Stereotypes Of Rap Music

Introduction Music is a primary form of self-expression and can influence personalities and lifestyle choices. Music has evolved from classical and very one genre-based style to the complex entertainment industry that encompasses several genres that each represent a different stereotype. Stereotypes can be developed through music based on the actual music itself, the lyrics, and the artist’s story behind their song or album. Traditional music, such as classical or baroque, appeals to a different audience than rap, country, or pop music. Consequently, through their music choices, a person can express their personalities given the traits associated with the demographic that typically listens to that genre of music. As a result, how does a person’s

As a result, stereotypes are formulated. Common stereotypes regarding popular music genres include classical music is associated with high class and arrogance. Country music is associated with the lower class and a more agricultural, blue-collared work ethic. Finally, rap music identifies most with negative connotations such as violence, gangs, and substance abuse. Researchers have evidence to refute and support these stereotypes based on the five distinguishable personality traits. A recent study classified musical genres into five general musical types, “sophisticated, contemporary, unpretentious, intense, and then mellow music” (Mellander et al., 2018, p. 611). The classification best-categorized genres from sophisticated, encompassing classical music, opera, and jazz, to intense, consisting of rock, heavy metal, and punk. Mellander and colleagues study (2018) found that:

Broadly speaking of the five broad musical types, two—sophisticated and contemporary—are associated with more affluent, more educated, more knowledge-based, more liberal, more diverse, and denser places. Two others—unpretentious and intense—are associated with less advantaged, less educated, more working class, more conservative, and less diverse or whiter places. One remaining type, mellow music—is mainly associated with race and ethnicity rather than class or economics (p.

Moreover, the studies that have been conducted analyzed music on a voluntary survey-based research method which may cause a skew in the analytics. The overall data represents a generalization of the population’s viewpoints and preferences. Nonetheless, the personalities of individuals are certainly outlined through musical choices but do not highlight the individual as a whole. Consequently, further studies should be evaluated on specific factors and musical