I grew up in the late 70's, early 80's. I remember hearing the first Rap song called 'Rapper's Delight' by the Sugar Hill Gang. Then came Kurtis Blow and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five. Taking it a new level was Run-DMC. Then, came LL Cool J and Boogie Down Productions. After that, there was Eric B. and Rakim and Public Enemy. Some of the music was original and some were "looped" beats from other songs.
One thing was certain: Rap was here to stay. In this, the year 2003, Rap is global. It also has crossed-over in to white and suburbia America. It is listened to in Brazil, China, and Japan. It is everywhere!
Some of the songs are politcal, some are about social awareness. Some are about bragging, some are about the hard life on the ghetto streets. Some are simple, some are filled with deep meaning. In other words, like ALL genre's of music, Rap has a message and it ranges from easy/fun to hardcore. Many Pop/R&B songs have a Rapper say something in the middle of it.
Still, even when Rap was in its' infantile stage, the WTS suggested that we not listen to it at ALL! They would always seem to couple Rap and Heavy Metal together and say something like, "We're not saying ALL Rap music is bad. But, if it's bad as a WHOLE, wouldn't it be wise NOT to listen to it?" You remember, don'tcha?
In response, I would like to quote some verses from the Kingdom Melodies. Since Kingdom Melodies are bad as a whole, I have decided to shun that type of music.
Song 3 verse: "God Jehovah does the fighting; Fire from him his foes devours." (Violence)
Song 12 verse: "All our time and resources, to Jehovah they do belong. If to him we do give them, we will never go wrong." (Greed)
Song 18 title: "Bless Our Christian Brotherhood" (Selfishness)
Song 36 verse: "The wicked do not make them fret, Who proudly set themselves on high. They know such won't get life eternal, but will, like green grass, fade and die." (Negativity)
FINALLY, since I am FRANKLY getting SICK from reading thorugh these friggin' songs, here's a litlle gem that should stoke all of your fires:
Song 38: "Displaying Loyalty"
"To God's loyal congregation We too will show loyalty, Give it our steadfast allegiance Even in adversity."
"Loyally we'll help our brothers, Whether new ones or the weak, Both in study and in service With assistance kind and meek. And, as a family circle, we will never rouse distrust, But show that in each relation Loyalty will be a must."
"In this world that's so disloyal, Loyalty we will display T'ward all those to whom it's owing As we walk the Christian way."