Rock and Rap are two very different genres of music that have very different components. Still both influence society and its youths. Rock music seems to be listened to mostly by Caucasians and is considered by most to express sadness and hatred. Rap music seems to be listening to mostly by African Americans and expresses violence and criminal behavior.
Rap music has a very colorful style when it comes to appearance or clothing. Dating back to the early days of Rap, better known as “old school”, artists such as Flavor- Flave from the group Public Enemy and Slick Rick developed their own styles. For example Flavor – Flave always wore bright and baggy clothes with his signature huge clock chain. It may have seemed outrageous but that was what was “in.” Slick Rick also sported baggy clothes but instead of a clock chain he wore huge gold ones. In present day rap artists still wear baggy clothes that have rich color and huge gold or platinum or diamond chains, depending on their success.For example, Fat Joe and Jay Z, they have huge diamond and platinum chains.
Another component of Rap music is that almost 98.9 percent of all prominent rap artists are African Americans. They are no Caucasians rap artists with the exception of Eminem. This fact has led many to view rap music as a “black thing “or “black music.” Rap music is also considered by most to express violence and criminal behavior. When some think about rap music they think of violent actions, convicts, drugs, and “hoes” and gang bangers. Since rap is more listened to and preformed by African Americans there is this connection that individuals make. So some may believe that blacks are associated to these sorts of things or are the culprits of crime. This makes a lot of people think that many who listen to rap music are black and are gangsters and criminals.
On the other hand Rock musicians’ clothing is very different. In the early days of Rock –n- Roll leather was always the main piece of clothing that defined cool or the “bad –to-the- bone”ideal. Their clothes were always dark colors like black navy blue or purple. Also sharp and dangerous looking accessories seemed to follow. Members of the rock band KISS were known for their leather and armor looking chest plates and bracelets. They also wore face paint or make up which expressed their style of music. Now in present day Rockers like Marilyn Manson, Saliva and Disturbed sport the leather pants look. Spikes and some sort of face paint or make up are also common among rock musicians.
Similarly rock music is played by, listened to and preformed mostly by Caucasians. The only prominent African American rock musician is Lenny Kravitz. This statically fact leads many to believe that rock music is a “white thing or music.” Many believe that rock music expresses sadness, depression, suicide, hatred to life and family members. Also commonly associated with rock music is devil worship. Marilyn Manson a very significant artist said that he himself was the anti Christ..These factors makes a lot of people think that many who listen to rock are white and often are either depressed or angry.
Although Rap and Rock music are at opposite ends of the spectrum they both greatly impact society. While Rap music seems to be tied in more with African Americans and express violence criminal behavior Rock music seems to tie in with Caucasians and express sadness and self inflicted pain. Both genres have become a blame catcher for the majority of youth delinquencies and failure of society
.These factors makes a lot of people think that many who listen to rock are white and often are either depressed or angry.
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