The Corruption Of Music Depicted In 'How Could You Leave Us'

Music labels often glamorize topics or events deemed as traumatic as a way to increase album sales and profit, ultimately disregarding the ethical considerations of both the artist and listeners. This corrupt practice, however, often goes unaddressed, as these companies/artists claim to attempt to bring awareness to these tragedies to avoid criticism. Additionally, companies will take advantage of their profound wealth to even influence tragedy, as the concept of violence is very prominent within impoverished areas, along with rap music. Thus, violence is resultantly lucrative to speak of within one's song. This, along with many other representations of tragedy being influenced into modern music, ultimately illustrate the internal corruption

However, they may inadvertently contribute to the problem by capitalizing on the growing number of people with mental health issues in the US and the world, using it to increase streams and profits. For example, NFs' lyrics and music videos center on the importance of mental health awareness. Unfortunately, his visuals and songs may trigger traumatic thoughts and events in listeners. This is displayed in his music video "How Could You Leave Us.". Released in 2016, "How Could You Leave Us" depicts NF's childhood experiences and thoughts growing up alongside a drug-addicted mother who tragically died of an overdose. The music video is persistent with a dark shade/filter used during all scenes throughout the video, which illustrate the depressing thoughts experienced by Nate both as a child and as an adult via traumatic upbringing. Other visuals include Nate (as a child) staring out the window crying during a stormy day, further emphasizing the significance of gloominess. The music video also portrays Nate's growth and maturity via an ever-progressing lighter theme displayed throughout the video, symbolizing that people suffering from mental health-related issues can heal from

Since rap music is consumed at such a high rate among adolescents and adults alike, the increase in drug references may have contributed to the normalization of both talking about and using drugs and the tragic event of an overdose. This is ultimately denoted by the severity of drugs, causing an increase in their usage, especially among very impressionable adolescents. Despite the rise of the drug epidemic, music companies have continued to promote the topics of drugs and overdose to the public through their songs. Arising from the previously mentioned increase in drug-related lyrics within songs, one can firmly assert that these topics must be considerably profitable since more and more music labels are implementing them within their projects. In conclusion, the rise in drug-related song lyrics ultimately displays a troubling trend within the music industry, as profit seems to trump social responsibility and influence. The normalization of drug use perpetuated by an increase in drug-oriented lyrics and their further promotion by music labels is considered harmful to both the listener and society entirely. Music labels need to recognize their considerable impact on their audience and take action to prevent this increase. Though, it is evident that these labels seemingly only care about capitalizing on popular trends to increase revenue, exploiting the startling rise of deaths caused by drug overdose because it is a profitable