Rap Music vs. Youth Culture The term "pop culture" refers to the ideas, style, and images that are popular and familiar in today's society. Things as diverse as clothing, cars, music, technology, and decorative accessories are considered pop culture. All of these things have changed over the decades. Kids now like to drive big trucks and sports cars and wear pants that look like they're about to fall off. Girls are obsessed with being skinny and need to wear the latest style of clothing, whether it's UGG boots or baggy sweaters. On top of all that, music is one of the most important things in pop culture. Music is what influences young people drastically, whether it's rock music or rap music. Throughout history music has changed drastically from style to sound. As the years pass, many people argue that the music industry in today's society is no longer what it was decades ago. Turning on the radio you understand that many artists have their own style. Years ago, artists like the Beatles or the Eagles played on the radio. As the generation grows, so does the music. Nowadays, if you turn on the radio, you are most likely listening to pop or rap music. Some stations still play alternative and rock music, but very few. The biggest radio stations play what young people want to hear, which is rap music. Rap music is one of the most popular scenes in pop culture today. Simply by asking anyone, of any age, they would be able to name at least one rap artist. It's a genre that has consumed young people and even some adults. Since the Internet, radio, and television make it so easy to access this music, you might see a 4-year-old singing songs from a popular song or even an 80-year-old singing the same thing, so... half the paper ...I am. This makes these young victims feel like they are not the only ones going through the things they are going through. Everyone will always have their own opinion on rap music. Many may see it as an escape and something they care deeply about. Others may see it as absurd and as having a negative effect on young people. As you can see, rap has a control over the audience that listens to it. Some people are affected in some positive way, but most are not. Most listeners tend to fall victim to the images it portrays. Songs about drug abuse can lead to the use of illegal substances and further dangers. Songs that degrade women convey the image that it's okay to treat people this way. Songs about life as a thug glamorize illegal gun use and crime. Rap music is pop culture's biggest moneymaker but, at the same time, a big deal.