Rap is known for creating braggadocio alter egos and this can be misleading to blind followers.
Now you can argue the music is just for fun, but this generation’s ability to be influenced is different than previous. The music is getting more accessible and more explicit. Kids at any age can get on YouTube and see rappers partying or worst - hear the newest, disturbing song by Stitches.
The Internet and music industry can be a dangerous combo. Kids, teens, college students, etc. see the latest rappers getting f*****d up and think that it has been their entire life.
Then the influenced simply party their lives away and don’t amount to anything. I am not saying these artists are fake, but I wish people would realize how long these artists grinded on their work before reaching this stage in their life. Any successful career requires a strong work ethic.
The stereotypical view of a rapper normally doesn’t cause you to think of a college degree, but let's look at maybe why it should.
2 Chainz went to Alabama State University, a Division I college, on a full-ride athletic scholarship and was on the dean’s list multiple times. 2 Chainz mornings weren’t always like, “I just woke up, tell me where the drugs at. And after the drugs, tell me where the girls at.” Along with playing college basketball, 2 Chainz graduated with a 4.0 from ASU.
Childish Gambino is another good example. Many Childish Gambino fans are aware of his success, due to his multiple talents – acting, comedy, singing, rapping, and writing – which help keep his resume well known. With that being said, there are still people unaware of the years of hard work it took him to get to his current position.
Childish Gambino went to New York University where he received a bachelor’s degree. Childish lived on the dean’s list, like 2 Chainz, and graduated with above a 3.0. For multiple years, Gambino was a RA at NYU and claims he never really partied in high school or college. He went on to become a YouTube star, actor, comedian, writer, and musician.
Gerald "G-Eazy" Gillum graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree. He started as a teen making beats on his own computer and produced all of his own songs, prior to his latest album and a few singles. Growing up he was judged as a nerd, because he would rush home daily to play with his new-music software. Gerald put countless hours on his first Mac and many people told him it was pointless.
Honorable Mention: J Cole graduated with honors from St. John’s with a business degree.
Now I am not saying there is anything wrong with partying – I just want people to be aware of the work ethic required to be successful. I want people to stop assuming these musicians are only about sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll hip-hop.
I think it’s crazy how much of an influence music and these musicians have on our society. I want to end the fake persona and remind people to see past the perceived images of these musicians.
Their success stories did not just happen overnight. They worked for theirs and you should work for yours too!
