Ro, R. (1996). Gangsta: Merchandising the rhymes of violence. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

OVERVIEW

In this collection of essays, Ronin Ro provides a blunt, provacative look into the gangsta rap industry. The promotion of violent material by record labels, the role of the media, and the hypocrisy and perversion of many artists are addressed in this book. Ro, a contributor to The Source; Rolling Stone; and Spin magazines, conducted extended interviews and shares ensuing experiences. Readers are confronted with insightful and sobering commentary on the world of gangsta rap.

Note: Due to the graphic content of this book, it should be read and used with discernment.

ARTISTS

Ro interviews gangsta rap artists Dr. Dre, Mellow Man Ace, Kid Frost, MC Ren, and the late Eric Wright ("Easy-E"), among many others. His conversations and experiences with these various artists are compared and contrasted throughout the book, thus the artists’ words, thoughts, and lifestyles serve as their own critics.

Ro argues with the artists’ notion that gangsta rap simply portrays street life. Ro suggests that, in a calculated manner, artists and record labels exaggerate and emphasize violence. Rather than merely "reporting" gang violence or attempting to offer a sense of hope, gangsta rappers only contribute to and glorify gang violence.

ANALYSIS

Throughout the book Ro "tells it like it is." Therefore, much of the language and scenes are offensive and sexually explicit. However, the uniqueness of this book lies in the closeness to which Ro brings readers inside the artists’ homes, cars, and studios. Straightforward in his writing, Ro is equally honest and critical about his own thoughts and conduct with and around the artists. This adds to the veracity and effect of his writing. This book provides sobering insight into the troubling reality of gangsta rap.

QUOTATIONS

That gangsta rap has grown so large may explain why white kids now affect gangbanger fashions and attitudes in Little Rock, Arkansas; it may shed light on why murder figures are rising in low income areas; antisociality is now the norm, and the gun, and not mediation, is the primary arbiter of social conflict. (p. 9)

Horrific noise calmed his [Dr. Dre’s] soul; the music an external portrait of his emotions. If White America felt ‘Cop Killer’ was bad, I thought, wait till they heard, ‘Mr. Officer, I wanna see you laying in a coffin, sir’ (pp. 98-99).

Scarface could pose, posture, huff, and puff about ‘reality’ and reveal a philosophical view of death, but he couldn’t escape the fact that gangsta rappers were the latest sellouts to betray their principles or espoused causes for royalty checks and MTV airplay. (p. 151)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. To what extent does violence as depicted in gangsta rap portray reality?
2. What role has the media played in the popularity of gangsta rap?
3. Ronin Ro refers to a time when hip-hop was more positive in its overall message. Do you think there has been as dramatic a change as he argues? If so, what has been the effect on the audience?
4. In the last chapter of the book, Ro discusses the death of former NWA member Eric Wright ("Easy-E"), in March of 1995. If you were writing a book how would you describe the recent death of Tupac Shakur and his lasting influence? Why or why not?

IMPLICATIONS

1. This book is useful for the youth worker seeking to obtain an inside look at the gangsta rap industry or one of the many artists discussed.
2. Some portions of interviews may be approapriate for opening a group discussion.
3. If used carefully, parts of this book may be useful in helping youth develop their own critique of gangsta rap or music in general.

Gabe Rogers cCYS