Friday, January 30, 2015

Safe Sex and PayChecks-- Can rap songs promote both positive and negative themes?

I thought this song was quite interesting when I first heard it. While it is not common to hear rap songs that intertwine both entertainment and a PSA-- this song proves that it is definitely possible. During our last class session, I attempted to code this song according to the codes used by Bader in the study 'Love will steal the stars' .  This song is not about love at all really. It's more about going out and having a good time. 
However, sex is one thing that most young adults seem to be most curious about in addition to other aspects of love. This song in opinion helps to promote a more positive view sex. Sex is discretely or explicitly talked about in many love songs across all genres.  Many times, rap verses will contain references to other things. Here are is one lyric I decided to dig deeper into,

"I even let your bitch keep the gold bottle, gold pack, no Lifestyle"

-- Gold pack meaning he is referring to the Magnum XL Trojan condom, distinguishable by their gold color. Lifestyle is another condom brand, though not very popular because they have the reputation for being small and uncomfortable. 
--> I found this lyric interesting because Lifestyles are the free condoms typically handed out from sex resources places. In Fall of 2013, I agreed to be videotaped and was interviewed at the Career Fair by a group of girls who represented  a group on campus (whose name I cannot recall). They were handing out condoms and free sex info, and asking individuals about their condom preferences. Their goal was to have UHS offer free Trojans, instead of only Lifestyles. While it is true that men with large penises wear XL condoms, these condoms are more expensive in general, and usually not free.

In my opinion, this lyric agrees with Bard's Love myth #11 "In real life, actors and actresses are often very much like the romantic characters that they portray (p.159). The lyrics may not be per se accurate of the rapper. But most entertainers don't portray their actual, but nevertheless I believe it promotes a positive message.
I refer you to rap genius if you are interested in looking more into the lyrics, it breaks down the meanings/slangs phrases lyric by lyric

http://genius.com/4686602/Rae-sremmurd-safe-sex-pay-checks/Yeah-gold-pack-no-lifestyle

Chorus
"Bottles on bottles, free shots for everybody
Got enough for everybody, we crankin' up the volume
Turn the music up louder, get loose and move your body
Get loose and move your body, we crankin' up the volume

Safe sex, and paychecks
That's what it's all about, don't forget about
Safe sex, and paychecks"



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