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Is Hip Hop Music's Effect On The Increase In Police Brutality?

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Is Hip Hop Music's Effect On The Increase In Police Brutality?
Kristian Gause
Professor Jennifer Ortiz
Research Methods in Behavior
September 11, 2014

The Current Message Portrayed in Hip Hop Music’s Effect on the Increase in Police Brutality Towards Black Males. (Outline)
For my research, I would like to see if there is a direct correlation in the change of the content in hip hop music and the increase in police brutality amongst black males in the last 20 years. In 1991, video footage showed 7 officers brutally attacking and beating Rodney Glen King following a high speed car chase. Four officers were charged with assault with a deadly weapon and use of excessive force, three were acquitted of all charges. The case brought national scrutiny on law enforcement and the continuing patterns of racism and police brutality of black males. Over the years, hip hop …show more content…
In the song, member Easy E is quoted in saying, “And as we roll on I see the patrol on crip so we get ghost because they beat me and ren in de black ce”. That lyric directly references the two members being harassed and beaten by the LAPD. Back then police violence was such an everyday occurrence that black men purposely avoided law enforcement. Most cases of police brutality likely go unknown. In today’s hip hop music, rap artist such as Chief Keef have also been known for his expressive lyrics detailing his distaste for law enforcement. Taking a more aggressive tone, he is quoted in saying in song, Aimed At You, “So get your top dropped, like a drop top. If you calling the police you gone get a cop dropped cause he pelle pelle like a fox, ain’t talking to the cops”. This level of total disregard of authority and respect for our men and women of law enforcement could be the reason why our black men are at higher risk to being met with violence during encounters with the
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