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<p>A new study focusing on the prevalence of drug mentions in rap music has found that references have soared over the last two decades.<br/><br/>According to researchers at the University of Berkeley, not only has the mention of drugs in the music risen six-fold, but the positive framing of drug use has also dramatically increased.<br/><br/>Looking at the lyrics of 341 of rap's most popular songs between 1979 and 1997, Dr Denise Herd found that although the music once warned against the dangers of substance abuse, during modern times it has largely glorified illegal drug use.<br/><br/>The researchers found a significant increase of references to drugs being used to signify glamour, wealth and sociability.<br/><br/>Dr Herd said: "This is an alarming trend, as rap artists are role models for the nation's youth, especially in urban areas." <br/><br/>She added that because "many of these young people are already at risk", it is important that they get "positive messages from the media".<br/><br/>A study carried out at the University of Pittsburgh recently found that around one-third of popular songs include some reference to explicit drug, alcohol or tobacco use.<br/></p>

Article published on 03/04/2008 by DryOutNow.com

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