Summarizes major changes in popular music associated with youth cultures, including lyric content, buying trends, and listening patterns. Implications for counselors are discussed. (BL)

Rap, a popular music that emerged in the United States during the 1980s and 90s, is described as a creation of young African American culture. It belongs to a centuries old legacy of using language creatively in everyday life. The roots of the music are seen as part of the African-American oral and musical traditions that encompass the hidden…

Examining popular song lyrics can help adolescent students improve their understanding of society and their place it it. An annotated discography of popular songs which may be useful for this purpose is included. (AM)

Popular music is discussed as a means of interesting adolescents and young adults in a foreign culture and language. A number of language class exercises are offered, focusing on different aspects of the songs and their roles: vocabulary; musical structure; culture contact; syntax; and creativity. (MSE)