Proof from D12 shot dead

[Booldawg]

Over the years there have been quite an alarmingly large number of rappers shot dead and gun crime incidents surrounding rap gigs etc. Why would someone who has made it in life, able to afford a decent lifestyle and have priveleges on offer that most can only dream of, get involved in a gun fight in a night club? And what kind of influence does this have on youth culture? bearing in mind that rap does get a hell of alot of airplay and media attention.

[noxlumos]

I believe it's a case of "you can take the man out of the city, but you'll never take the city out of the man".

A lot of rappers grew up in ghetto neighbourhoods where gang warfare was commonplace and gun crime an everyday occurance, so when faced with a situation they return to what they know, which is blasting the living daylights out of each other with handguns.

There is always a degree of emulation with any popular culture public figure and I agree that with some kids they think it's cool to have been to prison and to resort to violence to sort things out because they admire rappers whose lives have been like that, but that's unavoidable. A lot of rappers do go to great pains to try to put it across to fans that it's not the way forward but at the end of the day you cannot control other people and we need as a culture to encourage our kids to think more for themselevs and follow the herd a bit less in any case, then the problem of negative emulation wouldn't be so extreme.

[Loosehead]

Rappers shot dead? Can't see the downside personally

[BigB]

I disagree with Noxlumos. Only a few rappers grew up in ghetto neighbourhoods the rest just say they did so people who are going to buy their records think they are cool. The real gangster rappers (e.g NWA) know exactly who is from the Ghetto and who isnt. Although Dr Dre will still make money form rappers who say they r from the Ghetto if it makes him money (fairplay). I belive the rappers need to stop glorifying guncrime and tell people it is not "Cool" to be a gangster. The world would be a better place then.

[Will88]

Thats American culture for you.

[kipchik]

Rappers are'Above the law' it seems,money,ego,power,all shot down in smoke!

[Booldawg]

I'm sure alot of Country & Western singers have started from humble beginnings. It really is no excuse.

[ecoman]

I'm with you, Loosehead

[jamesy boy]

Like lottery winning Chavs, it's just the way some people are.