Rap and Popular Culture

The article gives a very informative insight on the evolution of rap, its style, and ascendancy from the margins into mainstream culture. According to Rose, the most important vehicles for the rise of rap appear to be the evolution of technology and the vast increase in popularity of cable TV during the 1980s. During the 80s and early 90s, MTV was one of the most surefire ways to send a song/music video from obscurity to prime time. But I believe that media and technology are only half the story on why rap experience a sharp increase in popularity during the past few decades. For one, and despite all of the efforts of radio and TV to block or downplay rap due to its "ghetto" culture, both black and white audiences can relate to and feel strongly about the struggles and frustrations echoed through rap songs and hip hop culture. The crack epidemic and unchecked inflation were struggles that affected millions in America at the time, and rap served as a popular outlet for frustration of people who seemed powerless to do anything about them. On a more personal level, rap songs concerning troubles with relationships, money, jobs, and school really struck a chord with audiences regardless of skin color, as these problems that are common to much of working and middle class Americans. Despite critics' arguments about sexism and promotion of violence, rap music became a vent for many problems people experience each day, political and personal, about feelings of helplessness, hope for the future, and the determination to beat the odds and become a great success. This especially resonates with young people, who's power to control what is happening in their lives is especially limited by institutions and authority figures who seem distant and out of touch. Rap music serves as a voice for those who are frustrated by a crooked system where the playing field is anything but level, but with a desire to succeed despite it all.