Justin Klein
Mrs. Henricks
English 102:
21 January 2014
Beneficial Rap The novel A Long Way Gone describes the way of life of a young child solider. Ishmael Beah, the author of this novel, gives dramatic detail throughout the book of his various problems and difficulties he has dealt with over time. Not only does the problems he has effect his family, but his close friends as well. One of Ishmael’s hobbies was listening to rap music with his friends. He often talked about his favorite artists for rap such as Naughty by Nature and LL Cool J. Not only did Ishmael enjoy listening to rap, but he also performed in talent shows with his friends all rapping together. Ismael often finds himself in terrible situations throughout the war. He and his friends must learn to survive with what they have and what they find. Times are so rough for Ismael and his friends that they almost lose all hope. Rap music brings joy to Ismael when times are tough. Ishmael likes the beats, and although he doesn't understand it all he seems to like the masculine messages behind the music. The tapes that he constantly carries around with him reminds everyone that he is still a boy. Although he goes through some pretty horrific experiences, the cassette tapes remind the readers and Ishmael of his innocence. At various times the music even saves the boys from villagers’ fears that they are child soldiers. Not only does he enjoy this music, but the music often saves his life. When Ismael went to a village, the chief was about to execute him for invading property and making sure that Ismael was not going to be a threat to his village. When the chief found the different cassettes in Ismael’s pockets, he demanded them to be listened at once. The chief heard this rap music and was confused. Ismael described to the chief what the music actually was and that he is able to rap as well. Ismael ended up having to perform a rap song for the chief, and the chief let him go, saying that Ismael was going to be no threat to the village. “When I was brought closer, he asked me where I had gotten this type of music and what was the point of having it. I explained to him that it was called rap music and that myself, my brother, and my friends—not the ones I was with—used to listen to it and perform the songs at talent shows. I could tell he found this interesting, as his face was beginning to relax. He asked the men to untie me and give me my pants” (Beah 67). The incident Ishmael was in could have had a deadly outcome for him and his friends if he would not have had those rap cassettes with him. Another situation of the same type occurs to Ismael and his friends as well, but rap music saves him once again. Rap music is what gives Ismael freedom.
Hip hop music has become a highly contested art form as it has climbed to the top of the popular music charts and influenced various areas of culture from education to advertising. Following its popularity, critics of hip hop music have credited it for the destruction of the Black community, gang and drug related violence, demeaning of women, and the overall destruction of America’s values. Most critics would agree that such a genre of music is downgrading. The people of Sierra Leon and other parts of Africa would probably differ from this. The many individuals of Africa see no troubles of Hip Hop or Rap music, but as a feedom. Various civilians in Sierra Leone see no wrong in rap music, but a cool beat to dance or jam out to, a way to have fun. The societies of America and Sierra Leone are very different. A majority of Americans believe that rap music is a way for children to rebel against parents or even to make them feel like they are thugs. The foul language depicts a very corrupt meaning in many people’s eyes. On the other hand, a wide variety of citizens would agree on rap music being an entertaining genre of music. Esther, Ishmael’s nurse and friend, supplied Ishmael with a new cassette player and new cassettes. Americans would not have the same benefits that Ishmael did with his rap music. If a citizen in the United States was to be in trouble, then that person would not be able to get out of the situation by playing a rap song. Music can describe who people are, what they are interested in, and what they know. One would often judge a person by the type of music he or she listens to because this is how our society works today. Ishmael was a boy who loved rap, but was not brought out to be a gangster or thug. His music made him always feel young, and always had a major impact on his life. I believe that Ishmael always had his rap music with him to make him feel as if his family and friends were always with him.

Works Cited
Beah, Ishmael. A Long Way Gone. New York City: Sarah Crichton Books, 2007. Print.