Hip Hop addicted to "E"

Ecstasy, also known as 'X', a popular recreational drug among white subcultures is now being embraced by young...
More...

Hip Hop addicted to "E"

Ecstasy, also known as 'X', a popular recreational drug among white subcultures is now being embraced by young African Americans.

Honey magazine reports that "Ecstasy-laced lyrics have popped up in at least 10 top rap songs. Is it the next big drug craze? With artists like Ja Rule, Eminem and and Fat Joe suggesting the use of 'X' or 'E' in the lyrics of their songs it leaves little to the imagination. In the article, an industry insider and freelance producer states that it's a big thing for rap artists to talk about and do Ecstasy and it's supposed to be a happy drug and make people horny, especially women. The drug gives a overwhelming sensation of euphoria and closeness.

Although the drug is not known to be addictive it is still dangerous legally and medically. Possession is a felony and brings more legal consequences than the possession of marijuana and the physical side affects in the long run can be dangerous and irreversible.

This is nothing new to the Rap community about drug using in the lyrics. In the 80’s the then drug influenced Beastie Boys where talking about Coke and abusive liquor. In the 90’s it was Dr Dre and lots of other artists talking about Marijuana. Also the Ghetto Boys where talking about shooting up and other drug tales from the south. Now rappers like Eminem are talking about subscription drugs along with Ecstasy. Could this lead to a influence?

As much as young hip hop heads will want to say that the music they listen doesn't affect them reports as well as pop culture reflect something very different. Everybody wanted Adidas like RUN DMC, a cut like Rakim, and a chain like Kane's. However in the mid nineties as 'gangsta' rap became more POPular and DRE dropped the CHRONIC the sells of weed tripled overnight. The artists definitely need to be more careful about choosing what to glorify but it's ultimately up to US the consumer to be well informed and make the right decisions. Jay-Z, another artist who has mentioned 'E' in one of his songs, says it best in one of his lyrics " Don't listen to the rappers/ they are DYING to floss". Don't listen indeed.