The Duality of Gangster Rap

    This week in class, we covered quite a substantial amount of information. With a plethora of topics to write about, what I found to be the most interesting was the duality (or dare I say hypocrisy) of gangster rap. Now, the problem here doesn’t lie within rap itself so much as it lies within the image created by many rappers so as to obtain credibility.  As an instrument for political change and outward expression, rap can be a beautiful and powerful force. The impact of artists such as N.W.A. continue to shake up our social and political climate even to this day. Unfortunately, however, even the best of rappers often fall for the absurd pressure to maintain an appearance of overpowering masculinity.

    The attainment of this image, for some reason, relies heavily on the use of lyrics that actually take away from the persuasive credibility of the rapper. Though several raps gripe about social inequality, a common trait of gangster rap includes the degradation of women among others. One would imagine that a person who desperately wants to be treated equally would be inclusive of people experiencing a similar struggle, yet ironically this tends to not always be the case. Another stereotypical trait of rap image remains the flaunting of power and excess wealth. This takes away from some of the more important issues addressed in songs in that it promotes the idea that true value lies in physical possessions rather than anything else. Sexism results in inequality while wealth distracts from the true issues at hand.

    The good news perhaps about the image of rappers, at least from personal experience, is that less and less modern rappers choose to follow these guidelines. They are able to write incredibly meaningful songs while refusing to compromise their beliefs or put others down to make themselves look good. This is done by speaking out for both oppressed men and women, refusing to berate others unless provoked, and by focusing on topics such as mental health rather than the attainment of wealth. Through this, rappers show that they are much more self-accepting and politically conscious, and break the constraints of rap image by being themselves. In this way, they prove that perceived toughness or masculinity does not equate to success.