Even though strong profanity in song lyrics can be traced as far back as the 1960s, it first became a major controversy in the 1980s, with the introduction of rap and heavy metal music. ... For example, rapper Ice-T made quite a stir in 1992 with his song "Cop Killer." In the late 90s, shock rocker Marilyn Manson created controversy with song lyrics that were said to promote suicide. Rapper Eminem continues to attract controversy with his homophobic, anti-woman lyrics that often promote homicide. ... However, with the emergence of hate speech in song lyrics, many liberals have taken the pr...

• Word Count: 958
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Within the rap arena no subject goes untouched. ... Rap lyrics frequently reference breaking out, getting out (Perry, 2004). ... Often Rappers take on the role of an icon or revolutionary historical figure in the black community (Kobin and Tyson, 2006). ... A deeper examination of rap lyrics alludes to this positive racial socialization Dr. ... Rap music should be considered as a necessary tool to reach this particular subculture in America. ...

• Word Count: 1971
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Eminem, a highly respected white rapper, grew up in poverty in a black community. ... However, his successes were not only based off his skills as a rapper, but credit his success to his race and to his record label's intended audience: the white consumer. ... This turns rappers and those who are true to the original culture of Hip-hop from prophets to profits. ... For example, in the documentary "Blacking Up: Hip Hop's remix of race and identity", rapper Vanilla Ice reveals that everything about his career was staged in order to become marketable towards the mainstream a...

• Word Count: 2033
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Macklemore, a famous rapper, sings "I might not be the same, but that's not important. No freedom till we're equal; [that's] right I support it" in his song "Same Love" dedicated to his gay uncle. (Haggerty) Lady Gaga, another famous singer and bisexual herself, also had many songs devoted to gay pride and regularly expresses her support homosexuality. ... You will now find many television shows with homosexual parents, and or teens, as well as many songs being sung about the homosexual community. ...

• Word Count: 1034
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate