Music Minus Morals

“Shawty dance like a video vixen. Say her man be on that bullsh… pimpin. Well I retired from the bull like pippen. Tryin to get you homer would you be Marge Simpson. Whip out front we can leave like pronto. Maple leaf dash got you feelin like Toronto." -Trey Songz

Is this really what mainstream music has become? If you turn on the radio to a hip-hop station, you are likely to hear a song about drugs, sex, or alcohol, as if they are the meaning of life and contain zero consequences.

Although without doubt prevalent in all genres, hip-hop, rap, and R&B seem to be the most popular amongst my peers, and while some songs may appear fun and carefree, how much of the young audience is actually being influenced by the constant vulgarity?

More specifically, it is getting harder and harder to find value in hip-hop as a whole, especially with what we are exposed to on the radio. This makes one question the fact that more underground music contains more value, and yet only mindless rap makes it on the radio. Many students think, “it all sounds the same”, however, those who are fans claim to just enjoy the music they are typically presented with while driving.

But what exactly attracts young adults to mainstream music?  Do musicians genuinely think the world will be changed with another club hit about a one-night stand? If you were a musician who made it big, is this how you would want to be remembered?

Of course, music remains a free form of expression for all, but it is a completely different story when young adults are being directly exposed to the offensive music pushed down their throats by artists who are constantly in the spotlight. And instead of behaving as that of a role model, such artists are unable to properly distinguish between right and wrong, making the commonly negative things appear acceptable. Aside from the radio, when did the overall value of music seem to go downhill?

Although, a song can be valuable to each and every person for his or her own reasons, the beauty of music allows everybody the freedom to enjoy listening to anything one chooses to. Many believe that MTV is a leading cause to the misbehavior of teens. Not typically recognized for actual music, but rather reality shows such as Jersey Shore, and 16 & Pregnant, which are just more positive promotions of the immoral.

Most everybody is familiar with the Chris Brown and Rihanna scandal, and while Rihanna may possess some talent, she has completely lost the image as a positive role model for women on her quest to become the next sex symbol. Her music has been altered drastically from her innocent hit, “Umbrella,” to her latest songs screaming her sexual preferences to the world.

“I may be bad but I’m perfectly good at it, sex in the air I don’t care I like the smell of it. Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me.” -S&M

Rihanna often displays that having sexual relations with multiple people is safe, and portrays it as wild and fun to teenagers. Her most recent song, “Birthday Cake” was actually made with her ex, with whom she is rumored to be back together. The entire song's lyrics appear to have been written in an entirety of five minutes, making it harder and harder to find the words to criticize Chris Brown when he does not even appear to be trying anymore.

“It’s not even my birthday. But he want to lick the icing off. I know you want it in the worst way. Can’t wait to blow my candles out.”

What is most shocking is how these songs get on the radio, and for what might sound like an old lady’s rant, is only one last plea for people’s definition of music to be significantly questioned. Everybody has a right to listen to the music they love, but more recognition needs to be shown to music being made with actual artistic value.

Because, according to Chris Brown, “Got a hot momma, you’re hotter than a sauna I wanna peel them clothes off your body like a banana. The only reason I dress you in that designer is to get you out that Dolce and Gabbana,” by displaying second grade rhyming skills, making sexual innuendos, and throwing out name brands to display how much money you have, you too, could get your music heard on the radio today!