Mickey Hess, an associate professor, describes how, when, and where hip hop began in his book Hip hop in America: A Regional Guide. It also discusses how the conflict of drug use and violence rise in the culture. He speaks on why drugs cause violence, and how violence also leads to drug use. Essentially, Hess believes that it’s not the artist fault for a teen’s drug usage, but the producer, managers, and corporations of the artists. For example, at the beginning of the weed challenge video, SBTV makes this statement: “SBTV would like to note that the presence of cannabis was purely circumstantial and that we as a platform do not condone the acts circumstantial and that we as a platform do not condone the acts represented in this video but believe in a truthful portrayal of the culture around the artists we feature”. Basically, SBTV contradictive analysis says that they don’t condone drug use, but they’ll provide the artist with the illegal drug to show an audience that hip hop culture’s drug use is indeed true. A stunt like this is why hip hop culture is looked down upon. Because of Wiz Khalifa’s willingness to do the weed challenge, his character would be destroyed. He’s the blame and not the “hierarchy of legal entity” that put the drug in his hand. Hess introduces that “The popular concept of the rap game as an extension of the drug trade or criminal enterprises is rooted in the ties between drug trafficking and independent hip hop labels that have existed for decades” (Hess, 435). Hip hop culture has been around for centuries, but yet, drugs have always been a factor.
Drug usage can be defined as pattern of repeated use of a substance that is considered to be dependent. (Dictionary.com) Also referred to as substance abuse, the use of drugs doesn’t always have to be mood-altering, psychological, or pharmaceutical drugs. When using the phrase “drug use”, usually researchers are associating with nonmedical drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroine. The use of drugs can result in criminal penalty, along with social and physical harm. Within the hip hop culture, drugs that are commonly used are marijuana, cocaine, and also the use of alcohol substances.
Ultimately, the history and early trends of hip hop contributed to the glorification of drug use in the industry. Through its continuation, the desire of wanting to be cool in society and the way adolescents learn, think, and behave are the future effects of the issue. Drugs have been commonly approved in hip hop and seem to be somewhat of a proud force. Although hip hop is a culture that embraces its diversity, background, and freedom of speech, it shouldn’t take advantage of its power. Hip hop’s cultural outlook will eventually change the genre itself into something that was once a way to uplift an audience, into an unacceptable perception of the industry. Music shouldn’t use drugs as a way to encourage teens, make more money, or keep the business popular and entertaining. Hip Hop should be about pride in its culture, aspiring artists that make a difference, and a lifestyle that inspires its fans to be successful in the future.
