A Deeper Rap.

Abstract

As counsellors working with adolescents, and concerned with young people's wellbeing, we cannot discount hip hop and rap as "mere noise"--an annoyance to be turned off and ignored .Despite negative press, these two forms of music have survived and flourished, and can have a huge impact on our youth. This essay argues that taking the time to pause, investigate, and reflect on these two closely related musical genres, and their impact on adolescent lives and development, will lead us to a deeper understanding of the world of adolescents and the forging of stronger empathic working relationships. It addresses questions concerning the ways in which hip hop and rap speak to adolescents' meaning-making and identity formation, and how they contribute to their sense of place and space, both individually and communally. It supports the importance of these two often-misunderstood musical forms in adolescents' lives--in short, it shows the positive impact rap and hip hop can have on adolescent spirituality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)