No doubt millions of fans around the world were overjoyed when Eminem’s first album in four years was released on May 15 this year.
But no doubt there were some who did not share in the joy, especially parents concerned about any influence the controversial rap artist might have upon children.
And with the release of his new album, I feel that now is an opportune time to talk about whether hate rappers like Eminem represent a legitimate part of the music industry or an aspect of the entertainment business which society would be better off without.
About Eminem and Hate Rappers
(Warning: Videos referened in this section contain course language and disturbing images)
‘Hate rappers’ is the term which I will use, for want of a better term, to describe those rap artists whose songs are full of lyrics which may encourage violence, alcohol or drug abuse, or other forms of criminal or anti-social behavior, or which promote such behavior as ‘cool’ in any way.
Eminem represents a prime example. For the benefit of those who are not familiar with his lyrics, some of his earlier works featured:
• a man who is encouraged to shoot his wife and the man with whom his wife was caught cheating (refer Guilty Conscience);
• a psychotic fan who ties his pregnant girlfriend to the back seat of his car whilst driving the vehicle off a freeway bridge (refer Stan);
• the rapper himself stating that he wished his own mother would ‘burn in h***’ (refer Cleaning out my closet
• a song which portrays drug use not only as ‘cool,’ but as an experience which is second to none (refer Purple Pills).
Two sides to the story
From a business perspective, the reasons behind the popularity of Eminem and other hate rappers are not difficult to understand.
In addition to the natural appeal which results from their rebellious image, their lyrics stir up a considerable degree of controversy (not to mention that which is generated in their lives outside of their music), which serves to generate not only a great deal of publicity, but also a great deal of interest in their music.
What is more debatable is the question of whether or not this form of art is desirable from a social standpoint – whether their music represents merely a form of harmless entertainment or a negative influence which society could do without.
Personally, I can empathize with both points of view, and I do not really have a strong viewpoint either way on this issue.
On one hand, many people enjoy this type of music, and feel that they can relate to the feelings which are expressed in these songs. In addition, some of these artists do demonstrate a considerable degree of talent, and even though their output may be controversial at times, I personally find it somewhat pleasing to see them apply their talent toward the process of creative expression.
Moreover, the majority of young people today experience a wide range of media related input across a wide variety of mediums, and for all but the most die-hard of fans, the music of hate rappers would represent only a small percentage of their total media intake. As a result, I would have thought that any impact which these artists would have in terms of shaping attitudes and behavior would probably not be that great in the context of the broader influence of the overall media landscape.
In any case, the influence of hate rappers is probably not a great deal worse than that many violent action or horror films.
That said, I would have thought that hate rappers would have some degree of social influence, and I would not imagine that any influence which they do exert would be of a particularly positive nature. I would certainly have a considerable degree of empathy for arguments which suggest that no form of negative influence, including that of hate rappers, should be welcomed or encouraged within the modern media landscape.
A personal note
On a personal note, when Eminem first came out about ten years ago, I felt disgusted by his lyrics, and felt that he was an unwelcome participant in the music industry.
But over time, I became de-sensitized to his music and started to enjoy a number of his songs. I have even learnt to sing (not very well) one of his tunes at Korean singing rooms.
Over to you
Do you think that hate rappers represent legitimate participants within the entertainment industry, or do you think that society would be better off without them?
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