Although many parents believe that music such as hardcore rap, metal, or music with explicit words are poorly affecting their children, in reality, the music that children listen can benefit their lifestyle and the decisions they make. As a matter of fact, music is used in therapy for people who are diagnosed with depression or extreme anxiety, such as “hip-hop therapy”. The image of rap culture has changed over the years from someone wearing saggy clothing and big chains, to rappers riding in fancy cars and living the high life. But what most people don’t know is that this type of fancy lifestyle can actually have a positive, socially beneficial effect. This is a theory put forward by Cambridge University’s Department of Psychology, who says that mobile rap can actually benefit those experiencing mental health issues. The main factor that rap has to offer is being able to express yourself freely. Nowadays more artists are expressing modern world problems through their lyrics which allows children to become more aware of issues relating to them or others. For example, Nicki Minaj’s song “Pills N Potions” talks about relationships and being taken for granted in her lyrics, “People'll love you and support you when it's beneficial, I'ma forgive, I won't forget, but I'ma dead the issue…They see you doin' good, now it's kinda hard to diss you…” Even though many young adults overlook lyrics and just listen to music, if they actually listened to the words, children could learn about many problems such as relationships in this case. Overall, the negative perception of hip-hop has been everlasting and should be viewed differently because of the beneficial effects it has posed on many children. Through thick and thin, music has always proved to be a comfort zone away from reality where you can put in your earphones and forget the world around you to unwind.
