Perception of Rap Music

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Abstract

Rap music is a musical genre that has become a musical preference of the youth of the country over the last decade. A review of various music websites and a dialogue with fans of rap music indicates that it has its own song writers, composers, and even reporters and websites. However, few studies have been done about this genre in Iran. Most foreign studies on rap music have shown the tendency of the youth to this style of music on the basis of a causal explanation and have revealed a causal relationship between this genre of music and some social deviations. This paper tackles with the perception of the fans of rap music towards this genre and its effects on the society. After reviewing the theoretical frameworks and research findings for and against rap music, this study attempts to answer its main questions based on a phenomenological approach and use of the technique of interviewing. The results indicated that the fans of rap music considered this genre as a media to express their problems and pains and believed that the use of vulgar words by rappers was due to the pressures they suffer in life. Moreover, listening to rap music encouraged and strengthened the adoption of critical political and social positions

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