Gangsta: Merchandizing the Rhymes of Violence

A collection of articles by freelance music reporter Ronin Ro, whose writing has appeared in Spin, Rolling Stone, The Source and Rap Pages, on the social ramifications of gangsta rap. Ro examines the proliferation of crack cocaine in the last decade and the rise of gang violence, and provides thorough criticism on the music this anarchic culture has spawned. Through insightful interviews and deft observations, Ro argues that record companies and artists looking to make a profit have contributed to the spread of gangs, and that the industry of gangsta rap validates, even promotes, misogyny, gun use and the corruption of children.