Substance References In Popular Music

Part of why is that cool has become the dominant theme of children’s marketing. Part of the genius of cool is its versatility.” Tara Parker-Pope writes in an article in the New York Times called, “Under the Influence of …Music?” she states, “Only 9 percent of pop songs had lyrics relating to drugs or alcohol. The number jumped to 14 percent for rock songs, 20 percent for R&B and hip-hop songs, 36 percent for country songs and 77 percent for rap songs.” I cannot believe some of the superstars that will record lyrics equivalent to this. Whatever happened to the morals Americans found acceptable to have in this country? That is what Americans would love for people of influence to explain to

The impact music had on teenagers was significant. Teenager’s developed a new style of music called Rock ‘n’ Roll, because the lyrics reflected and embraced their lives. High school sweethearts, fast-cars, and rebellion against authority resembled what teenagers craved the most. Parents disliked the message and influence behind the lyrics of Rock ‘n’ Roll, because they believed it caused juvenile delinquency. Parents hated the sexuality of the songs, the performers,

The corruptness of music today seems to be linked to the crude language and aggression found particularly in hip-hop and rap music. Some rap artists use vulgar language in their lyrics that are easily adoptable by teens (Holden). Not only have certain lyrics influenced the way teens speak but also their actions. An article on Headliners.org stated that “lyrics in the music are too violent and are to blame for many problems.” The problems range anywhere from suicide and aggression towards women to underage drinking and drug use. Lyrics are not only to blame, but also what people see in artists’ music videos can affect what they do (Doaks). The urge to emulate these rap musicians has escalated quickly causing a spike in rebellious tendencies among teens.

The portrayal of Drugs in the Hip-Hop culture isn't the only form of music today that puts emphasis on taking drugs and showing it in videos. With the influence of rock bands such as the Strokes and the Vines many are starting to understand the concept of "Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll," a little better. Over the history of Rock and Roll the music industry has lost a lot of wonderful musicians. Just in the past decade we've seen artists like Kurt Cobain, Shannon Hoon and Lance Staley all pass taking with them the sad and horrible truth of what this powerful machine, (DRUGS!) can take from all of us, "A

“Lyrics have become more explicit in their references to drugs, sex, and violence over the years, particularly in certain genres. A teenager's preference for certain

Results of the study displayed that teens with a preference for songs depicting degrading sexual lyrics were more likely to engage in sexual activities themselves (Campbell), which is unintended and unhealthy for young teenagers. Teens who listen to suggestive lyrics that glorify drug and alcohol use are also more likely to engage in these activities. Music often portrays substance use as cool without showing the negative consequences of addiction (Morin). So many popular songs nowadays have lyrics that glorify bad habits and behaviors--making it difficult to avoid hearing and internalizing

Slater (2013), Chen et al. (2006), and Vuolo et al. (2013) all show that music can have an effect on substance use. This shows that when teenagers listen to music where drugs, marijuana for example, are glorified, it can have an effect on their use of this drug.

Music has more of an influence on the people in the twenty-first century than it ever has before. Teens, especially, are surrounded by some sort of it in everything they are around or do. Many disagree on how music impacts one’s mental state and behavior; however, all agree that the impact depends on how the listener feels before and how they allow it to influence them.

Researchers have conducted different researchers aimed at investigating the relationship between illicit drug use and specific music genres. In a study conducted by Hesse and Tutenges (83) it was clear that specific music genre promote drug abuse as they contain different lyrical content, imagery in videos and public image artists who attracted huge following among the youths. A study conducted by Edmondson (406) revealed that music could be used as a model to use drugs while the listeners may share the same music choice with drug users since they will interact in the dances. Additional researchers have associated popular rap and rock songs with deviant messages in their lyrics that encourage drug use (Aldridge and Fachner 20). Another research by Vuolo, Uggen and Lageson (538) revealed that young people who listen to rap and hip hop are more prone to alcohol and drug abuse compared to listeners of other types of music. The researcher connected the findings with the sponsorship done by alcohol companies that use rap in their advertisement and endorsements. In a different study, more than 50 percent of hip-hop and rap mention alcohol or drugs in their lyrics as compared to only 10% of other music genres, Electronic Dance Music included (Van Havere et al. 369). The use of drugs is associated with the frequent exposure of users in music with reference to substance abuse (Vuolo, Uggen and Lageson 539). There are few gaps in the literature

In 1989, the American Medical Association released a report that music has a greater influence in the life of a teenager. Teenagers that were involved with the punk and metal culture were more likely to be drug addicts, low achievers and involved in violence activities. There was a report by Free Congress stating that heavy metal and punk music is comprise of anger and sexual violence to point where it keeps getting worse. Some of this music contain racism, drugs, and bigotry. With these type of music, some adolescents are inspired by the things these artists are singing because it makes them feel powerful and gives them a sign of freedom to do whatever they want.

Popular culture film and music has long since been awash with drug references and imagery. The context of these references has majorly affected the way in which they are received and perceived by the wider public, expressly in times of social or political change and unrest. The context in which these images and sounds are being interpreted affect the response to racial vilification, representation, along with gender roles and stereotypes. Conventional practice in the entertainment industries has developed over time but drugs, their users and dealers, including the consumption and production, continue to be portrayed in a mainly negative light, showing the complexity of this particular social process.

When you turn on the radio and change it to your favorite station, what are most of the songs about? In today’s society, the majority of them are probably about sex, drugs, and alcohol. These are the principles mainstream singers like Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj are pounding into young people’s minds. Instead of directing their music negatively, these artists should try to encourage respectable behavior among our youth. I believe that the negative lyrics in many popular contemporary songs have a negative influence on the youth of America.

The artists themselves serve as role models for modern children and adolescents. As role models and symbols, their sexualized lyrics and videos have a demolishing effect on modern youth. The sexualization of females within the music industry has caused many issues with body image and eating disorders amongst young girls, the glorification of sexual intercourse has led to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases amongst teenagers, and the overall increase in sexualized pop music has caused behavioral issues within children. According to Dr. Justin Coulson, “Our digital diet is desensitizing us… Empathy is reduced. Objectification is increased. Morality erodes.” Sexualized modern pop music is demolishing a happy and worry-free childhood for the youth of this modern era, and something must be

The lyrics in nature have changed from what was perceived as happy music, into lyrics surrounded around sexuality and drugs. Parents are seeking ways to protect their children from what has now become a norm in the public eye. Music can play a key role in the socialization of children and adolescents (“Impact of Music Lyrics and Music Videos on Children and Youth”). Studies have been conducted to see how much music a youth is listening to; American youth listen to music from 1.5 to 2.5 hours per day (“Impact of Music Lyrics and Music Videos on Children and Youth”). Lyrics in today’s music have become more explicit with references to drugs, tobacco and alcohol use.

Popular music is often one of the best lenses we have through which to view our own cultural orientation. Many of the artistic and experimental shifts in popular music have mirrored changes in our own society. For instance, the emergence of Elvis Presley as a public figure would signal the start of a sexual revolution and the growth in visibility of a rebellious youth culture. Similarly, the folk and psychedelic music of the 1960s was closely entangled with the Civil Rights, anti-war and social protest movements. In this regard, we can view popular music as an artifact through which to better understand the time and place in which it is produced. In light of this, the state of popular music today may suggest troubling things about our society.