[orwin]

Because before rap, it was rnb. Before RnB, it was Rock. Before Rock, it was Jazz, before Jazz, it was Blues, and before Blues, it was any music containing thirds or sevenths.

Popular music is just that: popular, and since people like to appear distinct from the masses, some do it via music.

I don't disagree with the rest, but 'rap music has a negative influence' is extremely reactionary.