Pure Rap - How can we explain the popularity of/support for GANGSTA RAP?

How can we explain the popularity of/support for GANGSTA RAP?

Why did it really take off in the late 1980's and 90's? Was it because of a bad economy in the 80's? Why do so many black and white people love it? The lyrics have the worst message in musical history. Am I right?

Public Comments

You are right. Rap sucks, in all forms. Even the one's with decent and positive lyrics suck in my opinion. I just hate the genre.
its more than the message,its the composition of the lyrics. rhythm, flow, delivery, subject matter,metaphors,punchlines and more ways to play with words.
Because thugs like to be irresponsible, but look cool at the same time. No work, no daddy's, dope, crime, no job = cool. See?
There is HARDLY any gangster rap out these days... Gangster rap started with NWA and as of now, it's non existent. I can't think of one rapper that's really or has really lived through what they're rapping about. At the time, there was so much BS coming from cops towards the black community... It was real and that's why people still love/love it. It does NOT have the worst message in music history so you my friend are wrong.
if you dont like it dont listen to it.Its that simple.No need to bytch n moan
Yes, you're right on. Its not usic its hate speech.
People who like rap music like rap music for the same reason as you like you type of music. Its what they like. Its their preference. And there is nothing wrong with liking rap music either. Maybe I think your music is rubbish.
I figured it made many people listening, feel empowered in an anti-hero kind of way.
It was to do mainly with rodney king incident and all the 'f!ck da po-lice', people love it because it's behind a banging beat as long as it's got that people are ignorant. I like certain gangsta rap artists cah they are real and what they are saying is truths, even though the majority of rap music is negative and most of the artists are fake, it was never intended to start out like that.. that's what happens when society gets involved and btw it's not like you have to listen to it ya dig?
hip hop/rap is my favorite genre and rock is my Second favorite. u got a problem with rap music HO. how 'bout i put a cap up yo a*s, HO!!! i treat a ho like a ho, a bi*ch like a bi*ch and a lady like a lady.
Dissonance and noise do not add up to music, it is just that - dissonance and noise.
Really? They got the worst message in musical history? Violence has been part of music and artistic expression since the dawn of humanity. If you dont believe me, look at the lyrics of the French National anthem, la Marseillaise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K1q9Ntcr5g The lyrics are basically a rallying call to slaughter...which aint that much different from this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLymWvoGcfs&feature=PlayList&p=7E01FB83476C84D6&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=34
I never understood punk rock and slam dancing and biting the heads off live animals...WTF is that about is a better question...