Knowledgeable in the metaphysics of music, we can learn a lot from clinical psychologist Dr. Nelson Harrison, who has recently gone on record in saying that the violent lyrics of some hip-hop songs are intensified by drumming that has the power to negatively impact the minds of children. He states that the drumming sounds alone of most hip-hop songs create a hypnotic effect on children, who become more susceptible to the negative messages of the lyrics they encounter. In the end, this kind of stimulation can change their behavior, and bring them closer to the dark side.
Dr. Harrison zeroes in on a component of mainstream hip-hop music that creates children who are more susceptible to the lyrics and imagery that make the Devil quite pleased. Harrison sheds light on the role of the drum machine. He states [1]: “The drum machine was designed to imitate human drummers, however, the machine produces a quantized beat that is mathematically perfect. This makes it a perfect hypnotic trance inducer that allows post-hypnotic suggestions (the content) to become imbedded into the subconscious mind of the listener. The human subconscious mind receives its basic programming between the ages of 0 to six years. We see the results of several decades of gangsta rap coming through the earphones worn by a child in diapers on a daily basis. It certainly is not the child’s fault that their reality base consists of some of the images that the industry is putting in the market.”
The destructive messages of the Devil come through in lyrics that glorify the mistreatment of women, encourage a promiscuous lifestyle, promote alcohol and drugs, and glorify violence. While the drum machine appears in other forms of music, hip-hop is often on the frontline of controversy because of the related violence and counter-culture that easily attracts at-risk youths.
The hip-hop music that we know today is more than 40 years old, and has evolved over time to include both positive and negative forms of expression. When used positively, the music comes through as rhyming poetry accentuated by a beat that you can dance to. Incorporating negative slang and “four-letter words” for shock value soon became the norm. Many hip-hop artists use creative speech to send out messages to listeners ”“ some of which are persuasively dark. The more fans these artists acquire, the stronger their influence. Additionally, the influence of their lyrics and other linked media (such as music videos) play an increasing role in shaping cultural trends, such as clothing and language styles.
Many children are looking for role models, and hip-hop and rap artists are becoming the closest thing available. However, these musicians glorify the actions of a criminal nature. Today’s youth are quick to idolize the rapper that seems to have an abundant source of money and indulges in the excesses of life. Their music videos often show unrestrained behavior. A young mind cannot easily differentiate between a video persona and what is acceptable in real life.
To make matters worse, the music industry exploits this power over today’s youth because they see the profits they stand to gain. The influence of big business is seen in the propaganda inserted into mainstream music, which aims to convince listeners that success is linked to the negativity portrayed by their favorite artist.
Source: [1]