Does the controversy over whether hip-hop has a negative influence on young adults have rappers cleaning up their act? People that criticize the lyrics in hip-hop may not have listened to the latest in metal, rock, and even pop! While comparing lyrics from all genres it seems that hip-hop is far less evil, in comparison, than perceived.

We have all heard artist say that music is a reflection of their reality. Let us take a look at the reality of some popular artist.

The all too famous Marilyn Manson who is know for antichrist slurs has a song titled Rock and Roll Nigger. The lyrics state, “This is your world in which we grow and we will grow to hate you”. The song proceeds with a chant of “we will grow to hate you”, repeated over again. Although there were no “curse” words, I felt the rage of a slave that had just escaped and I wanted revenge!

Pop sensation Katy Perry has hit single Kissed a Girl, which aided in creating lesbians everywhere. Every girl that found herself singing along had to reconsider if kissing a girl (and liking it) made her a lesbian? Yes, especially if you taste her chap stick!  

Most recently I was introduced to Soulja Boy’s album by my young niece who comes in the room singing, “…Don’t get mad cause ya kids like me”. Hilarious when coming from a 4 year old! But the point is, if you cannot control the newest trend, join in.  

 Now when it comes it hip-hop many say that it is the cursing and the name calling that reflects poorly on the image. Well, ok maybe. But is certainly not the content that is detrimental. I almost always get the moral of the story once I take the time to listen to the message in a hip-hop song. It’s not how it’s said but what is said that I would want my children to grasp. So, to answer the initial question, does the controversy have rappers cleaning up their act? Nope, and don’t get mad!