Campbell has a fascinating description of rap music. He explains that rap music is actually a new version of an ancient form of music--chanting. “Rap developed as a vocal martial art to protect people in the streets from the dehumanization of their world...Rap enables the left brain to talk to the body, especially the deeper systems that govern instinctual response and survival.” (pg 112) The expression of feeling in rhyme and rhythm is actually processed by the brain differently from normal speech. In other words, rap can be a form of therapy.

One of raps original groups, DaChamba, has expressed concern over the musical content of some current rap groups. They feel that some groups may be rapping just for the money. If the passion, intensity, and feeling are not present in the music, it may not be therapeutic.

Rock music, usually fast paced, can create tension and frustration within the body. It can also help to release tension, if a physical outlet is provided. This may explain why so many people love to dance. It is a natural release of tension. Definitely, music has an important place within an adolescent’s growth and development.

It may be more important to listen to the lyrics or words that are contained within the music of any recordings your child listens to repeatedly. Some researchers feel that music contributes to the subliminal effects of the words within the song. Other experts disagree. (According to Webster’s School Dictionary subliminal means existing or functioning outside the area of conscious awareness. I am using subliminal to describe words the subconscious mind absorbs when the conscious mind is focused on other things. This differs from subliminal messages that are actually hidden electronically on recordings and cannot be heard consciously at all.)

Educational research has shown that when students are daydreaming in the classroom they are still subliminally absorbing the content of the lesson. Therefore time spent daydreaming may not be wasted. Some learning is still occurring. If this is true in the classroom, it may also be true in stereo. Every teacher understands the power of repetition upon learning and retention. So should every song writer.

There are three basic reasons for assuming that music may have a powerful effect upon the subconscious mind.

1) Especially when wearing headphones, awareness of the surrounding environment is blocked. Attention is more focused on the music and the lyrics.
2) An altered state of consciousness similar to a hypnotic trace can be created by some music.
3) Music tends to amplify the emotional state of the listener which may heighten the effect of the lyrics of the song.

According to Jim Elliston (1998) subliminal (hidden words within a recording) messages were the basis of a 1989 Nevada court case. The families of two boys who committed suicide sued Judas Priest for $6.2 million. Allegedly the song “Better By You, Better Than Me” had a subliminal message that pushed the boys into committing suicide. The band was exonerated in August of 1990 but several important issues were addressed because of this suit.

Justice Jerry Carr Whitehead declared, in a pre-trial motion, that true subliminal messages are not protected by the First Amendment freedom of speech. Since they are hidden messages, they do not actually impart information. Therefore, subliminal messages are considered to be an invasion of privacy. In his final ruling, Judge Whitehead also stated that scientific research does not establish (support) that subliminal messages can influence behavior to any real extent.

The Parent Music Resource Center, co-founded by Tipper Gore in 1984, has suggested that a rating system be used on recordings. The original proposal was:

V--violence
X--sex
D/A--drugs or alcohol
O--occult

According to the American Civil Liberties Union currently individual record companies have voluntarily submitted to labeling selected rock and rap albums. Courts have ruled that while the government has an interest in protecting children, no direct link between antisocial behaviors and music has been proven. Therefore, no government guidelines are in place at this time.

Still, the debate rages on. Music is considered to be a method of self-expression. The type of music a person listens to is a reflection of the thoughts, feelings, and emotions carried within. So even if the subliminal (unconscious) effect of the lyrics of a song cannot be measured, the words of the song should still be monitored closely by a parent or guardian. Repetition of words or phrases have an impact. As a parent you have the right and the responsibility to restrict the music your child listens to as well as the television shows he watches. At the very least the type of music your child listens to repeatedly is a reflection of his inner turmoil. This can be used as a clue to your child’s inner state of being. Use it wisely.

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