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Rap is not music. It is stylized noise. It probably takes a great deal of ability to perform, but that should in no wise qualify it as 'music'.
There has been a general decline in *all* forms of music in recent years. Even contemporary country music is very imitative of pop of the 70's and 80's, some songs being but blatant copies of the classics from this era.
I, too, am dismayed at the high level of acceptance of the 'hip-hop' modes of dress, linguistics, etc among young people of all races. Having said that, I am also dissappointed by the subtle calls for violence by my compatriots who recognize rap/hip-hop as the auditory garbage that it is.
To the individual who suggested that rap is inspirational in churches: I would submit that this mindset parallels the general decline in Christian worship. This is due to the wide acceptance of both the Charismatic modes of worship and also the "purpose driven" pragmatism that is dominant in the styles of worship in the contemporary church.
In regards to the "pants-hanging-off-and-exposing-the-ass- crack" isssue: needless to say, it is not something that young people of any race should emulate. As I understand it, this practice had its origin when "Gangstas" were sent to prison and then became sexual playthings for the more dominant prisoners. The lowered pants in the back was a sign of submission. When these individuals were released, for some reason they continued to wear their pants in this manner. Juveniles who looked up to these 'gansta' ex-cons as role models soon imitated this style of dress and it spread from there.
If you really want to celebrate black culture musically, might I suggest listening to Motown? Something like Smokey Robinson or The Four Tops? Smokey Robinson, in my opinion, probably had more talent in his fingernail clippings than Eminem has in his entire person.
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