What are your feelings RE: Rap music and would you let your kids listen to it?

[Erica J.]

Do you or would you allow your kids to listen to rap music?

[MiKim]

I have taught in an urban school district for 20 years and I am NOT a fan of rap. Some rappers are okay, but I find that many/most are offensive and have values that I do not agree with. The actual music doesn't float my boat much either....too loud and bassy.

[BC-MAV]

I don't like rap music... it's just not music to my ears. I wouldn't let my kids listen to it. I'd encourage them on other types of music early on.

[BC-CrystalAZ]

As much as I hate it, yes I would allow it, but I would check the lyrics before allowing any specific album. There is rap that is more "fun" than about killing, "ho"s, etc. and that is what I would allow if my child liked rap.

Of course nobody in our circle listens to it so hopefully we can guide the child toward music we like (or can at least stand!)

Crystal

[CindiR]

All rap music is not bad. I don't enjoy it but if it was the lyrics were not inappropriate I don't think I would have a problem with it.

[Maddy00]

As with any music, it's all about the lyrics and the message. If they are inappropriate, then he doesn't/won't listen to it, not in this house anyhow.

[ResqMomma]

Pending the words/meaning of the song.

There won't be none of that thump-tee-dee-bump in my house/cars or property.

[robine]

I have older children ( 13 and 14) and I guess I am pretty (dare I say this word?? ) liberal with what they listen to.. I allow them to listen to pretty much whatever they decide they like AND for the most part, they have not opted to down load what I might find objectionable with the excetion of "My Humps"...( a tune I actually like the "music" to just not the message...(I think i am way more than my lovely lady lumps and My hump my hump my hump) That said., DD told me she liked London Bridge by Fergie..Well, I pulled the lyrics up for her and allowed her to watch the video and I asked her a question..In the video/song Fergie talks of being a lady but Dressing/dancing (??can't reallytell which) like a ho..I asked DD if that was someting to aspire to ..she agrees that being/dancing /dressing like a Ho is not a good thing BUT she still enjoys the song..Fair enough... she ( DD) does not dress/dance or act like a ho) adn teh tune is a tad catchy..I don't like the part where Fergie says , "Fergie Ferg gonna loveya long time"..first, off the grammar is atoricious and I don't care how long she can maintain without getting a guy off...No need to delve that deeply there Ferg..Sounds as if the old gal may have some issues in the bedroom and needs to assure folks she can put out well...



DD also likes "do your chain hang low" about bling bling..Stupid beyond words..grammatically a nightmare and just ignorant..Not even worth the airtime...

By NOT putting the hammer down so to speak,my children have developed a great love or many differnet sounds..DS favors liks some rap but is big on The Beatles, Meticalla, Nirvana, The Kinks, the Byds and many of the older types of music..DD likes country, rap,Big bands, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Tom Waites among many others..

[marya]

Not all rap music can be lumped in together. DH and I listen to some rap/hip hop. I tend to download "radio edits" of songs that will primarily be played on my iPod. DH has originals in his.

For me it will be about age appropriateness and message. Rap won't be penalized any stronger than other songs. It isn't going to be a cut and dry thing either. Some songs the message is lousy but the music is great and really the at the forefront (eg, not rap, but I love the song Follow Me by Uncle Kraker, it makes me happy every time I hear it, but it is about an affair, which I obviously don't think is "on message", but that aspect of the song really isn't what one "notices" when they listen). Also, are some songs that use very crude language, but in a way I find to be within the artistic message of the song. Those kinds of songs I won't let my 6 year old listen to, but I may let my 13 year old, with a discussion about the meaning and power of language.

So as with much of my parenting philosophy, it's on a case by case basis.

[Sonj]

Probably not, but if he has something in particular he liked, I would make sure and listen to it and make sure it wasn't extremely vulgar.

Of course once he's old enough, that would be his choice. I just would not want it in
my presence.