Hip Hop Perceptions and Exposure as Predictors of School Outcomes for Black and Latino Adolescents

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between rap music exposure and perceptions of 351 Black and Latino adolescents and their academic and behavioral outcomes. Findings suggest that adolescents in this study were able to identify both positive and negative aspects of rap music genre. Adolescents who perceived rap music as having socially relevant and empowering qualities had better school outcomes. Exposure to rap videos had a more negative relationship with school outcomes than exposure to rap music lyrics. Implications for research and practice within urban schools and other community settings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Hip hop
• rap music
• school outcomes
• ethnic minority youth

Notes

This research was funded by a grant from the Ludacris Foundation/Pepsi Cola Corporation.

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