Another point that I feel needs to be taken into account is that even these so called "negative rappers" have made various positive contributions both as influences and to the Hip Hop culture that go overlooked by the mainstream media. And even as examples themselves they should be commended for influencing other rappers to become successful instead of going down a pathway towards death or prison. Think about the rappers who have been inspired to follow in Nas, Jay-Z, Pac, and Biggie's footsteps. Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J.Cole, Rick Ross, Jay Electronica, Kanye West, Game, 50 Cent, Blu, Fashawn, Big Sean, Wacka Flocka, Pusha-T, Kid Cudi, Wale, TI, Lil Wayne, Tyga, Saigon, Joe Budden and COUNTLESS other black men and women who have chosen to take their experiences and put them towards music in place of the trap, the streets, the game, or the hustle. Lupe made an extremely poignant statement when he wrote Hip Hop Saved My Life, this culture, through its ups and downs has literally SAVED the lives of many black people, and these rappers who serve as the face of the genre should be commended as much as they are condemned for this very fact alone...
50 Cent grew up without a father, but he himself raises and provides for his son. This is an example of positivity. This can be looked at as 50 providing a "positive influence" for black fathers, whom might not have had their own father figures, but can still prove to be responsible fathers in their own right.
Nas promoted as his LEAD SINGLE an ode to raising his father daughter. Bill O'Reilly would condemn Nas for being arrested for gun possession (when he was 21 years old and living in one of the most dangerous housing projects in New York) but who will commend him for positively speaking on the challenges and triumphs of fatherhood? Is this NOT a "positive" example of potential influence?
Jay-Z grew up half his life without his father, but he actually waited to get MARRIED to have children, married a successful, intelligent, respected black woman (who herself is seen as a role model) and by all accounts is a responsible and loving husband and father. Is this NOT the ULTIMATE example of positive influence from the most popular artist in the genre?
Andre 3000 and Big Boi are both noted and proud fathers who provide positive influence in the manner with which they carry themselves publically and privately. You never hear about groupie scandals, child support issues, or legal issues from these two. Is this not a positive way of leading ones life? Could this not be championed as positive influence?
The point is that the positive aspects of many of the most famous rappers are not properly put into perspective or given spotlight. A rapper like Common who is upheld as a positive role model and influence through his lyrics and lifestyle choices should be championed, but so should the positive aspects of 50, Jay-Z, and even Lil Wayne, who despite fathering damn near 50 children, has by all accounts supported his children and been a part of their lives. NONE of the mothers of Lil Wayne's children have a bad thing to say about him, which should speak volumes.
#TPC
Before I heard any rap song some rules were instilled in me so later when I was a young'n listening to Pac, Big, Nas, DMX as violent as some of the lyrics were I had enough sense to know to take music for what it was entertainment...this shyt like wrestling...at one point thought it was real then u grow older and like 
...if music raising your kids then 
