The problem with this writer is that he thinks that most young people are looking at the man/character of the rapper, when in fact, they are listening and wanting to emulate the man/character of the people about whom these rappers sing!
We adults can step back, analyze and realize that Jay-Z, Eminem, etc... have become successful artists and business professionals.
The kids listening don’t care about that part, they care about the wild, rich, sex and drug filled lifestyle about which these artists sing! They figure, hell, if 50-Cent can deal drugs, get shot and then sing about that lifestyle and become successful, I can go and do all those things and also come out as some multimillionaire!
The fact is: MOST of those thugs don’t make it and just end up with a rap sheet, unable to get a decent job and then blame the “system” or the “man!” How many of us wanted to be an NFL superstar? How many of us actually BECAME an NFL superstar?
This writer is delusional if he thinks the young generations are able to delineate one from the other!