Is rap music influencing young kids?

Music is our way of escape. It was gets us through the harshest time. Listening to a song that totally goes with how you feel. It can be good feelings or even depressing ones. Music is everywhere and always playing some form or another. Through ear buds, speakers, voices, or instruments. But as music becomes more popular with the kids, are they getting influenced?  Rap is a genre that has been around for awhile and more younger kids are getting involved with it. Listening to the uncensored version through youtube videos. Is this influencing our kids to try drugs and alcohol and engage in sexual activity?

In this article i read called What Influence and Effects Does Rap Music Have on Teens Today? they mention that "For teens in poor communities, rap lyrics speak to their current reality and their fantasies of escape." To young kids growing in poor communities they are taught about gun safety and who to avoid on the streets. These songs follow along with this world they live in. But is it really influencing them?

In my opinion I do not think rap music is influencing young kids. Just like video games don't cause violence its just a correlation. If you live in a community where you have to be toughest you have to be what are you suppose to do? It's all about the community influences not the music. Music is just a fun way to relate with someone and that's all it should be thought as.