Right now in the UK, there are several up and coming rappers who have joined the music industry from across London.
One rapper from West London, who goes by the name Fredo recently released a music video on the 2nd of November for his new single called Change. In the video, Fredo shows off his designer garments and shiny jewellery and makes bold statements like “all these boxes and kilos, got me the same watches as the Migo’s.” This song is just one out of many songs that are listened to by the youth of our generation.
Fredo’s lyrics implicate that dealing with cocaine gave him the chance to make the same amount of money as famous American hip-hop trio Migo’s.
Fredo was considered one of the leading members of West London’s well-known gang called Harrow Road Boys.
Fredo’s fans are generally teenagers and therefore, his new fresh garments may influence many youngsters to go down the same path as him. Fredo uses his music as a source to express his thoughts about his lifestyle and gang violence. The more people listen to Fredo’s music the more they may be intrigued in following his lifestyle.
What do the statistics suggest?
According to UK crime statistics between August 2017 and September 2017, the most common crime that had taken place were described as “other crimes” some crimes that fall under this category are theft, drugs, and possession of weapons.
All these crimes are promoted by some UK rappers who make it sound as though it is almost acceptable to commit such crimes.
Not all rap music is negatively influential. In one song written by the late Tupac Shakur called Dear Mama, the rapper reveals how his single mother managed to bring up himself and his sister even though they were from a low-income household.
Tupac used his lyrics to express how he is thankful to his mother for everything she has done for him. He makes statements such as “There’s no way I can pay you back, but the plan is to show you that I understand, you are appreciated". These lyrics show the youth of our generation that they should respect their parents.
Where can I hear this music?
Music platforms like GRM Daily and Link Up TV allow rappers to share their music. Not all rap music may have negative connotations but it is vital that we keep an eye on some of the lyrics that are embedded into these songs.
Rap music first came to fame in the 1970’s in the U.S as a type of street art. However, by the 1990’s it developed from simple lyrics to more complex lyrics. During the 1990’s rap artists such as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls began ruling the charts. However, back then rap was more about expressing your thoughts, but now it revolves more around rappers showing off their lifestyle.
Nevertheless, rappers who write this sort of music should take into consideration their target audience and how easily their song lyrics can manipulate an innocent vulnerable child or teenager.
#Gangviolence #influentialrapmusic #crime
