A Rapper's Responsibility: By Emma Betzig

HipHop music integrates many contemporary social issues. Take, for example, Kanye West’s album, The College Dropout. West’s music is filled with expletives, offensive names, and tough messages. When listening to HipHop, I often ask, “When is a song no longer a socially acceptable form of art?” Music is an art form, and art is created to evoke emotion and challenge its audience. However, musicians have responsibilities as celebrities; the words they rap are heard by millions of individuals. Unfortunately, many rap songs degrade women, make offensive language seem acceptable, and glorify violence. The first time I listened to West’s, “The New Workout Plan,” I was disgusted by his word choice and the song’s overall message. West instructs girls that they’ll get a man if they, “Give head, stop breathe, get up, check [their] weave[s]/Don't drop the blunt and disrespect the weed.” Through a deeper reading of the piece, one realizes that West is mocking those who view women in such a degrading way; however, many of his listeners take his lyrics literally. In his song, “Stronger,” West loosely uses the word, “dyke” to refer to a woman. By using such words, he deems them acceptable. While West frequently uses the word, “nigger” in his lyrics, it’s not viewed as hateful speech because he’s reclaiming the term. However, since West isn’t a gay woman, it’s difficult for him to reclaim the term, “dyke.” Rappers need to realize that their lyrics are frequently taken seriously, and have a large impact on society.