Simmons, J., D. McDaniels, et al. (1993). "Niggas with Beatitude." Transition 62: 176-187.

(Download this review as a PDF)

 

OVERVIEW

 

In this article, fathers of rap and hip-hop, Run DMC, are interviewed about the prominent themes in rap music.  The degradation of women is a problem in rap, but women who participate in videos share responsibility with the artists.  Gangsta rap is mostly about masculinity.  The treatment of women and violence are secondary themes.  At the time the article was written, Run says that bad rap is not on the radio so it has to be sought.  Run describes their credibility as survivors in the industry as the key to their challenging other rappers on their behavior and lyrics.  He says that positive messages can be combined with good beats to influence kids and counteract the negative messages.  He also points out that most of the gangsta rappers are not actually gangstas, and the ones who have been gangstas do not base their lyrics solely on it.  So if people are going to condemn it, they should provide alternatives that youth can hear.

 

He also describes his conversion and his development as a mature Christian.  They realize that good living was not enough and they needed something spiritual to help them, and that ministry is not for the people who already believe.  It is for those who do not. 

 

At one point, he says the Devil would love to see you broke, so you will do stupid things to meet your needs.  Rev. Run is confident that good wins over evil, and this will be evident in how rap and hip-hop evolve over the course of time. 

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1.    Does the image of a rapper matter more to the public than their actual reality? 

2.    What types of music alternatives does your organization or ministry provide for youth to hear?

3.    How does your organization address the portrayal of women and women’s choices?

 

 

IMPLICATIONS

Since this article was written in the early 1990s, RunDMC had a few predictions about the longevity and impact of gangsta rap.  Fifteen years later, gangsta rap is still popular.  Rappers who rap about positive lyrics and do not engage in some type of drama or conflict have lower record sales than those with harder edges.  If success is tied to conflict, how will we teach young people to handle conflict and define success.  This is a concern for youth workers and ministers. 

 

 

 

Tamecia R. Jones cCYS