More than Music: Hip-Hop and its Effects on Adolescents

This paper focuses on the impact that hip-hop music has on adolescents and how they integrate it into their daily lives. Hip-hop has easily became one of the most influential aspects in pop culture today. A number of studies were reviewed to specifically examine, “How does hip-hop influence the youth?” Many articles, and books were taken into consideration when exploring this topic. The literature reviewed were written by people who have exposed themselves to hip-hop music in efforts to better understand the adolescents in their lives. Some of the authors that are mentioned include teachers, and music therapists. The results prove that hip-hop has a direct effect on the young fans that are involved in it. When it comes to therapy hip-hop was used as a vital aspect in allowing the youth to feel comfortable enough to deal with their reality and their hardships. It allowed them to experience a sense of relatability, which in turn, helped them find a healthy way to express their feelings. Not only could it be used as a therapeutic relief, it was also proven to be beneficial for students in their schooling. The interest in the subject elicited an ambition in the young students that permitted them to engage in their school work in a way that never have before. Although the literature that was reviewed was very insightful, more research is needed in order to fully grasp the precisely what hip-hop means to the youth.