I have received lots and lots of questions regarding the true effects of rap music on the listening public. Some say that it is the demise of today's youth because of its open promotion of sex, drugs and violence. Others say that the lyrics are the truth of our society as expressed by our modern day poets. I for one have a biased opinion, as I have lived on both sides of the fence on this subject. As a young man, I often listened to a wide range of rap music. Some gave me thoughts of a better world and the motivation to be a progressive member of society, while other music gave me thoughts of hitting the street and making fast money. Whatever the flavor, I think that the true suggestive power of music is vastly underestimated. I believe that music gives listeners sub conscience "marching orders" whether good or bad. This became most evident to me as I traveled to high schools and middle schools speaking to youth and asking questions about how music affects their daily lives. Although I am not an advocate of judging anyone's art, I personally have chosen to give my very best effort to make music that will motivate others and since I started doing it I found that there are many more artist who share my vision but rarely do they ever get mainstream attention.
So do I think that Progressive rap is a dream? By no means, and I think that in the near future progressive rap will be a musical genre to be reckoned with as more lovers of the music begin to demand more substance from the artists.
Marcus Parker is a published author and motivational rapper who has inspired youth across the United States. He has been featured in many newspapers, radio and television programs as well as an independent documentary detailing his accomplishments in using music to motivate Youth.
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