Rap Music in Social Work Practice with African-American and Latino Youth

Abstract

This article presents an innovative intervention model that incorporates rap music in social work practice with youth, particularly African-American and Latino youth. The model draws from traditional social work principles, as well as two established therapeutic models. A summary of the “hip-hop culture” and various terms used to describe rap music is presented. Moreover, a review of previous research on rap music is included. Results from a practical application of the rap music intervention are presented. The article concludes with a discussion of further applications of the rap music intervention model, as well as future directions for research.

Key Words:

• Youth
• rap music
• cultural-sensitive practice
• strengths-based practice