by Wendi C. Thomas | Greater Memphis Commercial Appeal | February 15, 2005

Most adults who have listened to rap lyrics would probably agree that a heavy diet of sexually explicit and violent rap music is bad for kids. If you don’t agree that these songs are bad for their minds, you may want to know that there are health
consequences as well.


“What we’re seeing is that girls who watch more rap music videos have more STDs and have more sexual partners
compared to girls who have little exposure to those videos,” says Dr. Michael Rich
, Director of CMCH, citing an Emory University study. “Does that mean the rap videos did it to them?” Rich asks. “No. But it does mean they’re associated, much like lead exposure in children is linked to lower IQs.”


“We have to deal with music the same way we deal with automobiles or tobacco. There are risks associated with using these products. We’re not saying they have to be taken off the market. We’re saying there are health implications,” Dr. Rich says.

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