Source: necolebitchie.com
Hip Hop isn't exactly the most modest of music genres. It has come under a lot of fire recently because of its tendency to be more about the booty than the poetics; although this could be a metaphor. With 90% of music charts consisting of Urban songs, artists are certainly reaping a large booty for their promiscuous portrayals, and proving that sex does in fact sell. However, with great popularity comes great responsibility and for these artists the responsibility of being good role models for young fans doesn't seem to be a priority. Parents, psychologists and even some rappers agree that the sexual content displayed in Hip Hop songs, music videos and even artists dress sense and behaviour is forcing young fans, particularly female, to grow up too quickly.
In a recent interview, clinical psychologist Lucy Tan listed becoming sexually active at a younger age as a negative effect, but stated that it is a mix of influences that leads to this, "This decision will be influenced by...peer pressure and also pressure from the media, which does include music artists and videos," (full audio below). New York based rapper Khalil Armstead agrees that mainstream Hip Hop is having a negative effect on young listeners saying that it is, "...one of the most influential tools these days," and even referring to it as "brainwashing" and "sad," (full video below).
Three culprits of 'musical sexual abuse' are Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and Lil Kim, who are very well known for their controversy-causing outfits, and crudely sexual song lyrics and music videos. They claim their sex appeal status is a way of encouraging young fans to be strong, independent people who embrace their sexuality, but Lucy says this is rubbish, "Young fans would not guess they are encouraging independence from their actions...there is no indication in their lyrics or music videos that they are doing this." Khalil agrees it does send mixed messages, however, says the artists' are not to blame, "[Artists'] are just puppets; somebody is telling them to do that."
When asked if they think Hip Hop was too sexual and if this was having an negative effect on listeners, the majority of young fans in Brisbane, Australia said yes on both counts (full audio below). Although consumers recognise the genre does glorify sex, it continues to grow in popularity; Khalil sums this up by stating "Hip Hop is...a business and in a business you have to make money...and everyone knows that sex sells."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zv6salr-hw
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