Many people will argue that today’s music has value.  Does this value mean monetary? Or substantial value? The music artists release today lacks value in terms of its benefit to listeners.  In some cases, there are some genes that have more value than others. Often times, the term derogatory is used in the description of the genre of Rap.  Based on the lyricism of today’s rap songs, it can be said that these types of derogatory songs of rap have altered the societal culture. 

  

       According to Google, societal culture refers to the commonly held beliefs or values that exist and are agreed upon in a given population.  Though past historical periods have influenced today's music- they vary greatly. The differences mainly found are in terms of lyricism, positivity, influence, and messages.  Much of today’s music is centered around sex, money, drugs and demeaning women. The usefulness of music has diminished since its beginning days. Music is a major societal driving force that can aid or hinder humanity's progression. Genres of music, specifically Rap, play a major role in the widespread violence we see occurring in low-income communities.  According to research, many people believe rap lyrics are harmful to both youth and society as a whole (See Turner and Sylverton). Music listeners range in age, old and young, and these people are spending many hours listening on a day to day basis and absorbing these messages. The generations of today, as seen through research are easily influenced and these influences are what Millennials and Gen Z’s use to shape societal cultures.  

    

     Teenagers listen to an average of nearly 2.5 hours of music per day (see Pope).  According to statistics, hip-hop & R&B has become the biggest music genre since 2017.  If one consistently spends 2 hours listening to derogatory music, the power of influence becomes greater over time.  The influence eventually manifests into thoughts, which then becomes actions changing the course of society, leading to a dominion effect of violence.