llicit drug culture in music

“At one point, you were looked at as crazy and completely discredited if you were addicted to drugs, but now it’s cool to be barred out. It’s glorified. If LeBron wears Jordans then everyone wants to buy those sneakers, and it’s the same with rap. If Future is rapping about pissing codeine then people will want to imitate him as he’s the king.” (Lil Xan). Since as far back as the 1950's themes around drugs have circulated through music. LSD and heroin inspired musicians through the 1960s and 70’s, next cocaine fueled 1980s pop music. Fast-forward to the 2010's, and it’s opioids and prescription drugs that now have a hold over some of rap's biggest superstars and lyrics. I am interested in exploring the harmful impacts of illicit drug use in popular rap music, and the romanticization of addiction. Opiates, Percocet, Xanax, as well as drugs like lean (a dangerous concoction created by combining codeine cough syrup with Sprite) are more likely to be referenced on a popular rap song than weed or alcohol. Themes and innuendoes about drugs use have always existed in music, however with the mass expansion of social media, the music industry's megastars have a direct and more powerful and outlet to influence young people that can not be disregarded.

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For Further Research

I think the following link to websites is a good starting point for a brief overview of the topics discussed. I think these three websites really capture the skyrocketing impact that drugs have on rap music as well as the statistics associated with the genre. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34121603/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/rappers-keep-dying-fast-and-young-how-should-we-manage-our-grief/2020/02/21/36c21af0-541b-11ea-9e47-59804be1dcfb_story.html https://www.vulture.com/2018/02/the-drugs-influencing-pop-culture-right-now.html

What the Experts Say I

Illegal drug use became increasingly linked during this time period to wealth, glamour, and social standing, marking a significant change from earlier years, when rap music was more likely to have depicted the dangers and negative consequences of drug abuse, according to the study authored by Denise Herd, associate professor at Berkeley's School of Public Health. "This trajectory in rap music raises a number of red flags," said Herd, who also is associate dean for student affairs at the School of Public Health. "Rap music is especially appealing to young people, many of whom look up to rappers as role models. As a public health researcher, and as a parent of a 7-year-old, I'm concerned about the impact that long-term exposure to this music has on its listeners." "Rap is inherently powerful," said Herd. "It has experienced phenomenal growth in many sectors of society in this country and even abroad. Rap artists have become key role models and ...

Current Events II

A few summers ago, platinum selling rapper Russ attempted to promote an anti-drug movement in hip-hop when he wore a T-shirt that said only “losers” Abby Xanax and take Raine. Following Russ’s social media post, he received a huge amount of backlash. Many people including other rappers like Smokepurpp, and media outlets accused Russ of being insensitive to people struggling with addiction, especially since he posted this after the death of Lil Peep. I personally believe that such a direct and loud statement was a positive action on behalf of Russ as it stimulated real and important conversations that need to be had around Drug culture in rap music. Following the backlash, Ross stated that even if he stopped one kid from abusing drugs then his mission was accomplished, As it’s better than encouraging people to try drugs. I think it is really concerning that somebody received so much backlash for being anti-drug, compared to the little to no backlash that rappers and musicians get for be...

Drug culture in music: a raw review of how drugs have changed and defined music

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