Response to: How Hip-Hop Lost Its Way and Betrayed Its Fans

Brent Staples the author of the article, “How Hip-Hop Music Lost Its Way and Betrayed It Fans”, did a great job stating his argument. It is crystal clear and if anyone was to read this article they would definitely know what he is arguing. He offered solid information and facts that work very well with his argument. The background information that he dug up on the rapper 50 Cent was genius. It was a good move for him to make because mostly likely readers will have heard of 50 Cent or listened to his songs but they might not have known about his violent past, I know I sure didn’t. I found it very interesting the information he stated about the Hot 97 shootings. I liked the way he added a horrific true life story to back up his points about rappers being related to violence. Another part of his argument that I liked was the reference he made to the lyrics of the songs and the album covers of Hip-Hop music. They all involve violence and promote it in a way that little children who look up to these men and want to become just like them. So therefore these children start getting involved in violence and using foul behavior. This article definitely deserved to be in The New York Times and it makes me really think about the background meaning of the music and lyrics I am listening to.