Art Imitates Life: Violence and the Music of Metal and Rap

Authors

Gordon A. Crews, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Angela D. CrewsFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-26-2006

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to explore the similar evolution's of Black Metal and Gangsta Rap musical genres. The authors argue the following similarities exist: 1) different cultures and statements being made, but violence is a common thread (outcomes of violence and societal responses), 2) the music and lyrics in both reflect their cultures, histories, and lives, and, 3) there is a strong musical and lyrical expression of violence related to the behavioral expression of violence among the artists and the fans in both genres. Finally, the authors question whether art imitates life or life imitates art.

Comments

The presentation was delivered during the Southern Criminal Justice Association Conference: Envisioning the Future of Criminal Justice which took place from September 20-23, 2006, in Charleston, South Carolina.

©2006 the authors. All rights reserved.

Recommended Citation

Crews, G., Crews, A. "Art Imitates Life: Violence and the Music of Metal and Rap" Southern Criminal Justice Association Conference: Envisioning the Future of Criminal Justice. Charleston, South Carolina. 23 Sep 2006.