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ABSTRACT
Despite its national and international appeal, rap is considered one of the most controversial of music genres. Given the political charge it generates, rap music has spawned research across the social and health sciences. The majority of the research has investigated its impact on African Americans. Further, the research has tended to focus on negative aspects of the music; there has been a dearth of in-depth qualitative studies that explore how rap impacts the listener. Our phenomenological study explores that impact on ethnically diverse college students. Results indicate a profound psychological and educational effect and the discussion goes on to highlight the potential and innovative ways rap music can be utilized with adolescents in fields such as education, risk reduction programs, and counseling psychology.
Over the past two decades rap music has exploded onto the music scene and become one of the most popular and controversial music genres in America. In 2003 the number-one selling artist, according to Billboard Records, was the former drug dealer and survivor of seven gunshot wounds-rapper 50 Cent. Myriad other rappers shattered the top 50 records sold in 2003, and in 2004 the pattern continued (Billboard Records, 2004). Many rappers, such as PDiddy, Eminem, and Snoop Dogg, are now household names. An example of this was in the 2004 presidential election campaign, when PDiddy used his popularity and clout to increase youth voter turnout.
The popularity of rap is not confined to America. In its exponential growth it gained international appeal. In France rap has become a "social and cultural phenomenon" for adolescents (Miranda & Claes, 2004, p. 113). French-Canadian adolescents report that rap music is their favorite musical preference. Youth in Japan have also embraced rap music and emulate facets of the hip hop culture, such as attire, hair styles, and vernacular. Despite rap's global popularity, it is still largely seen as deviant music by many: politicians from both political spectrums, powerful religious organizations, and much of the general public condemn it. Rappers have been vilified and labeled as misogynistic and violent (Sullivan, 2003). Rap fans have been viewed as prone to violence and at risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors (Rose, 1994). Due to the extreme feelings and opinions elicited by rap, it has caught the...