Gordon, there's no big secret to their 'success', really. It's basic pop psychology.

Listen to the rhythm...can't you feel it? Of course you can...it's the heartbeat you heard in utero with the volume selectively turned up. Note the selectively...that's a clue to the influence factor.

Mama's hearbeat was constant and fairly steady...and definitely rhythmical. So is rap et al...BUT it also has some accented tones, beats, etc that emphasize certain words and phrases...and thus the negative influences. The fact that the perpetrators have their own agenda, and look, talk, and act like some of the young people wish they could in their rebellious moments, just adds to the scenario. No secrets...just pure manipulation over a basic, soothing, back to the womb comfort level that soothes the soul while being adversely influenced in a blissfully unaware mode. Baby talk for the youth of today.

Don't listen to the words...read them instead...and you'll 'get' the real message without the influence and manipulation. The goal? Segregating folks into easily manipulated groups to break down the fabric that keeps people, societies, and nations working together. Remember divide and conquer? Same thing.

Sandi Bowman