Music has long been a favorite pastime of teens and has influenced the minds of youths the world over.

For decades, the lifestyle promoted by rap and hip-hop music has caused controversy. Critics say American youths associate hip-hop music with homophobia, sexism and other offensive behavior.

They also say that hip-hop promotes rebellion and a pro-pimp message of prostitution.

That might be changing, though: Not all rap is bad rap.

"Rap music talks about harsh realities," said Jefferson County High School senior Marteria Fann, 18. "It's an interconnection between where you are and where you're trying to get -- which doesn't necessarily involve drugs or sex.

It's based on ifs. If that's what your life involves, then that is what you'll rap about."

"Rap shares the struggles of life and how they are overcome; it's sometimes clean-cut and dry," said Jefferson County senior Felicia Washington. "I don't always agree with rap, but it honestly (displays) the real world."

Hip-hop poet Bomani Armah's single Read a Book is an example of positive (and satirical) hip-hop music. The song advocates reading as a hobby, a healthy way of life, lucrative investments and properly rearing children.

In the midst of the 2008 presidential election, several rappers and hip-hop artists wrote and spoke on issues that their fans would not otherwise be interested in.

What rappers talk about is closely related to the choices teenagers make and the way in which teens live their lives.

Now that lyricists such as Nas, Jay-Z, R. Kelly, P. Diddy, T.I., David Banner and Nelly promote positive causes, all American youths can benefit from the advances of hip-hop and rap.

William Fleming is a senior at Jefferson County High School.