Rap : Racial Artistic Protest or Raping African Progress

Abstract

The author analyzes rap music in its function as a tool for political protest and a means to achieve unity and black pride among African Americans. She considers the issue of whitewashing and commercialization of rap. Rap music developed amidst poverty and decay and has become a multimillion dollar industry. Many believe its commercial success has destroyed rap in its purest form, that because it is so popular now among whites it is no longer truly a black art form. The author surveys the print history of rap, analyzes lyrics, and interviews rap artists, fans, and members of the music industry.