Alienation of mainstream rap

Rap music is now the most popular music in America. It is played on the most popular radio stations, tv, movies and even in stores. But what type of message is is sending? As most would agree, it's not too good of one. 

Mainstream rap has glamorized a lifestyle that many teenagers wish to fulfill. It provides a false sense of arrogance. Many of the songs only talk about how awesome the rappers think themselves are, and how great their lives are. They talk about a life of luxury; fast cars, expensive clothing, beautiful women and constant drug use. It promotes the use of various substances including alcohol, marijuana, cough syrup, and especially recently, the drug known as molly, which is a form of ecstasy. This leads teens to believe these actions are ok because their favorite rappers do it and they're rich. It makes them believe that partying is a successful and fulfilling way of life. 

These songs are filled with childish word play and words that for some reason they think rhyme. They are often unimaginative, juvenile, and posses no deeper meaning other than what is presented. This style is most prominently found with rappers like Drake, Chief Keef, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and most notably Lil' Wayne. However, rappers like Aesop Rock and Eyedea are credited for their imaginative lyrics, complex rhyme schemes and multi-layered metaphors and meanings.