Gangsta’ Rap and a Murder in Bakersfield<sup>1</sup>

Fischoff, Stuart

doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.1999.tb02025.x

Cited by 17 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Another study provides some support for Fischoff's (1999) hypothesis that race or ethnicity plays a role in how people respond to rap lyrics. Social psychologist Carrie B.…”

Section: ''Some Wish To Destroy This Scene Called Hip-hop'' 3 : the Rmentioning

confidence: 91%

Rap on Trial

Kubrin

Nielson

2014

Race and Justice

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In criminal proceedings across the United States, rap music lyrics are being introduced as evidence of a defendant's guilt. In this article, we draw attention to this disturbing practice, what we call ''rap on trial,'' and explore its context, describe its elements and contours, and consider its broader significance. We first offer historical context, demonstrating that although the widespread use of rap lyrics in criminal trials may be a relatively recent phenomenon, it resides within a long tradition of antagonism between the legal establishment and hip-hop culture, one that can be traced back to hip-hop's earliest roots. We then offer examples of recent cases in which rap music has been used as evidence in trials against amateur rappers, almost all of whom are young men of color, in order to illustrate the specific ways that prosecutors present the music to judges and juries, as well as to highlight the devastating effects it can have on defendants. In the final section, we consider the elements of rap music that leave it vulnerable to judicial abuse and the artistic, racial, and legal ramifications of using this particular genre of music to put people in jail. We conclude with recommendations for further research in this area, pointing out specific areas where scholarship would most effectively expose what it means to put rap on trial.Keywords criminal trials, rap music, hip hop, bias in the criminal justice system, race and public opinion, race/ethnicity, critical race theory 187, 187 it's murder nigga. (Mind of a maniac!) No dreams when I murk the nigga.200 shots out the drop top. Watch me work the shots.

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“…Another study provides some support for Fischoff's (1999) hypothesis that race or ethnicity plays a role in how people respond to rap lyrics. Social psychologist Carrie B.…”

Section: ''Some Wish To Destroy This Scene Called Hip-hop'' 3 : the Rmentioning

confidence: 91%

Rap on Trial

Kubrin

Nielson

2014

Race and Justice

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“…Stereotypes associating rap music with dangerousness do not, however, only affect evaluations of lyrics. Prior studies also find that stereotypes about rap music inform impressions of the people who write the music (Dunbar & Kubrin, 2018;Fischoff, 1999). For example, Fischoff (1999) found that people make negative judgments about a person from the mere fact that the person writes violent rap lyrics.…”

Section: Anti-black Attitudes In Disguisementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Prior studies also find that stereotypes about rap music inform impressions of the people who write the music (Dunbar & Kubrin, 2018;Fischoff, 1999). For example, Fischoff (1999) found that people make negative judgments about a person from the mere fact that the person writes violent rap lyrics. In his study, participants were presented with biographical information about an African-American male high school senior who has a good academic record, is on the track team, and plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship.…”

Section: Anti-black Attitudes In Disguisementioning

confidence: 99%

“…As previously noted, minimal research has explored how fears about rap music may reflect contemporary anti-Black attitudes and, in particular, how those attitudes contribute to racial disparities in criminal justice outcomes. Much of the existing research aims to highlight that negative stereotypes about rap music exist (Fried, 2003;Rentfrow & Gosling, 2007;Shevy, 2008), the real-world consequences of those stereotypes (Dunbar, Kubrin, & Scurich, 2016;Fischoff, 1999;Fried, 1996;Reyna et al, 2009), and how those stereotypes directly relate to racial prejudice (Dunbar & Kubrin, 2018;Johnson, Trawalter, & Dovidio, 2000;Rudman & Lee, 2002). For example, research reveals that the public often associates fans of rap music with particular alcohol and drug preferences, personality types, and personally held values (Rentfrow & Gosling, 2007).…”

Section: Anti-black Attitudes In Disguisementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In his study, participants were presented with biographical information about an African‐American male high school senior who has a good academic record, is on the track team, and plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship. However, Fischoff () varied whether participants were presented with violent, misogynistic lyrics the young man had written as well as whether the young man was being charged with murder. Subsequently, participants evaluated the young man's character across nine dimensions, including whether he was likable, honest, sexually aggressive, and capable of murder.…”

Section: Anti‐black Attitudes In Disguisementioning

confidence: 99%

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Rap music, race, and perceptions of crime

Dunbar

2019

Sociology Compass

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Scholars who study rap music have long expressed concerns that criticism of the genre is inextricably linked to stereotypes of young Black men in the United States. Yet minimal research has empirically examined how rap music is linked to race in ways that legitimize and maintain anti‐Black attitudes, particularly attitudes related to crime. This article reviews how scholars have typically challenged seemingly racialized concerns about rap music before surveying the handful of studies that empirically examine attitudes related to rap music, race, and crime. In so doing, this essay highlights a growing need for broader conceptualizations of race/ethnicity and social control.

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