Hip Hop on the Youth

Hip Hop music has a real impact on real life crime and has influenced many others.

35% of juvenile offenders mimicked crimes stemming from rap music. While another 40% of Black youth said Rap music was a influence for joining gangs.

76% of teens who surveyed in a study exposed to rap music had increased aggression.

Teens who listen to Rap music for three or more hours where 2.5x likely to be involved in fights.

52% of students reciting violent lyrics showed higher chances to be bullies.

High school students who had rap playlist were twice more likely to be suspended than the average student.

15% of the top selling rappers from 2010- 2020 went to prison for assault.
24 Hip hop artist faced murder chargers from 2000-2020
62% of incarcerated rappers have served or serving for violent crimes.
50+ Rappers have been killed since 2016. Some notable names like Nipsey Hussle, Pnb Rock, and Young Dolph.
In 2023 twelve rappers died due to gun violence in that year alone.
91% of rap murders are tied to gang affiliations

According to the essay “Rap on Trail” a study identified close to 700 cases since 1980 where rap lyrics have been used in their criminal trail.
In the case State of Iowa v. Candy, the state argued that the lyrics the defendant stated in his music should be used against him. The judge allowed the lyrics to be used, but the defendant’s legal team will appeal the decision. This case will make it up to the Iowa Supreme Court where they will uphold the decision.
In the most recent and highly publicized case, Young Thug and his YSL criminal organization trail the state of Georgia used 17 lyrics against him to help prosecute him.