Rap Music

Rap: Retards Attempting Poetry. When someone listens to rap they hear vulgar words being used about girls and drugs. What ever happened to the good old Rock and Roll? Kids are getting a bad influence and are starting to hurt each other on the street. Think about all the bad words they use to describe "certain" things. Rap has also come to extreme lengths. If someone walked into any teenager's room right now, they would see repulsive body gestures on music videos being played on TV. Rap is only a letter away from crap, and sadly that pretty much describes it.

Amanda Casas

Teacher: Belle Buitron

Vela Middle School

Rap music is cool to listen to and has a certain beat that I like. If you are feeling down, you can listen to a rap song. Most rap songs tell a story. Sometimes they can get you pumped up. Think of rap artists like 50 Cent, Soulja boy, and Eminem; rap is their passion. People say that there are too many bad words used, but we have the Freedom of Speech. There is no law prohibiting rappers to say bad words in their songs.

Santiago Arellano

Teacher: Mindy Taylor

Vela Middle School

Some people say rap music is all about bad words and degrading women, but if you were to actually listen to the lyrics of some of the songs that are out there then you would see that some artists actually rap about world wide events. Just last year two or three artists got together and made a song about the Columbine shooting, and just recently Wyclef, Akon, and Lil' Wayne came out with a song about deportation and struggle. Every rap song isn't bad; you just have to look a little for the songs with meaning.

Marcus Cabrera

Teacher: Jean Bovee

Weslaco High School

I don't think anything is really bad about rap music, yes I do know some things the rappers say are inappropriate and some people think it influences teens to do bad things. But that's not true. Rappers aren't telling you what to do. You do what you want to do. Sometimes the music is nice but it depends on how you take it. To me nothings wrong with rap music.

Briana Fonseca

Teacher: Jennifer Krieger

Mary Hoge Middle School

I think rap music is bad for kids because it has a lot of bad words. It tells kids that smoking and doing drugs is good for you, which is wrong. Rap tries to make you do bad stuff.

Irvin Banda

Teacher: Vernon Nelson

Vernon Middle School

As Sam turns on the radio, revolting words fill her ears, and she realizes that rap music is a bad influence. This genre of music tells a story, but contains material that isn't suitable for children. Although it may have a catchy beat, it takes more to understand what they mean. If she looks at most rap artists, it is noticeable that they advise violence, drugs, etc. If everyone was to study students in school, the ones that are most aggressive, listen to rap. Kids are influenced by what they hear in songs. Next time she hears a rap song, she can be appalled at what they say.

Amanda Aguirre

Teacher: Belle Buitron

Vela Middle School

Rap music is good in some ways but bad in other ways. The music is good to listen to and dance to. But you need to listen to the lyrics. Many rappers rap about their lives, and what they have been through. What's bad is that many rappers influence teens and people to dress and do the bad things that you hear they do. Many people see a certain rapper as their idol so they see all the things they do. They see it as if they can do it, so we can.

Roxy Rodriguez

Teacher: Michelle Hubbard

Harlingen High School

Some negative things about rap music are the language, drugs and putting people down, gangs and violence. They use a lot of profanity in some songs, you hear bad words almost every second. Most songs talk about drugs. The rappers say so many negative things about women, certain people and gangs. They rap about killing, shooting or beatings.

Tom

Teacher: Terrie Gracia

W.B. Green Middle School

I think rap music is negative for the youngsters, because we get influenced very easily. Rap music has violent language and a lot of inappropriate things. Most rappers dress a certain way. If the younger ones listen to the music, they will be certain to start talking and acting like most of them. Music videos are also very inappropriate. It shows negative things and the kids start dancing, and dressing like them. Rap music takes freedom of speech way too far. They don't care what the songs say; they just want to get money. I think rap music is bad, but it might be okay for teenagers, since they already know a lot of things about rap.

Sarelly H.

Teacher: Terrie Gracia

W.B. Green Middle School

I believe that rap music is good because the beat is catchy and easy to dance to. Then again, it is also negative because it's degrading to women. There should be an age limit to buy or listen to the music. Little kids start listening to it and start repeating what they say. I think that it's a bad influence on children ages 5 and up. They talk about drive-bys, and gang killing.

Ashley Tijerina

Teacher: Terrie Gracia

W.B. Green Middle School

I think rap music is cool and great. Some of the rap music talks about happenings in the world. Sometimes you can't even understand the words.

Matthew Picacio

Teacher: Suzanne Coronado

Vernon Middle School

I'm not a really big fan of rap music. I've listened to it once or twice but that was it. Have you ever noticed that people who sing these songs are men? A lot of this rap music has a bad influence. A lot of the songs are about women and their bodies. For example, they talk about drugs, suicide, and violence.

Megan Rodriguez

Teacher: Suzanne Coronado

Vernon Middle School

I don't think anything good can come out of rap music but nothing bad can either. Music is music and if someone does something bad and blames it on music, it's not true. To me, it all depends on the physical mentality of the person listening to the music. It can either make them or break them. That's all it is.

Mike Gonzalez

Teacher: Jennifer Krieger

Mary Hoge Middle School

I usually do not listen to rap! When I do, I am disgusted with the use of language towards woman and race. There is nothing good about rap. If you feel the need to express yourself, please do, but if you have nothing nice to say, then don't.

Natalie Cook

Teacher: Jean Bovee

Weslaco High School

I think rap music is what's making kids today become more violent. Rap talks about using drugs, doing violent things and joining gangs. One reason why kids listen to rap is because celebrities are singing about it. So that makes them want to do what the big stars do. Kids, or anybody for that matter, shouldn't listen to the vulgar lyrics. I don't know who would listen to that noise, but whoever does listen to rap it's not my problem. Besides, it is a free country after all.

Anissa Rodriguez

Teacher: Suzanne Coronado

Vernon Middle School

There are a lot of things good and bad about rap music. First of all, if you're listening to the music you're not really listening to the lyrics, and if you're listening to the lyrics, you're not listening to the music. There is a big difference between good and bad. If you listen to the music, you just hear the music and that's the good part of it. The lyrics are the bad part because you understand what it means. They are discriminating against women or saying something even worse.

Brandy Pena

Teacher: Vernon Nelson

Vernon Middle School

Rap music can sometimes be good, but a lot of adults always think it is bad. It is a good way to let artists express their feelings and emotions towards something that has happened to them, someone else, or something in the world. Occasionally, there are some songs that can be bad. Sometimes rap artists say stuff that could be affecting the way children talk, look or act. It may be sending them a bad message. But, sometimes the beat alone can sound pretty cool as well.

Omar Hunter

Vernon Middle School

Teacher: Esmeralda Valdez

I think that there are good and bad things about rap music. I think what is bad about rap music is that it has a lot of inappropriate talk and a lot of bad words. There are good things about rap music. I've heard a rap singer whose name is "kj52" sing a lot of Christian rap music. There is one song called "KJ five two" and it talks about how he put God first.

Kathryn Cruz

Teacher: Stacey Hill

Memorial Middle School

I don't think that rap music is bad. Some might be bad to listen to, but there is some music that tells you what is going on in the world. There are musicians that have changed their music from bad to things that are really happening in Iraq or in gangs. Some of the music is only bad if you think it is. It is just music like the music in the sixty's, seventy's, and the eighty's. Some people don't think that the music is the same. In all music there is good and bad, it is just in the way you think about it most of the time.

Chelsea Cruz

Teacher: Alicia Ramon

Vernon Middle School

I think rap music is bad because of the language that is used in it. It seems to have an effect on people. They tend to act out the songs. It is a great entertainment to some people but to others it is wrong. I do not listen to rap music. I've never been into the language they use. Everyone likes different types of music. The writer should think twice about what they write. The music should have a rating on it. Rap music should stop being allowed on television. There is a lot of violence involved in rap music.

Joseph Davis

Teacher: Esmeralda Valdez

Vernon Middle School

Many people love rap music and many hate it. I personally love rap music and my parents, however, hate it. There are many positive things about rap such as the rhythm, song, beat, and most importantly the lyrics. The lyrics can send out great messages to children. The worst thing about rap is the cussing. Cussing tells children it is okay for them to use fowl language. major problem is that the rappers degrade women and only use them because they look good in tight clothes. Despite these two problems rap music is really great. I think more people should listen to it.

Tatiana Trevino

Teacher: Mindy Taylor

Vela Middle School

I enjoy rap music because I like to hear something with a catchy beat and rhythm. The music is a good way to get motivated before a big game, and it helps take your mind off something bothering you. I don't listen to too much of the rap music because of the inappropriate language used in many songs. They also mention and talk about a lot of ridiculous things which may rub off onto young kids and could have them talking and acting in a bad way.

Daniel Mares

Teacher: Alicia Ramon

Vernon Middle School

I think rap music is bad for you because it influences you to do drugs and other bad stuff. Rappers such as Snoop Dog, 50 Cent, and Eminen say it is okay to do drugs and steal. People should listen more to country; there's nothing bad about it.

Andre Grimaldo

Teacher: Vernon Nelson

Vernon Middle School

Rappers use their music to explain what they've been through and how their life was growing up. Some rappers use their music to express their feelings and what they think about the world. For instance, Kanye West uses his music to express how he feels about what is happening in the world. Rappers sometimes use their music to talk about other things in bad ways. They talk about doing drugs and other people in a rude way. Some rappers disrespect people like cops and other important people. Rappers also don't realize that young children are listening to that music and it is giving a bad influence. Rappers just need to watch how they put their music together.

Alejandra Estrada

Teacher: Cristella Chavez

Vernon Middle School

I think rap music is negative. Rappers say a lot of things that aren't appropriate for kids. These songs have a bad influence on kids. My brother loves to listen to rap music a lot, and I hate that he does because I hear what it is saying, and I don't think he should be listening to music like that. There are some songs that aren't so bad, but there are very little. The rap songs are usually either about drugs, or drinking. When I hear little kids singing

these songs I think to my self, "Do these kids even know what they are singing?"

Alexis Liscano

Teacher: Cristella Chavez

Vernon Middle School

I like rap music, or hip-hop, which is probably what people know it as. I don't really listen to the words; I like the fun beat. Even though most songs today are "degrading to women," I try not to pay attention to what is said. I think that women are already looked down upon to begin with. Women are not respected for their own reasons and actions that only women can fix. I personally don't care if something is said about me because I know it's not true. If women had confidence, I think people would look at rap music differently.

Chelsea Jones

Teacher: Jean Bovee

Weslaco High School

Rap music is a bad influence to our generation's youth. Rap influences rape, robbery, and gang activity in kids. Rap videos and lyrics talk about killing to get money or doing stuff to a woman that is not right

Aaron Coronado

Teacher: Jennifer Krieger

Mary Hoge Middle School

Rap is a very expressive form of art. Rap artists portray their feelings through clean words. The lyrics are often heart wrenching and define its nature. No styles of music should be judged by its words, but by the rhythmic value it contains. Rap has a wonderful rhythmic beat and great rhythmic value.

Andrew Johnson

Teacher: Michelle Hubbard

Harlingen High School

I think rap music is inappropriate because it has much foul language in most songs. Some children sing some Spanish rap songs and they do not even know what they are saying. Some children like country and rock music, however then their friends will convince them to listen to rap. Bad music leads to cussing and some talk about gangs. Sure rap music has a cool beat to it, however it is still not appropriate. It is like drugs. The more you listen to the beat of the song you will get addicted to it. If you try to stop by changing the station, the other stations will seem boring to you.

Anjel Gonzales

Teacher: Mindy Taylor

Vela Middle School

The good things about rap music are it's good music to dance to and it always has a good beat. Well okay, only sometimes it has a good beat. It always makes me excited and it teaches me how to rap. The bad things about rap music are there's a lot of profanity throughout the songs. You can't go a minute into a rap song without hearing a cuss word.

Danielle Auh

Teacher: Michelle Hubbard

Harlingen High School

Although some people will say rap music is bad, most would say it is the best genre of music. Rap artists say they put their feelings and emotions into their songs and lyrics. Most songs talk about working hard to earn what they want. Others talk about getting through hard times. Some sports teams get motivated by listening to rap before games. Rap is a way of expressing someone's feelings. Some songs talk about things going on in the world. Rap hasn't been around as long as any other genre but it is one of the most popular.

Vanessa Cerda

Teacher: Belle Buitron

Vela Middle School

What is good about rap music is it is cool to listen to. It has a certain beat that I like. If you were feeling down, you can listen to a rap song. Most rap songs tell a story. Sometimes they can get you pumped up. Think of rap artists like 50 Cent, Soulja boy, and Eminem; rap is their passion. Without rap you would have never heard of these guys. People say that there are too many bad words used, but we have the Freedom of Speech. There is no law prohibiting rappers to say bad words in their songs.

Santiago A.

I do not really like rap music. The reason I do not like it much is because sometimes it will offend women. I understand that the artists that write the music are just trying to vent their feelings, but they have no right to do that. They will talk about harassing women. Other times instead of using girl, woman or lady, they will use curse words. I do not understand why these people do this. It is like we do not exist. They act like we are not important. They basically do not respect us when they write their music. My does not allow rap music in the house. My father and mother think it is a horrible thing. I think so too. Some rap is good. When it comes to the language most of it is dirty. It is not an interesting type of music.

Brianna R.

Rap music has always influenced drugs, drinking, crude language and bad content. The music may have a great rhythm, but over all it is a horrible habit to start listening to it. Some rap music you cannot even understand. Another reason why rap music is bad is because once you listen to it you will start saying, thinking and doing the things in the songs. If you ever talk like the people in the songs, you will sound tacky. People take one look at you and think, “This is not the person I want to hang out with.”

Elise F.

I think rap music is inappropriate because it has much foul language in most songs. Some children sing some Spanish rap songs and they do not even know what they are saying. Some children are like country and rock music, however then their friends will convince them to listen to rap music. Bad music will lead to all that cussing and some of the songs talk about gangs. Sure rap music has a cool beat to it, however it is still not appropriate. It is like drugs. The more you listen to the beat of the song you will get addicted to it. If you try to stop by changing the station, the other stations will seem boring to you.

Anjel G.

What I think is bad about rap music is that some songs have curse words. Some songs have bad things that children are not to say or repeat. The other thing that is bad is that some songs are a bit rude. They have some curse words in them. I don’t think children would be allowed to hear or say those words in public. Parents would punish kids for saying those type of words to family, friends, or any other people for that matter. That is why they have that “beep” sound for cuss words in the song or they cut out the word that is there.

Ricky M.

Many people love rap music and many people, such as adults, hate it. I personally love rap music and my parents, however, hate it. There are many positive things about rap such as the rhythm, song, beat, and most importantly the lyrics. The lyrics can send out great messages to children. The worst thing about rap is the cussing. Cussing tells children it is okay for them to use fowl language. major problem is that the rappers degrade women and only use them because they look good in tight clothes. Despite these two problems rap music is really great. I think more people should listen to it.

Tatiana T.

Some negative things about rap music are the language, drugs and putting people down, gangs and violence. They use a lot of profanity in some songs, you hear bad words almost every second. Most songs talk about drugs. The rappers say so many negative things about women, and white people and gangs. They rap about killing, shooting or beatings. So yes, rap music is negative.

Tom

I think rap music is inappropriate because sometimes it influences people to do terrible things. Sometimes when a certain song comes out on the radio it will influence the public. The public will sometimes do horrible things when they hear it. I think rap music could be positive also because it can teach you lessons. It can also teach you about life and also help you memorize things better. In my opinion it just depends on what song you are listening to.

Sarah

I think rap music is negative for the youngsters, because when we are growing up we get influenced very easily. Rap music has violent language and a lot of inappropriate things. Most rappers dress a certain way. If the younger ones listen to the music, they will be certain to start talking and acting liked most of them. The music video is also very inappropriate. It shows negative things and the kids would start dancing, and dressing like them too. Rap music takes freedom of speech way too far. They don’t care what the songs say; they just want to get money. I think rap music is bad for younger ones, but it might be okay for teenagers, since they already know a lot of things about rap.

Sarelly H.

I think rap is negative for everyone. It influences people to do drugs and be violent for both the young and the adults. It can be rude sometimes. Most of the time you cannot understand it. For me I prefer rock. Rock has bad language and you can understand it and it usually does not try to influence you.

John

I do believe that rap music is good because the beat is catchy and easy to dance to. Then again, it is also negative because it’s degrading to women. There should be an age limit to buy or listen to the music. Little kids start listening to it and start repeating what they say. I think that it’s a bad influence on children ages 5 and up. They talk about drive-bys, and gang killing.

Ashley T.

I don't really listen to rap music, but I think that rap is a way people express themselves. They say what they need to let out. Maybe some times people get carried away with what they say, and hurt people’s feelings. One thing I know is that rap is not bad. I hope other people can see or hear rap as I do.

Xavid R.

I think rap music is cool and great. Some of the rap music talks about happenings in the world. Sometimes you can’t even understand the words.

Matthew P.

I'm not a really big fan of rap music. I've listened to it once or twice but that was it. Have you ever really listened to it? Have you ever noticed that people who sing these songs are men? A lot of this rap music has a bad influence. I mean a lot of the songs are about women and their bodies. For example, they talk about drugs, suicide, and violence.

Megan R.

In my opinion, I think rap music is what's making kids today become more violent. Rap is talking about using drugs, doing violent things and joining gangs. One reason why kids listen to rap is because celebrities are singing about it. So that makes them want to do what the big stars do. Kids, or anybody for that matter, shouldn't listen to the vulgar lyrics. I don't know who would listen to that noise, but whoever does listen to rap it's not my problem. Besides, it is a free country after all.

Anissa R.

Rap music can sometimes be good, but a lot of adults always think it is bad. It is a good way to let artists express their feelings and emotions towards something that has happened to them, someone else, or something in the world. Occasionally, there are some songs that can be bad. Sometimes rap artists say stuff that could be affecting the way children talk, look or act. It may be sending them a bad message. But, sometimes the beat alone can sound pretty cool as well.

Omar H.

I think rap music is bad because of the language that is used in it. It seems to have an effect on people. They tend to act out the songs. It is a great entertainment to some people but to others it is wrong. I do not listen to rap music. I’ve never been into the language they use. Everyone likes different types of music. The writer should think twice about what they write. The music should have a rating on it. Rap music should stop being allowed on television. There is a lot of violence involved in rap music.

Joseph D.

I think that there are good and bad things about rap music. I think what is bad about rap music is that it has a lot of inappropriate talk and a lot of bad words. There are good things about rap music. I've heard a rap singer whose name is "kj52" sing a lot of Christian rap music. There is one song called "KJ five two" and it talks about how he put God first.

Kathryn C.

I don’t think that rap music is bad. Some might be bad to listen to, but there is some music that tells you what is going on in the world. There are musicians that have changed their music from bad to things that are really happening in Iraq or in gangs. Some of the music is only bad if you think it is. It is just music like the music in the sixty’s, seventy’s, and the eighty’s. Some people don’t think that the music is the same. In all music there is good and bad, it is just in the way you think about it most of the time.

Chelsea C.

I enjoy hearing rap music because I like to hear something with a catchy beat and rhythm. The music is a good way to get motivated before a big game, and it helps take your mind off something bothering you. I don't listen to too much of the rap music because of the inappropriate language used in many songs. They also mention and talk about a lot of ridiculous things which may rub off onto young kids and could have them talking and acting in a bad way. Overall, whether rap music is good or bad depends on the message.

Daniel M.

I think rap music is bad for you because it influences you to do drugs and other bad stuff. Rappers such as Snoop Dog, 50 Cent, and Eminen say it is okay to do drugs and steal. People should listen more to country; there’s nothing bad about it.

Andre G.

There are a lot of things good and bad about rap music. First of all, if you’re listening to the music you’re not really listening to the lyrics, and if you’re listening to the lyrics, you’re not listening to the music. There is a big difference between good and bad. If you listen to the music, you just hear the music and that’s the good part of it. The lyrics are the bad part because you understand what it means. They are discriminating against women or saying something even worse.

Brandy P.

I think rap music is bad for kids because it has a lot of bad words. It tells kids that smoking and doing drugs is good for you, which is wrong. Rap tries to make you do bad stuff.

Irvin B.

What I think is good about rap music is that some rappers use their music to explain what they’ve been through and how their life was while growing up. Some other rappers use their music to express their feelings and what they think about the world. Rap music just depends on how the people look at it. For instance, Kanye West uses his music to express how he feels about what is happening in the world. Rappers sometimes use their music to talk about other things in bad ways. Rappers also use their music to talk about doing drugs and other people in a rude way. Some rappers use their music to disrespect people like cops and other important people. Rappers also don’t realize that young children are listening to that music and it is giving a bad influence on us. Rappers just need to watch how they put their music together.

Alejandra E.

In my opinion, I think the good parts of rap music is that is has rhythm. Also a lot of people like to listen to rap music. Some of the rap lyrics people make up are about good stuff. They write about their life, which is cool to me because they tell what they have gone through. Some write about other stuff that is still cool.

What I don’t like about rap music is that some of the raps are about bad stuff. Rap music sometimes gives bad examples to people and they sometimes tell the wrong things. Some raps have bad words, stuff about drugs, and gangs. Some people like that but to me I think they show a bad example. So rap music is in the middle because there is some that I like and there is some that I dislike.

Stephanie S.

I think that rap music is negative. Rappers say a lot of things that aren’t appropriate for kids. These songs have a bad influence on kids. My brother loves to listen to rap music a lot, and I hate that he does because I hear what it is saying, and I don’t think he should be listening to music like that. There are some songs that aren’t so bad, but there are very little. The rap songs are usually either about drugs, or drinking. When I hear little kids singing these songs I think to my self, “Do these kids even know what they are singing?”

Alexis L.

The lyrics have more of the influence to the listeners than the beat. I think rap can be good and bad. Although it is normally stereotyped in today’s society as being bad, especially on the youth of today, but honestly I think it is in the hands of the writers/artists to fix that portrayal. These people have such an amazing opportunity to have their opinions heard, to have their voices heard, to have their ideas heard; why waste it?

Andrea B.

Some people say rap music is all about bad words and degrading women, but if you were to actually listen to the lyrics of some of the songs that are out there then you would see that some artists actually rap about world wide events. Just last year two or three artists got together and made a song about the Columbine shooting, and just recently Wyclef, Akon, and Lil’ Wayne came out with a song about deportation and struggle. Every rap song isn’t bad; you just have to look a little for the songs with meaning.

Marcus C.

I like rap music, or hip-hop, which is probably what people know it as. I don’t really listen to the words; I like the fun beat. Even though most songs today are “degrading to women,” I try not to pay attention to what is said. I think that women are already looked down upon to begin with. Women are not respected for their own reasons and actions that only women can fix. I personally don’t care if something is said about me because I know it’s not true. If women had confidence, I think people would look at rap music differently.

Chelsea J.

Rap music is a bad influence to our generation’s youth. Rap influences rape, robbery, and gang activity in kids. Rap videos and lyrics talk about killing to get money or doing stuff to a woman that is not right

Aaron C.

I think rap music is good, because some songs tell a story. Like "Dear Momma" by 2pac. He is apologizing to his mom and saying he loves her. A rap song is like a poem. Almost all rap songs talk about a struggle that they have been through.

Karina A.

I don't think anything good can come out of rap music but nothing bad can either. Music is music and if someone does something bad and blames it on music, it's not true. To me, it all depends on the physical mentality of the person listening to the music. It can either make them or break them. That's all it is.

Mike G.

I think it's good because the rappers tell you their life. They all say they start off like us and you could do the same thing. It’s good because they show you how to follow your dreams. Except they sing it and experience it way differently.

Erica B.

I don’t think anything is really bad about rap music, yes I do know some things the rappers say are inappropriate and some people think it influences teens to do bad things. But that’s not true. Rappers aren't telling you what to do. You do what you want to do. Sometimes the music is nice but it depends on how you take it. To me nothings wrong with rap music.

Briana F.

I usually do not listen to rap! When I do, I am disgusted with the use of language towards woman and race. There is nothing good about rap. If you feel the need to express yourself, please do, but if you have nothing nice to say, then don’t.

Natalie C.

Having mostly incompetent vocalists, irritating beats, and inharmonious lyrics, rap music is among the worst genres of music. Many songs are either about partying, wooing a girl, or the singer’s own past life. Much of the latter is about living and overcoming a harsh and difficult life. Instead of teaching the kids and teenagers life lessons, most songs encourage wild behavior and join fad groups. Indeed, I have seen the effects of rap music on the young people, especially the high school kids. Throughout my high school years, there have been teenagers who wear extremely baggy pants, metallic jewelry, and even tattoos. Although not all rap music is bad, a large percentage of it causes a young person to act like a thug from a crime-infested city.

Juan M.

Rap is a very expressive form of art. Rap artists portray their feelings through clean words. The lyrics are often heart wrenching and define its nature. No styles of music should be judged by its words, but by the rhythmic value it contains. Rap has a wonderful rhythmic beat and great rhythmic value.

Andrew J.

Rap music is good in some ways but bad in other ways. The music is good to listen to and dance to. But what you need to do is actually listen to the lyrics. Many rappers rap about their lives, and what they have been through. What’s bad is that many rappers influence teens and people to dress and do the bad things that you hear they do. Many people see a certain rapper as their idol so they see all the things they do. They see it as if they can do it, so we can.

Roxy R.

I don’t listen to rap too much, but it is not all bad. The songs have good beats and always rhyme. Rap is just another form of music that lets people express themselves. The downside is that many of the people who sing rap music express things that are inappropriate. I think that is the only bad thing about it, but it is a major problem.

Abraham M.

The good things about rap music are it’s good music to dance to and it always has a good beat. Well okay, only sometimes it has a good beat. It always makes me excited and it teaches me how to rap. The bad things about rap music are there’s a lot of profanity throughout the songs. You can’t go a minute into a rap song without hearing a cuss word.

Danielle A.

Rap: Retards Attempting Poetry. When someone listens to rap they hear vulgar words being used about girls and drugs. Would they let their parents list to rap? What ever happened to the good old Rock and Roll? Kids are getting a bad influence and are starting to hurt each other on the street. Think about all the bad words they use to describe “certain” things. Wouldn’t parents rather have their kids sitting at home doing homework? Rap has also come to extreme lengths. If someone walked into any teenager’s room right now, they would see repulsive body gestures on music videos being played on TV. Rap is only a letter away from crap, and sadly that pretty much describes it.

Amanda C.

Typically most people are all for rap music. It is repulsive and unsanitary! It doesn’t interest me because rappers like Snoop Dog and Young Joc only say cuss words and talk about perverse things. There are probably other people that are against rap music as well. Everyone should stop buying their songs so they could stop making them. If rappers just stopped saying cuss words and talking about perverse things, then more people would like their music. There’s plenty of ways to make good music without cussing! It’s a bad influence on little kids.

Dale O.

Although some people will say rap music is bad, most would say it is the best genre of music. Rap artists say they put their feelings and emotions into their songs and lyrics. Most songs talk about working hard to earn what they want. Others talk about getting through hard times. Some sports teams get motivated by listening to rap before games. Rap is a way of expressing someone’s feelings. Some songs talk about things going on in the world. Rap hasn’t been around as long as any other genre but it is one of the most popular.

Vanessa C.

Quite frankly, people have got to find something better to do than to listen to music in the (horrible) rap genre. It’s just repulsive. Many lyrics of numerous rap songs are seen as controversial, crude and completely unnecessary. Rap songs may impose in the minds of young children violence, use of bad language, substance abuse, and many more ideas that may be sung by rappers. The tasteless appearance of male and female rappers also suggests bad hygiene and tons of skin exposure. EW! Not to mention the style of so-called “dancing” they show in their music videos. All in all, rap music is horrible, and it just flat-out sucks!

Monica B.

As Sam turns on the radio, revolting words fill her ears, and she realizes that rap music is a bad influence. This genre of music tells a story, but contains material that isn’t suitable for children. Although it may have a catchy beat, it takes more to understand what they mean. If she looks at most rap artists, it is noticeable that they advise violence, drugs, etc. If everyone was to study students in school, the ones that are most aggressive, listen to rap. Kids are influenced by what they hear in songs. Next time she hears a rap song, she can be appalled at what they say.

Amanda A.

Rap music is bad because it has bad words. It can influence children to curse or to do an illegal thing. Such as rob a store or shoot someone. They can be in big time trouble or go to juvenile jail. If they are older than 11 they can go to jail. My brother is a police officer and says it is not fun in there. He dislikes rap music because it ruins the minds of people. I listen to it but he knows I am not stupid enough to try it. I do not really like listening to rap if it has bad words. If it does, I just skip or do not say it. That is why rap music in inappropriate.

Jorge G.

I think rap music is bad because they sometimes put bad words in them. Also I think it is bad because I just do not understand it. It makes me wonder because is it about the music or because of their feelings? Also is it about them becoming famous or popular? Rap music I dislike the most because one, I just do not understand it and two, because I prefer country music more. Rap music to me shows the persons feelings. That is my opinion about rap music and what I think it shows to me.

Autumn T.

Something that is wonderful about rap music is that it is fantastic. How it sounds, the music, the artist and everything. I wish I could have all the collection of rap. A bunch of people listen to rap. You can listen to rap on the internet and radios. Rap is excellent because you can have fun. When you go to a party they always have rap music, sometimes they have hip-hop but they always have rap. Children, adults and even old people listen to rap music. Everyone likes rap. If they don’t like rap they must be crazy. I like rap. I don’t care who doesn’t but the only think I know if that I love rap.

Sandy S.

Some wonderful things about rap are, first some songs have a fantastic beat. That is why kids listen to rap. They probably love the beat. Second is it might encourage other kids to be a singer when they grow older. Third, rap songs are excellent songs to dance to. That is why they play rap songs at parties. Teens and kids love it. The reason they play rap songs at parties is first the beat is just wonderful. Second kids and teens love rap music. Third it might inspire kids. Those are some wonderful things about rap music.

Kumberly Y.

I think rap music is good because it is the best to listen to me and my friends. The bad part about some rap music is that it has cussing in it and says nasty things. I don’t like to hear that kind of songs. Rap is a terrific station to hear because the lyrics and the background sound cool and is popular because of its songs. My friends and I like to hear cool songs with a good background. I like to hear rap because you could sing on and on until the music is finished and do break-dancing with it too. I buy rap CDs and I like to collect them. When I am done, I hear them and I put the speakers enormously loud so when the music starts, the house starts hopping up and down. In the United States mostly 75% of rap music is heard by most people. Rap is the best and is always going to be the good party station. Rap makes a high profit because of its music it puts on. I think music is good for anybody because to me it makes me relaxed and sometimes makes me feel good while doing my homework. When I get home, I put music on because I get bored doing homework or playing video games. I think rap will still exist in the future because the music rocks!

Brandon R.

Rap music is a fast up-beat tempo. I enjoy listening to rap music occasionally because of the up-beat tempo and rhythm. Rap music has been around for year, and there are different styles. Musicians who make this music are often very good dancers. That is the reason I enjoy watching videos to this style of music. Although you do have people who do not enjoy rap because they cannot understand any of the works that the musician is singing or saying. However that is why rap music is for everyone. It is to the discretion of the listeners’ enjoyment. However I believe that rap music will always be around because there are many people who do enjoy listening to this music because they can relate to the lyrics.

Margot M.

I think rap music has its good and bad parts. Rap music always tells a story of someone and their experiences in their own words. It depends on what kind of story they are telling to determine if the story is a bad one to tell. Another way to tell if serine rap music is bad or good is to see if you like the beat it has. If the song appeals it has an exactable beat, then it is a good song. But is the song sounds just horrible, then it is a bad song. To me, that is how you determine if rap music is good or bad.

Paige R.

Rap music is not just any kind of music; it is one of the music types that has too much cussing in it. The cussing or bad words are not good for children to hear because the boys and girls start to say them in the public and people think they are calling them that and that’s when fist fights begin. I like rap music because you get to listen to something if you are bored. I say rap is okay since I don’t listen to the ones that have cussing words. Rap is heard mostly by all teenagers or older. There are also boys and girls that are young listening to rap. Rap is heard all over the world.

Johnathan S.

I think rap music is good and bad because sometimes they are really exciting to hear. They tell stories of things that are happening or just plain stuff. I also think that it is annoying sometimes because of the profanity words that they are saying are inappropriate for the little children that listen to the music. Older people can handle it like the teens and older, but other children will just go EW. So to me, I think it is both not appropriate and exciting to listen to.

Victoria M.

I think rap music is fine. Rap has a wonderful beat to it. The rhythm is not too fast and not too slow. It rhythms that is how it has an excellent beat to it. On TV, they show the way the singers dance to a certain song. You can dance to all kinds of rap music. There are like thousands of different songs that you can listen or dance to. Anybody can get up and sign or dance to the rhythm. People that I know like to listen to rap music. I don’t know about you, but I like to listen to rap music.

Amy A.

Rap is the best type of music you can listen to. Some rap music can be good, but at other times they can be bad. It’s nice just to listen to rap. Listening to slow boring country songs, there is rap. People may have different opinions of rap music, but it encourages people to stand up for what they believe in. For example, the rapper Ice Tea, he had made a song that people and cops thought was a threat. Cops thought is was showing people what to do. The song Cop Killer was off the air and made Ice Tea very angry. He went to the Supreme Court and told them that he had a freedom of speech and said that they should continue playing his song on the air. Many people were against it, but since he said he had freedom of speech and etc. he won. Good rap music is all around, but to many people it might be bad and that’s fine.

Samantha V.

Listening to rap music sounds nasty cause when people that write it say nasty words. There music is bad for kids. Some kids do drugs because songs influence kids to do those kinds of things. They can convince them if they listen carefully they can probably get them and do bad things. All around people are talking about drugs and alcohol. One of the rappers is dead; the cause of it is probably gangs. Then if gangs don’t like each other they start to fight. Some kids talk bad to each other then they start using bad words. After that here comes a fight between each other. Rap music is bad because it says bad words.

Stephanie A.

Usually people would say that rap music is very violent and hardcore…and many people agree with that. Personally I would say it is violent, and it has no meaning to it. Rap is like a person rhyming but speaking it. Everyone usually mistakes it for hip-hop songs like for example the song “Gimme That” by Chris Brown, that’s a hip hop song because he is changing his voice to different melodies and tempos. Rap is also very disgusting in ways because all they talk about it clubs, drinking, girls, drugs, and even more girls! I like this music except for the violence in it, just the beat!

Kimberly M.

Listening to rap music is bad. Rap music is bad because it puts a bad influence on kids and teenagers. In rap music the artists release a sense that drugs, violence and sexual activities are accepted and fun. Therefore the listener follows that type of horrible behavior. Rap music is also bad because it shows disrespect not only to the law, but also to elders. Because of rap music now a days kids and teens are disobeying and disrespecting their mothers, fathers, teachers, etc. Rap music is also leading teens to getting involved in drugs, gangs, early pregnancies and dropping our of schools. It’s proven that these songs and artists are providing false information by saying that’s its and anyone can get away with it, even though realistically they’d pay a debt or a consequence for what he/she did wrong!

Catalina L.

Rap music is a bad influence on teens today. For example rap contains a huge amount of violence and drugs. Rap also contains events that kids can later try to do. Some of these events include joining gangs, smoking, fighting and drinking. Rap can also encourage kids to drop out of school and run away from home. Rap contains an enormous amount of cussing and foul language, which kids can later repeat. This causes them to get in trouble and argue with their parents. Many people try to keep this music away from their children, but it is almost impossible, because it is everywhere. Rap can cause many people to fight because of gangs and social groups. Rap does have some good songs, but mostly it is all bad materials.

Rey G.

Some people say its bad because of all of its lyrics are really vulgar and mean or just sometimes-plain nasty. Eminem is a hardcore rapper; he puts too much hate in his music. Other than being funny, he’s an okay guy. First, he raps about killing his wife, and then he sings about his mom being really abusive when he was a wee baby and how he’s going to bury her after he shoots her. He really has some issues to solve. Some people love listening to rap but other people just ignore it.

Nathan J.

Vela Middle School

Listening to rap music is good for me because that’s all I like to hear. I don’t like to hear anything else. Some songs I like are sung by Eminem, and by fifty-cent. I know that some people don’t like to hear that type of music because they say a bunch of bad words and have a bunch of violence. That’s why rap music is bad to some people. Rap music is good for some people because they like to hear it more than any other kind of music. If there were a vote, I would vote for rap music. When I have nothing to do I really don’t care what they say in the music, I just hear it.

Jorge E.

Listening to rap music is good to the rappers and us. Rap music gets people pumped up; it tells the artists life. This kind of music plays in dances and on radio stations. Everyone with a system, radio, likes to listen to this music. They even pick up the volume just so everyone can hear the song. Mostly everybody loves rap on the station or even someone, who just listen to it everyday, and it’s considered the number one music in America. In order for some rap artist to get noticed such as 2pac, Biggy, 50 cent, and much more they make music for us and for them. Who ever are into rap is because music also describes the artist life and maybe it might just describe what is happening today in our lives. The artists love to make it for them, and for everyone that listens to it.

John R.

What do 50 Cent, Nelly, and Kanye West have in common? They all share a love for rapping. People see rap as both good and bad. Some songs are very explicit and use many words that aren’t suitable for people of all ages to listen to. Another reason, people may consider rap music bad is the fact that throughout the entire song all you hear is the same words over and over again. Don’t get me wrong; people do akin to many rap songs. What some people don’t realize is that rap songs have high quality beats, and even some have strong messages that are worth listening to. Different people may have diverse perspectives on the subject, but mine is neutral.

Amber G.

Personally, rap music is a waste of time and money. What’s the point of spending twenty dollars on a C.D. no one can understand. The messages the songs five out are so unnecessary. Another hit against rap: It has no rhythm what so ever! All they do is talk. We hear people talk all the time; we don’t need anymore! Most rappers are also bad influences to their fans. Another reason rap music is heinous is that some of the lyrics of the rappers have offended so many people. There’s a handful that already have been sued.

Christina S.

Listening to rap music is good for everyone. It calms them down when they are frustrated or angry. When someone is angry they should put on some music and jam out. When someone is tired and frustrated they should go and sit down and listen to some music. Rappers sing to a beat. The famous and popular rappers today are 50 Cents, 2pac, Eminem and many more. The good thing about rap is that everyone listens to rap. So when a new album comes out it will sell out fast. Everyone will buy the CD if they like the songs. So go buy some rap CDs and jam out to them. Rap music is good for everyone to listen and it is not bad for us to listen to the music.

Nemo V.

Rap music to most people is good because they always like the beat the song would have. Then, on the other hand, some people don’t like it because they would rather listen to other songs that don’t include such fowl language in it. To me, it just depends on how people look at it. Some of the artists that write songs that are somewhat impulsive are like 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, and some others. Other artists that to me are good are like Eminem, Akon, and others. So, in conclusion it just depends what you like and don’t like about rap music.

Joshua A. G.

Rap music is good and bad for different people. It’s great. Rap music is always about life and what happens around the world. It gives everybody a different point of view of what people think. Rap tells everybody about how people live, strive, and survive in their life. For some people when they listen, they connect with the music and relate it with their past. Rap music most of the time is about a conflict. Some people like it because it’s intense. Listen, if feels that it happened right in front, face to face with the conflict, because they give so many details. It’s so dramatic; it’s great.

Bianca R.

Rap music is possibly one of the worst genres that everyone listens to. Sure it has a good beat but what the rap artist says and talks about is just wrong on so many levels. If someone is playing rap music with a child around, then the child could get brainwashed with the music and then he or she would be influenced to do bad actions. After time that child could then spread it to others. In conclusion, if people listen to rap music they shouldn’t let kids listen too. Another way to make rap better is change the lyrics or what the song is about, like make rap songs more educational or just more PG rated at least.

Kayce M.

Surely there is not good in rap music, only bad. Rap is a terrible influence to society. Yes, it is a way to express one’s feelings, but mostly those feeling are about violence, drugs and naked women. Why do people like it? They rhythm is awful and it’s pretty much like talking except with foul languages. “I’m a gangster, straight up. They gangster life is the life for me. Shooting people by day, selling drugs by night…” are lines from a rap song. These lines show that this rapper likes the gangster life, which is not an ideal life to rap about. It’s true that not all rap songs rap about violence or drugs. Some rap songs rap about Jesus or even Christmas, though most people don’t listen to these rap songs because they are mostly entertained with the violence and profanity of the bad rap songs. Although people might like the music, they still need to be careful not to be influenced.

Meagan S.

Who would have thought that rappers have so many problems? Some people don’t like rap because they talk about drugs, cuss words, etc. But it’s a good way for them to express themselves. They also keep saying the same thing over and over again through out the whole song. They may express themselves at that time and place but also sometimes encourage drugs, which aren’t good for our youth. Some people may not be a fan of rap but don’t understand it really, to say get rid of it. It’s too loud. So listen to it when ever but don’t go down my road.

Josue M.

Rapping is so overrated. It’s like for people with no taste of good music like Linkin Park, Yellowcard and Simple Plan. Now that is some high-quality kind of music. Not like that some people call music. All they do is rap the same words all over again. They influence violence, abuse, killing, smoking and drinking. Now, what do the parents think is better, rap that teaches kids to cuss or punk/rock that opens the child’s mind to the real world? In the end rap is horrifying and is really awful kind of music to listen to. If people ever do listen, they must be “retarded.” If rap were the only kind of music in the world people would rather be deaf. That’s how bad it is!

Emily P.

Hearing rap is bad because is has a bad influence to the kids. It sends bad messages to the little kids that hear it and want to do what they say in the song. They might graffiti on the walls and other things they do on the song since they say that in the song. They even might shoot some one because they say it. The rap music cusses a lot and if the kids do it they could get in trouble. The music has sexual language. So if the song says it they might do it. It has too much things and little kids hear it now and days. So I think it is bad for them. So it is bad for people to hear.

Albert R.

Rap music is mostly bad because of all the horrible things that are said in songs. In the music or song it talks about drugs or vulgar things. It is a bad influence on everyone who listens to it. When people hear all the things about girls and drugs they go around with all the ideas in their head. It influences people to do very bad things, and it usually ends up hurting them. The songs that refer to girls and boys in dirty or vulgar ways can make people feel uncomfortable. These days people can’t listen to a good rap song, because in every song there is something bad said. Rap music is an embarrassment to the world. Some of the songs don’t even make sense. The whole rap genre is pointless.

Abigail A.

Listening to rap music is an inspiration to all the young rappers in the world. Rap has many different types of styles, some rappers have a clean way of rapping and others have a very nasty way. When people listen to rap music, it could tell about a person’s life. Some artists have the tendency to talk about other people from the other side of the U.S. and end up dead. Throughout the years, rappers like 2pac have gotten shot for the gang he was in or whom he talked about. Rappers who live in the east fight against the west and sometimes those people never know then they will get shot. These gangs can affect the lives of their families or even themselves. Certain rappers are smart because when they rap they just d it for the love of it. The rappers say bad things they are not supposed to and end up shot. This goes to show how the rappers help and mess up the communities by their gang violence and their rapping.

Kenneth A.

Rap music is the voice of urban youth. Some people are too skeptical to understand that rap music is a form of art something like poetry, but about stuff that actually matters in life. Hypocrites just don’t understand. They want rap music out for good. Like Ice-T for example one of the original “pioneers” in rap culture, he released a song called “cop killer.” It was about assaulting a law official, a co. People wanted to ban his song and keep his album from releasing. He ended up suing radio stations that refused to play his song. It was basically him against the people. He took the case to the Supreme Court and won. That just shows how strong the culture is growing. I’m one of the many who are on rap’s side, because it’s a fast growing movement and I want to be part of it.

Jonathon G.

Rap music is a kind of music that some people listen to. Rap music is a type of poetry. It is one of the many different types of music. There are different types of rap music. There are fast beats and slow beats. Rap music is about the lyrics and expressing feelings. They lyrics are what express the rapper’s feelings. Some lyrics to rap music are fast or slow. Rap music is like a separate culture of it’s own. Now that rap has become more popular amongst the world they do not think of it as a bad type of music any more as a different type or kind of poetry. Rap music is good.

Greg S.

The only good thing about rap music is the beat and the fact that many of the songs have to deal with that persons’ life. But in my point of view rap music is bad. I think it’s bad because first of all when listening to that kind of music sometimes it’s hard to understand what that person is actually singing. Which sometimes makes it annoying to listen to it. Rap music is also bad because the majority of the music involves bad words and since there is some little kids that like rap, hearing the songs with a lot of bad words can be a bad influence for everybody. So that’s why for me rap music is bad.

Vanessa T.

Rap music can be very controversial at times but it does have a positive side to it. Rap music seems to always tell a story through the lyrics. Sometimes it tells a story of ache and pain and other time of revenge. Most of the sad stories told through the lyrics are true stores that ultimately comfort the person listening to that music. Most of the people that listen to that music have gone through the same event in their lives. Listening to the song somewhat allows the person to release the anger they felt at that moment. The music allows them to know that many people go through those problems and they’re not alone. However rap music does have a negative side to it. Rap music tends to have a lot of “bad words” in the lyrics. They also call each other names in some cases and try to put fellow rappers down. Sometimes the lyrics get too violent, practically telling listeners to take care of problems with violence. In some cases the rappers through gang signs on their music videos, ultimately bringing confrontation between gangs. This tension comes from the music but leads to problems on the streets.

Karena A.

I believe that rap music is neither good nor bad and that it depends on the person who is willing to accept a different type of music. For like everything there are different rappers with different views such as there are different kinds of rap music. Of course there are good and bad ideas, comments in which we have to detest. So that form of music cannot prosper. Evidently we all have our favorite kind of music and cherish it. Sometimes through the music from our era, to hearing and accepting new music and accomplishing more. I believe diversity is what strengthens our society not only putting us in a deviant society but in a society open and willing for change. I believe that one of the most important words in our life is the word change.

Eva P.

Rap music can be a form of expression for many. It is sort of an artistic outlet in a different form. It can be a good thing in that it contributes widely to the musical world artistically. However, I do believe that it can be a negative influence in the lyrics it contains. Many children have access to rap music and it’s insipid words, provoking violence and sexual actions. The bad influences of rap music outweigh the good, fortunately, in my opinion. In today’s society, many different teen crimes are committed. Rap music may be a major cause and a large price to pay for a simple form of entertainment.

Sarah T.

I think that rap music is good in the fact that it’s poetry. In English class, poetry is one of the main things you go over. The best way to enjoy poetry is through music, such as rap. The bad thing about rap music is what they rap about. All they talk of is violence, money, and dirty thoughts. They rap about things that are not important, such as violence. I mean it happens and people worry about it, but rappers talk of how they got shot or how they messed up someone’s life. Money is another thing. Yes, you need it, but for what you really need. Rappers say how they have big screen TVs, 5 cars, 2 houses and a bunch of money, but what about friends, family and happiness? Money can’t buy all that. They also have their drug songs and rapping about their dirty thoughts. What are they teaching kids with all this. Rap music is good, but it’s also bad.

Edith V.

I think that some rap music is okay, but most of it is bad. I thing it’s bad because of the profanity, and violence used in it. Though they have parental advisory to warn parents, it’s still bad because it influences the kids and teens of today.

Kathleen R.

The rap genre had drastically evolved from the old school to the new school. Today, rap music is stamped with the capital letters BAD. Due to its negative messages of violence, sex, drugs, and alcohol, this genre has earned itself a very bad reputation. On the other hand, there are some artists out there who respect themselves as well as audiences of all ages. Few rap artists tell a different story through their music beats. They unfold stories of their past life, revealing their struggle for survival, and through their words they set an example for those walking in the wrong foot steps.

Anabel M.

I think the good thing about rap music is that people express themselves through it as any other musician does through other kinds of music. The bad thing is that drugs, sex, and violence are constantly promoted within the lyrics. Many teens and young adults use this kind of music to party and to pass time but little do they know that everything said in the lyrics is influencing them. The fact of the matter is that when rap music goes too far, the actions of kids are the consequences of the music they are hearing.

Abigail R.

Most teenagers would say they enjoy listening to rap music because it has a good beat or rhythm. For the most part, young adults who like rap don't realize the words they are hearing. Sure the music has a good sound, but the children pick up only the bad words and sex talk. Rap music has certainly changed the way students behave today. Children have grown up to know more than what is expected, in relation to sex. I think rap music has gone over its limits and introduced material that children should not know of.

Elizabeth V.

Rap is its own kind of music, like country and rock. It’s going to be different if you have being listening to country or opera all your life, so if you listen to something your not use to hearing then either you’ll like it or hate it there is no bad or good. It really just depends on the individual.

Angel B.

Rap music sets the wrong message to the younger generation. The use of inappropriate language, the inappropriate display of women, and the content of the lyrics. But yet rap music is popular among young people. Maybe it’s because of the great flow of the music or the rhyme. Some people enjoy listening to rap because of how the artists express themselves. The person listening to the song might have the same ideas as the artist or have been through similar experiences.

Michael H.

I do believe that rap music is bad. It influences kids to do bad things and follow their bad examples. There are also some good rap songs but most encourage drugs, sex, and violence.

Josie G.

The bad thing about rap music is that the majority of the songs contain vulgar language, which set a bad example to adolescents who listen to the music. These young adults begin to use the profane language they hear in rap songs on a daily basis when speaking in public, to their parents, or teachers. Rap music is also distinguished by its slang, which encourages people to incorporate it in their language and communication with others, thus