Lyrically challenged

by Nana Adae-Amoakoh

“If anybody thinks they can talk to my clique, I’ll cover them red like a portion of chips” (a lyric by award-winning grime artist Giggs)

Some people become slightly agitated when they read of campaigners and politicians attributing the rise of gang culture to music.

The limitations on how certain genres are played to a large audience can be viewed as further proof of a Big Brother state or even the work of the green-eyed monster.

However, on reflection, do such accusations really have a leg to stand on?

Young people

Young people in today’s society have never had as much freedom and opportunity as they do now.

It is perhaps too easy to say gang culture has been replicated from music, but such behaviour can seem acceptable when it is legitimised by artists whose music extends to a large and impressionable demographic.

The problem of gangs in our society is as a result of a culture which needs to be confronted.

Certain artists argue that their music reflects real-life, however if such realities include gang warfare, explicit sexual acts and the use of illegal drugs, are these events which have a genuine need to be retold?

Music and drugs

This isn’t just a reference to the genres of hip-hop and grime.

Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty are admired musicians whose battles with drugs have been widely commented on throughout the UK media.

Neither has made much effort to conceal their problems and it can even be said that they’ve both brazenly publicised their narcotic abuse.

What could be the impact of this on their young fans?

Musicians and those under the public spotlight have a massive social responsibility.

Positive role models result in positive attitudes and aspirations.

Freedom of speech

So what about freedom of speech?

This is undoubtedly a valid argument but if a music artist’s income is generated by the public, should the lyrical content of their music therefore not be monitored?

We all have the right to choose whatever music we wish to listen to within the confines of our homes but we also have to question the impact of lyrics that justify violence and perpetuate a negative mentality that can amount to social-conditioning.

We live in a free and democratic society and yet we’re duty-bound to protect our most easily influenced citizens from exposure to the undesirable traits of human nature.

Laws such as Form 696 - which requires event promoters and licensees in 21 London boroughs to supply the police with the full names, dates of birth and home addresses for every artist billed on an event - may seem like an extreme measure but in light of increased gang violence, can anyone suggest an effective alternative?