Hey Katie–great question! One of the first things I go to is this: “talking about something doesn’t mean we’re endorsing it.” So, the focus is first and always, engagement and seeking to understand (not agree). That’s where the questions can come in handy–whats the significance of the music in the young person’s life? How is their relationship w/rap situated in their context? What meaning are they making? Also, investigation of political economy and the history of white capitalization of black art (not just rap) is important. Who is profiting at whose expense? What are the negotiated meanings—that is, there may be a complex read of this, a both/and–make sense?

What might this young person be protesting in in their life thru the music? What does the music make possible? Who do they get to be when listening (do they insert themselves in the song –textual poaching)? What might be some areas they’re concerned about? If they could re-work the song, what might they change? who could they ask to co-produce a response record? These are some places I’d start.

Hope that helps–thanks for watching
Julie