Rap's Violent Lyrics: Corrupting the Next Generation
Commentary by Aria Nicken, Photo by The Spellbinder.
For ages, the seriously graphic and violent stuff in rap lyrics has been the subject of a nonstop debate. The main problem here is when the rappers drop their tracks, they often include descriptive crimes, gang life, and disrespect. More importantly the kids and teens watching this are soaking it all in. The whole thing started when "gangsta rap” had the most hits back in the 80s and early 90s. Now it's happening whenever a kid can stream music globally. The constant replay of narratives and the aggressive attitude become the blueprint for what’s real or powerful to younger fans. Honestly all this constant violence in rap music is absolutely messing with young kids/teens’ heads and is a real danger to how they act and what they think is okay.
Why this is important is simple. Critics say it makes aggression seem normal and cool, encouraging young listeners to do the same things. Popular rappers like NBA Youngboy have lyrics that glorify violence and criminal behavior, detailing revenge, gun use, and defiant street life. For instance, he himself has admitted to regretting writing and rapping lyrics that encourage listeners to “tote a gun” or participate in dangerous behavior by acting it out in the real world.
Dr. Craig Anderson’s research on the GAM (General Aggression Model) shows that exposure to media violence and violent song lyrics causes an increase in aggressive thoughts and hostile feelings. Over time, the repeated exposure to aggressive narratives in popular rap can push youth toward violent behavior that reinforces a belief system that aggression is a necessary path to respect and power.
The sustained, explicit use of violence in rap music is not an artist expression, but a profound cultural challenge that actively damages the behavioral health of youths. I feel like to counter this influence, readers must move beyond criticizing the content and embrace active measures. First, we must demand greater social responsibility from the media streaming platforms by asking them to adjust algorithms and marketing that promote the most violent content to young audiences. Second, parents and educators should proactively engage with the music their children consume, using the lyrics not as a cause for banning, but as a crucial tool to discuss real world consequences and non-violent conflict. For people seeking a deeper understanding of the science behind this impact, I suggest reading the work on the General Aggression Model (GAM) and studies that are published by organizations dedicated to youth media and psychological research. The future of the next generation requires us to change the soundtrack we live by and stand up.
Aria Nickens is a junior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.