let me play the part of the (semi) apologist:
loud car stereos started out as a part of hip hop culture in the early 80s. kids created block parties out in their neighborhoods and often rigged up sound systems by illegally tapping into street lights. this eventually passed as growing gang activity and police raids as a result became all too common. the zulu nation was formed in part to negotiate gang fueds and to keep the neighborhoods more safe. as time went on, souped up car systems became the way to have outdoor parties. now some how in the mid to late 80's, the outdoor party aspect of the loud car system dropped the party aspect and became a status symbol - the louder it was the cooler the driver and associated riders were. hence brings us to today where most kids bangin' their systems have no idea where the idea came from or how much money the stereo manufacturers made from this long ago fad that is now a permanent fixture in youth culture.
I came of age when hip hop was breaking into the mainstream. a lot of my becoming an adult is tied up with the golden age of rap circa 1984-1989. I love classic rap.
HOWEVER....(hence the "semi" part)
IMO rap dallied in the "gansta" phase much too long and lost almost all of the positive, unique voices from its golden age. there are a few left but their popularity is miniscule in comparison with the gansta/playa/playboy/millionaire-wannabe rappers that are currently popular. and, hip hop lover that I am, I still get tired of the same "ole shit" over and over booming at me from over a mile away. youth culture always forgets what came before and why. that is why they still play their music too loud. kids will be kids....with better toys as time marches on.
will