The only good thing I can say for it is that it gives an insight into a subculture that seems otherwise without a voice. I have read some sociological studies of gangsta culture, the one that comes to mind has to do with whether or not crime pays. Being a lieutenant for a crack gang pays less, by the hour, than working at McDonald's. Being the captain pays less than being a low level manager. But these guys usually don't play well with others, so it's the best they can do.
In that sense, I feel some sympathy, a tiny bit, although I don't feel anything but revulsion for the violence. But what I find truly incomprensible are the middle-class people who want to adopt gangsta clothing, paraphernalia, and demeanor.<edit> Maybe our own Kid Rock can explain it to me. I love modern music, but what I like is stuff like Blur, Oasis, and Beck. To a lesser extent, stuff like Smashing Pumpkins. |
