Floyd Mayweather/ J. Cole: "Generation without Role Models?"

It was always the younger generation who had a bad reputation. But even with that said, it's hard to ignore the fact that nowadays the most popular persons in teenagers eyes are often also the most instable characters. Now i am not trying to point fingers or judge anybody, but i think there is some truth to the saying:

With Great Power Comes A Great Responsibility.
-Stan Lee-

In my opinion this should concern poplular musicians as well as all kind of media. It has such a big impact what we are displaying to the youth. It is especially during our youth when we are the most impressionable. Therefore all actions and words should be chosen wisely, since they have such a high inpact on todays and the upcoming generation.

One massive problem a lot of people in the show buisness share is their drug abuse. Now it is one thing to do drugs it is another thing to promote it. Just recently Box Champion Floyd Mayweather criticized Rappers for promoting that
"it is ok to take any drugs now" "it's ok to be a junkie"

Although he did not mention names. It's not hard to think of text examples from famous rappers that match his description.

Maybe one of the most popular rappers nowadays is the Atlanta based Rapper Future
Alone his smash hit Mask Off
contains lyrics describing his use of the Partydrug Molly (MDMA) as well as Promethazine (ingredient for the infamous drug cocktail lean) and Theo-Dur also known as Theophylline which is a medication used to assist in wheezing and asthma, often used for maintaining the ability for weed consumption.

Drug houses, lookin' like Peru
Graduated, I was overdue
Pink Molly, I can barely move

My guillotine, drank promethazine ...
Theo-Dur prescriptions, focus on the missions

He named his Album Dirty Sprite slang word for the drug cocktail of codeine and promethazine also known as Lean or Purple Drank

But drugs are not the only thing glorified in today's Hip Hop community. Countless lyrics are containing a form of glamorized violence. Just one Example is 50 Cent talking about killing his rivals mother to get to him.

I'll kill you - I ain't playin...
If you was smart you'd be shook of me
Cuz I'd get tired of lookin for ya, spray ya momma crib, and let ya ass look
for me
-50 Cent-(Song: Heat)

But also female rappers have gained huge popularity within society. Let's take Nicki Minaj as an example. Her song Anaconda peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for Best Rapsong at the Grammy Awards 2015. In that song she talks about having sex with rich armed drugdealers using her big butt to make them buy her fancy stuff.

Boy toy named Troy, used to live in Detroit
Big dope dealer money, he was gettin' some coins...
I let him hit it cause he slang cocaine
He toss my salad like his name Romaine
And when we done, I make him buy me Balmain
I'm on some dumb shit, by the way, what he say?
-Nicki Minaj-(Song: Anaconda)

Even though music is consumed and made for entertainment these songs contain a message to the youth. The message that it's cool for a young man to kill innocent people, that it is cool to do drugs. That it is cool to be dumb as a young woman as long as you are attractive. That it is the ultimate goal for girls to date a thug, make men basically pay you for
sex and have plastic surgeries to get fake boobs or a bigger butt so you can feel beautiful.

--------!?!?!?!?----- ----------!?!?!?!?----

Maybe one reason why we have so few good role models in Hip Hop today is that most didn't have on themself.
An artist who slightly adresses the subject of lacking proper role models is J. Cole

On his Song No Role Modelz, he names the 90's sitcom Fresh Prince Of Bel Air's character "Uncle Phil" as a fictional positive father figure

First things first rest in peace Uncle Phil
For real, you the only father that I ever knew
I get my bitch pregnant I'ma be a better you...
No role models and I'm here right now
No role models to speak of
Searchin' through my memory, my memory
I couldn't find one

It is hard to accept that Hip Hop is left to only false prophets poisining our generation.
Luckily there are still some Rappers out there who seem to be willing to make music from time to time offering a valuable message.

ambitious girl, you just wanna win, and you'd rather chase your dreams,
then to try to chase these men
that try to chase these skirts
that try to chase these shots with flavors that not even as sweet as her
-Wale-

I think it is time for a lot of rappers to overcome their immature lyrics and use their power for the good. I think it is still possible to speak about violcence and sexuality and you even should if that reflects your experiences, but...i think there is often definately a better way to do it. Regardless how Hip Hop will evolve...we can all be role models in our our little world, we might not reach millions but we can influence those around us with not only words but our actions!

-The Owl-