What Happens in the Dark....?
The Dark Symphony: How the Music Industry Glorifies Drugs, Sex, and Alcohol—and How We Can Change the Tune
Look closely at the songs dominating today’s charts, and you’ll find a troubling narrative. While the beats may be catchy, much of the content glorifies drugs, hypersexualization, and unhealthy relationships—particularly toward young women. The music industry, which once uplifted communities and sparked social change, has shifted into a machine that prioritizes profit over people, pushing harmful stories that sell but damage our culture. How did we get here, and why is this messaging so powerful?
From Empowerment to Exploitation
In the 1960s and 70s, music served as a tool for social justice, with artists like Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and Bob Dylan addressing the most pressing issues of their time, from civil rights to war. But in the 1980s and 90s, the industry started shifting. Record labels realized that controversy sells, and over time, they began promoting themes of drugs, sex, and violence, especially in hip-hop and pop.
The result? Young women like Aaliyah became victims of powerful men in the industry, as seen in her illegal relationship with R. Kelly, who was convicted of sex trafficking. Artists like Jay-Z (who started dating Beyoncé when she was 19) and P. Diddy (who began dating Cassie when she was 19) illustrate how young women are often drawn into relationships with older, more powerful figures who control their careers.
Today, nearly 33% of Billboard hits reference drugs or alcohol, and 84% of music videos hypersexualize women. These messages aren’t just about entertainment—they shape how we view the world and ourselves.
The Psychological Impact
Music has a powerful effect on the brain. When you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine, the chemical that makes you feel good. But when these songs repeatedly glorify destructive behaviors—like drug use or the objectification of women—they desensitize us to the harm behind the lyrics. Desensitization means we begin to accept these behaviors as normal, even desirable, without realizing the damage they can cause.
For teenagers, who are still forming their identities, this is particularly dangerous. Studies by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 50% of teens say music influences their decision to try drugs or alcohol. The more we listen to music that glamorizes harmful behavior, the more likely we are to normalize it.
Who’s Really in Control?
The reality is, much of the control lies not with the artists but with the Big Three record labels—Universal, Sony, and Warner—which control 80% of the global music market. These companies know what sells, and they push artists to promote the same destructive themes. If an artist resists, they can be replaced. It’s not just about the individual musicians; the industry has created a system where controversy, sex, and substance abuse bring in profits.
Boycotting one artist won’t change much because the labels will simply find someone else willing to perpetuate the same harmful narratives. Real change means holding the industry itself accountable.
The Power of Artists Like J. Cole, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar
Fortunately, not all artists are playing by these rules. Artists like J. Cole, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar have used their platforms to uplift, empower, and address important social issues. J. Cole focuses on authenticity and challenges materialism and fame culture. In songs like “Love Yourz,” he emphasizes self-worth and inner peace, a stark contrast to the messages of excess so often heard.
Alicia Keys is another artist who refuses to conform to the hypersexualization often forced on female musicians. She promotes body positivity, natural beauty, and mental health awareness, using her influence for empowerment instead of exploitation.
Kendrick Lamar, one of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop, uses his music to discuss systemic racism, inequality, and the struggles of Black Americans. Songs like “Alright” and albums like To Pimp a Butterfly are rooted in social justice, showing that music can still be a force for change and reflection.
Supporting these kinds of artists sends a message to the industry: we want music that uplifts, not destroys.
Teaching Music Literacy: A Solution for Schools and Universities
One crucial way to fight back against harmful industry narratives is by teaching music literacy. Schools and universities should focus on helping students critically engage with the music they consume, understanding the messages behind the lyrics, and the power dynamics that shape the industry.
By teaching young people to analyze music, not just passively consume it, we equip them with the tools to question harmful narratives and make more informed choices about what they listen to.
The Power of Choice: Changing the Narrative
Music is more than just a background soundtrack—it shapes culture and influences behavior. We have the power to demand more from the industry by supporting artists who promote positive, empowering messages and by refusing to engage with harmful content.
The choice is ours. Will we continue to feed an industry that profits from exploitation and destruction, or will we use our collective voices to create a music landscape that uplifts, educates, and inspires? The power is in our hands—and it starts with what we choose to listen to.
