This week there was a congressional hearing on Capital Hill. They discussed the issue on what rappers are saying in their lyrics: drugs, violence, and how they disrespect women in particular. Rapper David Banner attended as well as rapper Master P. They came to testify on the issue. Master P. had actually just recently changed his lyrics to his songs because of this issue. He stated that if there is something he could do about the lyrical controversy is to take a stand.

That is the way you should look at things if you are any kind of celebrity, especially if your craft is seen or heard by today’s youth. You cannot be selfish. I mean, if you’re famous you have to understand that the things that you produce might affect other people besides yourself and your friends. I don’t think this is something you can blame on the youth either. Today’s youth are going to eat whatever you feed them. They always seem to be really hungry because they choose not to consume the things their parents are into.

David Banner took another look at it and said that the hip-hop culture shouldn’t be blamed for societies problems. He said that problems like drugs and violence were there way before the rap game came to be. That may be true, but on the other hand it doesn’t help to promote violence and drugs in your lyrics when you know that young people might be pressured to handle their business like the hip-hop songs illustrate. I’m not saying that all rap/hip hop music producers are sending a bad message to the community; I just feel that it is crazy how people so high in the game are permitted to get away with this.
—Chris Vargas