Influence of Rap Rap and hip-hop music originated in ancient Africa, where life stories were narrated while using homemade instruments. The rhythm captured people's attention as storytellers gave a voice to their tale. Rap and hip-hop music evolved around the world over time, and everyone listened to it, primarily adolescents. However, the image and style of rap and hip-hop music have slowly evolved. Rap and hip-hop began to expose young people, particularly teens, to bad behavior. Adolescents are now negatively impacted by rap and hip-hop music. While some people feel rap music has a positive influence, I believe it is harmful to our youth since it promotes drug-related themes, alcohol, sexual content, and pushes teenagers to emulate these poor idols. When stressed with personal life situations, academics, or family problems, "studies reveal that 65% of all youths listen to music to cope with stress" (MTV Sticky). Youths turn to music as an escape from the real world, …show more content…
Adolescents' lives can be greatly influenced by visual pictures. Music videos have a huge influence. Teenagers see these well-known musicians and rappers and want to imitate them in every way—including appearance, demeanor, and ability to bring their songs to life. Teenage girls' idols are displayed in the ultra-thin, curvaceous females featured in hip-hop music videos. Teenagers begin by comparing themselves to these rap and hip-hop artists (as well as the people seen in the video), “because of the exposure of the ‘thin ideal’ in music videos, adolescent girls with low self-esteem become more vulnerable and there is an increase in body dissatisfaction” (Bell, et al.). Girls in their teen years will starve themselves in order to fit into a whole new collection of inappropriate clothes. In terms of boys, they buy everything they see in the film, including baggy clothing, caps, steroids, tattoos, and even