A racial issue that arises in the rap and hip-hop music genre concerns the racial stereotypes associated with this musical form. According to Brandt and Viki, rap music and hip-hop music are known to foment criminal violence and the continued formation of negative perceptions around the African American race (p. 362). Many people believe that rap and hip-hop music and the culture that forms it are the particular cause of the degradation of the African American community and the stereotypes that surround this specific ethnic group. An example is a song two thousand and seven produced by the artist Nas called The N-word. The particular title of the song has sparked major debates not only within the African American community, but also within Caucasian communities. The debates covered topics such as the importance and value of free speech versus the need to take a stand against messages denigrating African Americans. This specific label turned into a scandal and got to the point where conservative white individuals stood in front of the record company to express their feelings. These people argued that it is because of artists like Nas that there is an increase in gang and street violence within communities. Rap and hip-hop music only paints a simple image of black men as sex crazies, criminals, or “gangsters.” As noted above, community concerns have arisen over time about the use of the N-word or the fact that many rappers talk about white superiority and privilege. Of course, rap music has not developed these specific stereotypes, but these stereotypes are used; and with great success in rap and hip-hop which spreads them and maintains the idea that people of color are lazy, all criminals...... middle of paper ...... watch music shows from MTV or any music channel on TV. As we continue to watch these programs, we will then notice that almost all of the rap and hip-hop artists on the air are African-American. It is the particular lifestyle and behavior that is linked to what certain artists have chosen to express themselves about. This can generally harm the image of African Americans because many artists contribute to misconceptions about their particular race, such as the example provided with 50 Cent's song titled PIMP. These lyrics and song titles simply reinforce the negative image that certain individuals may have. white people and people of color. Rap and hip-hop are one of the most intimate, personal, legitimate and important art forms. Instead of perpetuating injustice and prejudice, artists should approach these different issues from a different perspective..