Rap music has been at the center of controversy in recent years, with some arguing that it promotes violence and criminal behaviour. In Australia, the debate has come to a head at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show, where a teenager was fatally stabbed during last year’s event. As a result, the show has banned “rapper-type music,” at its 2023 show which the police claim is used by bikie gangs to recruit youths.
Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith of the NSW Police said that the Comanchero bikie gang proactively procured youths through rap music investment to carry out violent crime. According to Smith, KVT, Onefour, and other gangs were carrying out serious violent crimes on behalf of the Comanchero gang. He argues that the evidence demonstrates that rapper music is being used to lure youth into a life of crime.
However, the University of Sydney Criminology Professor Murray Lee has argued that there is little evidence that rap music incites violent crime. While there have been some knife crimes associated with youth gangs in rap music in the UK, he believes that the idea that groups like Onefour incites violence seems to be a pretty long bow to draw at this point. Professor Lee instead argues that the ban is an example of historic “aesthetic policing.”
Despite the lack of evidence linking rap music to crime, the Royal Easter Show has taken measures to ensure safety. Ride operators are not allowed to play any form of rapper-type music, and other safety measures include increasing lighting in sideshow alley, using metal detectors, turning music volume down, and banning music with offensive language. Murray Wilton, the show’s general manager, denies that the ban is a racist move and argues that the type of music played predicts somebody’s behaviour.
Some critics of the ban argue that it is unfair to associate rap music with crime and that the ban will not solve the underlying issues. Angie, an 18-year-old employee who enjoys dancing to rap music, called the ban “stupid.”
While the link between rap music and crime is debated, the Royal Easter Show has taken measures to ensure safety and banned rapper-type music. However, critics argue that the ban is unfair and ineffective. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the ban will have any impact on crime at the event.
