That "explicit lyrics in rap" thread got me thinking about this, after reading one of the posts about how many rappers are being irresponsible with the image they represent to children. Personally, I feel that more of them should be working harder to show a positive image to children.

We hear all these talks about rappers verbally or physically attacking eachother and other problems with the law. Then of course there is the morally ambiguous or down-right encouragement of crime in some artists lyrics. While none of this offends me personally, I don't think it's something that is helpful to children. What is your take on this?

With all the rappers that rap about violence and gangs and etc., it gives me a negative perspective on them. There are good rappers out there, but the ones that rap about negative subjects are more known than them.

I don't think its just rappers. I think ALL artist should be setting more of a positive example.
That being said, however, I don't think it is their place to be a positive example to KIDS. Their target audience is NOT smaller kids. Usually its young adults between the ages of 16-25.
I think the people that need to set a better example are the parents. They aren't there to be friends, they are there to be parents. They need to stop letting the kids listen to whatever they want and set some rules.

I can not really even name 5 "rappers" that I have seen show a positive influence. I know most will say Will Smith for the whole not using many curse words, but how many others can you think of? Maybe I'm just having a slow day and thats why I cant think of any others. :)

One thing that always pissed me off about rappers is how many of them talk lovingly or romantically about the bad neighborhood they used to live in. But do any of these rappers actually use some of their money to help these neighborhoods?

Granted, a few do...but many others do not. They know the hardships other face there, and yet they'll do nothing to help it?

Pathetic and greedy.

ALL CELEBRITIES rap or no, need to be setting a positive example. There are many people who admire and look up to them, and what will they do or think when they see their idols doing something bad?

And what will their friends and family think after hearing about it?

You all are right on the money, and I entirely agree. Anything else I would have stated has already been mentioned by somebody else. Glad to see 5 members responded already! :)

5 positive rappers:
Will Smith
Rev. Run
Beastie Boys (3 of them - they are all positive people)
Sean Combs (i think thats his actual name)
Ice T

Those are people that may not have the most positive rap, although most of them dont cuss in their raps, but they are all positive influnces in their communities and for the culture.

I think there are several rappers who are lyrically very good ,but then , there are some rappers who aren't as virtuous and ethical.Raps that glorify crime,violence or drugs aren't exactly doing a favor to their listeners or the society in general.I agree that they should be more responsible in what they convey and the kind of impact their compositions have on their audience which often includes teens.

It isn't just about what you rap about, it's in what tone you do it in. People like Eminem and Easy E frequently rapped about crimes,murder,and you name it. But neither of those rappers sounded all too serious about it. Easy E was the goofiest looking rapper ever, with a voice to match. And there was often a lot of humor in his work.

There are some rappers who some feel might be a positive influence, but I personally feel the money went straight to their head. Mainly I am talking about Sean Combs.

I don't think this should be only for rappers, I hear a ton of music all the time that has bad words for most of the lyrics. Sometimes it helps the artist be more expressive, but many times it can really just be left out and the song will be fine w/o them.

There are some rappers who some feel might be a positive influence, but I personally feel the money went straight to their head. Mainly I am talking about Sean Combs.

I never saw Sean Combs as a role model, unless teaching kids "plagiarizing is OK, and may make you rich" is considered a good thing. Every single hit the guy ever had, ripped off somebody elses song hardcore. Granted, he usually had permission to do it. Still doesn't make it anymore forgivable.

I wouldn't mind being able to play ALL of my music around my mom without jumping for the skip button.