Controversial rap themes, gender portrayals and skin tone distortion: A content analysis of rap music videos

Kate Conrad, Travis L. Dixon, Yuanyuan Zhang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A content analysis of rap music videos aired on BET, MTV, and VH1 examined the occurrence of controversial themes, gender differences, and skin tone distortion. The results of this study found that current rap music videos have placed an emphasis on themes of materialism and misogyny. Additionally, men and women in the videos differ in their portrayal of these themes. Specifically, female characters are significantly more likely to appear as objects of sexuality. Men and women also differ in their appearance with more African American females appearing to have Eurocentric features. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)134-156
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
Volume53
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication

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