The Effects of Hip-Hop Many people believe that they have a good understanding when it comes to Hip-Hop and our youth. Society has this perception on the definition of Hip Hop and the kind of role it plays in many of our youth’s life that may not be necessarily true. Hip-Hop isn’t just a culture, it’s a way of life. Hip-Hop gives our youth a chance to express themselves through their life stories and it’s a way to communicate and be relevant for a first time for some in life. We know important Hip-Hop is, we see it every day but do we really comprehend the influence Hip-Hop has on our youth? There are many reasons why Hip-Hop influence plays a role in the coming of age of young men and women. It’s a fragile time in their lives where they look …show more content…
There is a big difference between their songs, NWA lyrics mostly talks about the negative things going on around in the hood whereas Nas’s lyrics talks about how to be positive and ways to get out of the hood to be successful. There are a lot of positive things about Hip-Hop that the media doesn’t really acknowledge and it is really disappointing that they don’t see the real message that given in some artists lyrics. Hip-Hop gives teens a chance to relate to the lyrics and solve problems that they are also experiencing. Artists also gives teens a push to do better and become a leader not a follower. Nelly’s song “Utha Side” spoke about a prostitute and a boy selling drugs. He admits that it might be the way of the neighborhood but it isn’t the only way. “I ain’t trying to sell your dream, just trying to show you that it’s other ways to make cream. Take it from me just go to school and make something of your life and watch it blow up. And don’t forget where you come from”. From my prospective, Nelly’s message to the boy and all the youth was that although what u see in your neighborhood might be alluring there are other ways to be successful. Utha Side might be talking about some negative stuff in the hood but the Nelly’s positive message on doing better makes it all …show more content…
It’s hard to do that now in 2015 because there are only a few artist who talk about truth in a good way. In 2002, Nas released “I know I Can” which is one of the most positive influential Hip-Hop in the 2000s. “Be, B-Boys and girls, listen up .You can be anything in the world, in God we trust. An architect, doctor, maybe an actress .But nothing comes easy it takes much practice”. Nas talks about the endless possibilities teens have and that they should do the best they can. They can reach their goal if they put their mind to it and to stay away from the bad crowds. Anyone listening to this song would become uplifted and turn their life around. I know that the first time I heard this song from a past teacher, it shocked me but it gave me hope to believe in myself. Anytime I am in doubt I say “I know I can, be what I want to be”. This is the type of Hip-Hop music parents would prefer their teens listening to it. It makes an impact, a life-long