Personally, i'm indifferent to rap most of the time. Neither yay neither boo about it.
Like you said, Jeremy, it's sad how some children and young teens take media or music/movies to be their idols the wrong way and do violent things afterwards. I think that, if a person is prone to being intolerant, violent...he will be that way with or without outside influences. Even though those can help to trigger it.
On the other hand, rap is IMO a lot about attitude and just posing as a "bad boy". I don't think rappers really mean what they say in their songs. Also, i think making music is better than ending up on the streets (in case of rappers) anytime.
Having said that, i liked Lauryn Hill's songs from her solo CD. It has positive messages, Lauryn has a beautiful, soulful voice (my favorite song is "Everything is everything"). Try it out sometime!
I think Will Smith has this nice groovy/funky style and doesn't use cursing unlike most rappers (neither does Lauryn Hill). At least that's my impression from his vides on MTV.
ps: As for those guys calling U2's music crap, who cares?
You have your own music taste, and they have their own.
pps: I was just making a tape out of various music and it turns out i like a few (not all) of Lauryn's songs: Ex-factor, Everything is everything, Miseducation of L. Hill, Can't take my eyes off of you and Tell him.
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"It's about finding your way into the music." - Edge
"Something inside said this could be everything in your life." - Bono
"U2 as a band does things nobody one else can. I think that is a very powerful thing." - Larry
"Adam believed in the band before anyone did." - Bono
[This message has been edited by U2girl (edited 11-06-2001).]