Bringing the Noise Gangster-Reality Rap Music and the Dynamics of Black Social Revolution

The title, "Bringing The Noise," is a term frequently used within the rap community to refer to the process of agitating the "system" (the institutions of government) or to instill a sense of "revolution." Gangster-reality rap illustrates and illuminates the dark side of the American dream for a large segment of America's youthful population. From the perceptual experiences of the rappers it is more of a nightmare. It literally screams at us to listen. As Academy Award winning actress, Grammy winning singer, and acclaimed movie director Barbara Streisand has stated, "Rap music may make your flesh crawl, but you can't ignore its message of hopelessness." You can like or dislike the messages in gangster-reality rap music. You cannot, however, ignore its rage and the conditions which--to the rappers--brought about that rage. You should not!