One of the most important effects of rap music is the entertainment that it provides. Fans of the genre span across the world, and as such, millions of people from a variety of backgrounds enjoy listening to rap music. Though record sales of many genres have suffered since the proliferation of online and illegal downloading methods, you'll see several rap videos if you watch MTV or another music video channel for just a short period of time.
Rappers such as the late Tupac Shakur were often criticized for their lyrics, which painted a bleak picture of urban America. While such lyrics were perhaps partially intended to shock consumers, they also brought awareness to the country's social problems, particularly those in the inner city. Issues such as violence, drug addiction and poverty are all common themes in rap music. When someone listens to the genre, he may be doing so for entertainment, but he won't be able to avoid hearing about these issues and giving thought to them.
America's rap industry employs countless people at all levels, including the rappers themselves, managers, D.J.s, agents, promoters, engineers, producers, bodyguards and journalists. Without the genre, each of these people would be forced to seek employment elsewhere. If some of these people weren't able to obtain other jobs, society's unemployment rate would rise, leading to assorted social problems. While detractors may not approve of rap's message or image, they cannot deny that it provides a legitimate source of income to many people.
Many rappers rap about poverty and their struggles in inner-city America while growing up. Once they achieve success, they talk about overcoming obstacles and rising to the top. This message can give hope to many youths across America who live in similar circumstances. For example, when a rapper raps about his challenged childhood or about succeeding despite living with a drug-addicted parent, a teenager in a similar situation may believe that he, too, can get through his struggles.