Black "Noise"

The Rose article defines rap as "a black cultural expression that prioritizes black voices from the margins of urban America." In the past rap did tend to effect African-Americans negatively because of the topics which tend to violent, drug-related and sexual. Also the use of profanity does not help. However, rap is primarily a black voice. The opportunity for artists to discuss real issues that they have faced. Many people say that rappers make black people look bad and that it effects the youth negatively but that is not the case. Rock music has similar themes of sex and drugs and it has been glorified for years. I think that response to rap was partly an attempt to marginalize African-Americans further "hold them down." That is clearly displayed by MTV that didn't decide to play black artists on their network until it was deemed profitable. Currently rappers are all black. white..etc and making millions in the music industry.....it appears that rap as it relates to race has mad some progress.