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HIP HOP AND" GANGSTA RAP" have been widely criticized by the public as well in numerous political (liberal and conservative) and religious arenas (Fried, 1999). Many critics declare that this type of music is not only extremely vulgar, but that it also perpetuates physical and sexual violence, and promotes sexism. One gangsta rapper in particular, the late Tupac Shakur (1971-1996), is said to encapsulate all of the above. In the mid-1990s he was one of the most popular rap stars. Even today he is considered a legend in the hip-hop world, and has sold over 22 million records, posthumously. During his time, Tupac was constantly in the media limelight-for the revenue he generated selling millions of records and for the chaotic gangsta life he led. He was arrested a number of times for assault and was charged with sexual abuse, for which he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison (though he was bailed out …