The healing power of hip hop

Hip Hop culture and rap have been associated with negative connotations, equating them with profanity, misogyny, violence and crime.

The lyrical content of hip hop is confronting and often includes the glorification of violence, substance use, and gender discrimination. But, at its core, it is built on values of social justice, peace, respect, self-worth, community, and having fun. Because of these values, it's used as a therapeutic tool with younger people.

Hip hop culture originated in New York City but is now a worldwide phenomenon.

• One reason for the spread is the commercialisation of the culture as a commodity, making it one of the world's most influential industries.
• The other is that it remains accessible and grassroots. You can make a beat with your mouth or create or recite lyrics about anything without singing.

1. Deejaying scratch and mix
2. Rapping, also known as “MCing” (emceeing) “rhyming”
3. Graffiti artists that draw and write
4. Break dancing, or “B-boying”
5. A fifth element is Knowledge of Self - the drive for self-awareness and social-consciousness.

This accessibility and inclusivity make hip hop an effective therapeutic tool as it provides a way to build rapport between client and therapist. The lyrical content enables therapists to access hard to talk about topics.

Hip hop emerged as a reaction to the gang culture and violence of the South Bronx in the 1970s. It represents and values resilience, understanding, community and social justice.

Many communities around the world still face the effects of discrimination, segregation, and injustice. Hip hop is a voice to the reality of young people's lives, their neighbourhoods, and their broader social circumstances. It reflects on our society and can be used to expose issues that still remain.