“We can never go nowhere unless we share with each other.”

-Tupac Shakur

If I had a dollar for every time I was in the presence of someone that suggested rap isn’t real music, I would be a millionaire. People often don’t think that rap is a valid music genre because of its uniqueness in comparison to other genres. However, rap is a genre of music and it should be regarded as such. 

Although most rap verses don’t follow a traditional melody, the melody is found in the words. Alliteration, hyperbole, juxtaposition, and so many other devices can be found in rap lyrics. Rappers play on syllables and consonant sounds to create rhythm with their words. The artistry that goes into rap music is incredible. Rap choruses provide a sense of consistency within the variation of patterns that make up a rap song. Within these patterns and rhythms, a powerful story is being told. 

A major reason why people seem to think that rap isn’t a valid genre of music is because a lot of rap songs talk about heavy topics such as poverty, racism, addiction, and alcoholism. However, what people fail to realize is that rappers use their music to express their innermost thoughts and feelings just the same as any other artist. Along with that, it is condescending to believe you have the power to dictate what is or isn’t art. None of us are in the position to define what art is or isn’t. Rap has provided an escape for a lot of people and it shouldn’t be invalidated because it can be controversial. At times, art is controversial. That’s what leads to growth as a society. 

Senior Blake Sinks explains that rap and hip hop contribute to culture as well by stating, “Just because rap is not a part of your culture doesn’t mean it can’t be part of someone else’s.” Rap music is a significant part of Black culture. Rappers like Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino unite their listeners through powerful lyrics about the struggles of being Black men in America. 

I don’t think that rap music deserves the hate it gets. Rap is a valid music genre and scrutiny from people who don’t understand its depth can’t take that away. The ability to which rappers can take simple words and rhythms and transform them into a powerful work of art is astonishing. In the words of Kendrick Lamar: “The message I’m sending to myself: I can’t change the world until I change myself first.”