap music got worse, often making them seem like objects of desire. Lyrics that put down and disrespect women became common, mirroring wider societal attitudes about gender. Songs like N.W.A.’s “A Bitch Iz a Bitch” and Too Short’s “Freaky Tales” are examples of this trend, using insulting language and promoting harmful stereotypes. These songs aren’t just artistic expressions; they show and spread misogynistic views that exist in society.

The Impact on Society and Listeners

The effect of rap music on its audience, especially young people, is huge. Music shapes how we think, believe, and act. When rap lyrics are full of misogynistic themes, they can make harmful gender norms seem normal. Studies show that listening to misogynistic music is linked to negative attitudes towards women, like accepting violence against them and supporting traditional gender roles.

Also, how women are shown in rap music can hurt their self-esteem and body image. Women, especially young girls, might take these messages to heart, leading to a messed-up sense of self-worth. The way women are hypersexualized in music videos makes these harmful ideas even worse, setting unrealistic standards of beauty and desirability.

It’s important to note that rap music isn’t the only thing contributing to misogyny in society, but its impact is big. Repeating and reinforcing negative gender stereotypes in popular culture helps normalize these attitudes. Artists, producers, and listeners all have a role in challenging and changing these harmful views.

Challenging Misogyny in Rap Music

Even though misogyny is common in rap music, there are artists and movements working to change this. Feminist rappers like Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott use their music to push for gender equality and empower women. Their lyrics often talk about self-respect, independence, and strength, offering a positive alternative to misogynistic messages.

Modern artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole also talk about issues of misogyny and gender inequality in their songs. Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” and J. Cole’s “Crooked Smile” highlight the struggles of marginalized communities, including women, and call for change. These artists show that rap can be a tool for social justice, challenging harmful norms and promoting a more fair society.

Besides individual artists, there are groups within the rap community working for change. Organizations like the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation and movements like #MeToo have highlighted issues of misogyny and sexual harassment in the music industry. These efforts aim to create a safer and more inclusive space for women in rap, both as artists and listeners.

The Role of Consumers and Society

While artists and movements are key in challenging misogyny in rap, consumers and society also have a role. As listeners, we can support artists who show women in a positive and respectful way. By choosing to listen to and promote music that matches our values, we can help shift the culture within the genre.

It’s also crucial to talk about the content we consume. Teachers, parents, and community leaders can start discussions about the impact of misogyny in rap music, encouraging young people to think critically about the messages they hear. Media literacy programs can give people the tools to analyze and question the content they consume, creating a more informed audience.

In the end, misogyny in rap music is a complicated issue that mirrors wider societal views on gender. While the genre has often spread harmful stereotypes, there are artists and movements actively working to change these views. By supporting positive portrayals of women and having critical conversations, we can move towards a more inclusive future for rap music and society. The power to make change lies not just with the artists, but also with the listeners and the wider community. Together, we can reshape the cultural landscape and create a space where everyone is respected and valued.

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How Do You Feel About Censored Music?

Do you ever listen to songs with lyrics that are explicit, suggestive or violent? Do your parents have rules about what you can and can’t listen to?

By Nicole Daniels

Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.

What kind of music do you listen to? Do you ever listen to songs with lyrics that are explicit, suggestive or violent? Do you prefer the clean versions of these songs or the unedited ones? Why?

In “ Cardi B’s ‘WAP’ Proves Music’s Dirty Secret: Censorship Is Good Business ,” Ben Sisario writes about the hit single and its explicit themes:

Doc Wynter still remembers the first time he heard “WAP.” A top radio programmer for decades, Wynter has come across countless explicit rap tracks and “blue” R&B songs that required nips and tucks before they could be played on-air. But even Wynter, the head of hip-hop and R&B programming for the broadcasting giant iHeartMedia, was taken aback by “WAP,” Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s brazenly graphic anthem of lubrication, when he was given a preview before the song’s release in August. “It hits you at the very beginning — like, whoa! — and then it just keeps on going and going and going ,” Wynter said, still marveling at the song’s barrage of suggestive imagery. “Thank God we have systems in place,” he recalled thinking, “that prevented that record from hitting the airwaves.” Of course, “WAP” did hit the airwaves, and the streaming services, in a big way. One of the year’s most inescapable hits, it held No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for four weeks and drew 1.1 billion clicks on streaming platforms. An instant social media phenomenon, the song spawned remixes and memes galore, including a subgenre of outraged-slash-titillated parental reaction videos . To an extent not seen in years, “WAP” also became something of a political lightning rod, decried by pearl-clutching commentators like Ben Shapiro , who saw the song as a “really, really, really, really, really vulgar” embodiment of liberal hypocrisy. (Cardi B has been a vocal supporter of Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.) Yet despite the song’s uninhibited raunch, its popularity was partly earned from one of the music industry’s oldest bugaboos: self-censorship. Before “WAP” could be played on the radio, its most explicit verbiage was pruned by Cardi B’s engineers. Wynter recalled that the ostensibly sanitized copy first offered by Cardi B’s label, Atlantic — the “clean” version of the song, in industry jargon — was still too racy for broadcast, leading Wynter to ask for nine additional, last-minute edits.

Mr. Sisario continues, explaining that censorship has a long history in the music industry:

Self-censorship was present at the beginning of rock ’n’ roll: Little Richard famously snipped “good booty” from the original lyrics to “Tutti Frutti.” But its current role in the music industry dates to 1985. That was when Tipper Gore, who was married to Al Gore, then a United States Senator from Tennessee, helped start the crusading Parents Music Resource Center after being scandalized by a Prince song. Her group called for warning stickers on albums, a suggestion echoed during a Senate committee hearing the same year, which stirred fears of encroachment on musicians’ First Amendment rights. “If it looks like censorship and it smells like censorship,” Frank Zappa said at the time, “it is censorship.” Then as now, race played a complex role. Black art has always been policed aggressively, particularly in popular music genres — a continuum that stretches from jazz to rock to hip-hop. But in the 1980s, rock and metal came under fire as well, and seemingly anything on the radio was a potential target. In one of the most surreal moments of the 1985 Senate hearings, John Denver defended his song “Rocky Mountain High” against accusations that it glorified drug abuse. Record companies soon agreed to affix a “ parental advisory ” sticker on albums that they — not an outside regulator — deemed to include “strong language or depictions of violence, sex or substance abuse.”

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8 Most Valid Pros and Cons of Music Censorship

The practice of music censorship has been observed for years now but still remains to be a contentious issue. It can stem from a law imposed by a government or voluntary censorship done by private individuals on their music and lyrics.

Since some songs played on airplays and some comments of radio personalities have gained the ire of listeners at times, censorship in the music industry has become commonplace. Some radio stations do their share by censoring in different forms like resampling, repeating, distorting and skipping.

However, this controversy still remains to be debatable. There are proponents and opponents expressing their views on its legality and relevance to society. Here are right of the pros and cons worth considering.

List of Pros of Music Censorship

1. Music can highly influence young children and adults alike and regulating it can provide balance. Music is a very influential medium and can do so in a positive and negative way. Proponents of music censorship see it fit to ban songs with expletive lyrics like gangsta rap because of what most of this type of music implies. There are some lyrics that glamorize wrong doings and racism. By regulating the songs which are being played on the airways, people especially teens, will not be exposed to lyrics that have profanities and violence overtones.

2. It keeps the number of suicide attempts down. People, especially some parents, are for music censorship because of several instances of suicide attempts committed by teenagers. One parent talked about a son who killed himself while listening to the music of Marilyn Manson. He also added that two of his son’s friends also did the same thing. With censorship, lesser attempts of suicide will be possible.

3. It limits the exposure of people to sex, drugs and violence. Advocates of the censorship say that the music industry is so powerful that it is capable to produce songs which can entice the public to listen to materials which overtly advertise nudity, sex and drugs. Moreover, without censorship, irresponsible members of the industry which can include disc jockeys and radio program hosts will be free to play just any kind of music and air indecent content.

4. It cuts the power of record producers to come up immoral songs just to make money. Many producers in the music industry are not in favor of music censorship because of the music business being a million dollar industry. Proponents are pushing for censorship because they know that if such law is imposed and implemented, these music moguls will be reluctant to produce songs for the sake of profit per se but be more careful to downplay words so as to keep their albums selling.

List of Cons of Music Censorship

1. It is not the true solution. For some opponents, music censorship is not the solution. Instead, it should be literacy. They say that controversies are sometimes helpful because they can challenge individuals. If music is censored, they believe the challenge will be depleted. For them, the answer is to educate the people who listen to music about its message, particularly the children. Kids should be taught to understand what they are hearing, reading and seeing. This way, they will be given the chance to be critical of these things and be able to apply them in their lives.

2. It keeps children from the truth. For some who oppose music censorship, they say they do not agree with hiding reality from people, especially children. By censoring music, they think it keeps the children from learning the truth about life. For them, some lyrics of the songs are harsh realities which should be accepted and overcome. If these real situations mentioned in songs are kept from listeners, they will not be able to practice certain skills in life like coping with challenges in life.

3. It is a violation of the First Amendment. People oppose to music censorship say that this practice is a clear violation of the First Amendment which is about freedom of self-expression and speech. If censorship is made into law, it prevents artists from expressing themselves and conveying what message they want to get through to their listeners. They also point out that if censorship is meant to protect children from exposure from derogatory lyrics, they will not be prepared for things that happen outside of their homes. From their point of view, they regard censorship as a hindrance from doing so. They also added that children should be encouraged to express themselves and if there will be censorship in any form, be it music or poetry, these kids will not be able to learn self-expression since it is presented as something that needs to be censored.

4. It gives an impression that people are not mature and responsible enough. Critics of music censorship say that people have the right to listen to the kind of songs they want. Also, they are the ones responsible to stop listening to songs they find too offensive or violent. They also believe that any individual above 18 years of age is mature enough to know what music to appreciate or not. And for children, parents should be the ones to monitor and keep their kids safe. They should take time to know what their sons and daughters listen to and read. Moreover, children will be learning about sex, violence and drugs from other means and at certain points of their lives. This is why for critics, music censorship is unnecessary.

Whether music censorship is necessary or not will always be an issue with contentions from different groups. Perhaps it is a matter left for the public to decide. Although there are songs which have inappropriate lyrics, there are also some which speak of the truth whether politically and socially. These are things that should stir the public’s awareness. Music censorship can be a positive thing if only it is done with limitations. Moreover, some artists and record companies already censor themselves. At the end of the day, the buying public is the one which decides if a song is worth listening to or not.

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