Essay Sample on Drug Addiction: An Escalating Epidemic of Our Times

Introduction

Over the years, there has been an escalation in drug addiction cases over the world. Several people are seriously indulging in the overdose consumption of illegal drugs. This is greatly attributed to the peer pressure cultivated out of social media. Various media items such as music and films have greatly contributed to heightening this moral issue (Williams 14). The community members would want to emulate their peers, musicians, or filmmaker's way of life. As a result, their moral standards are eroded. Therefore, this paper focuses on the contributions of Jermaine Cole, commonly referred to as J. Cole, in his hip-hop music career on this and related social issues.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Social Issues in a Musical Career

J. Cole is a hip-hop rapper who chose to address a range of social issues in his musical career (Williams, Melvin 1-14). In his music work, he has attracted the attention of several scholars and social activists. In his album, K.O.D., Cole focused on the theme of drug addiction. Interestingly, hip-hop rappers have been accused of being the most drug-addicted group. Besides, they are the ones who have encourage the heavy consumption of drugs through the lyrics of their art (Williams 14). Consequently, most of their followers have embraced the same pattern of life.

Conversely, though J. Cole is one of the rappers, he has condemned the issue through the K.O.D.D. album. He explains the reasons which might support this fact. First, Cole equates the heavy consumption of illegal drugs by rappers to cope with their inner demons and depression. This implies that most rappers are not themselves in any way. They are trying to fit in the shoes and standards of some other gods. They are also severely stressed and depressed by life hence trying to sober up through massive addiction. In his view, Cole asked his fellows to shun such behaviors and seek redemption from God.

Drug Addiction

Also, J. Cole attributes drug addiction by the hip-hop rapper to the kind of oppressions facing Black Americans who are the largest population of rappers. They are going through a series of challenges (Williams 14). They do not feel a sense of belonging and worth. Most of them are going through emotional trauma because of the treatments they receive from the system. This has forced them into a self-damaging kind of lifestyle, such as drug addiction. Cole has also advocated for a revival through self-reflection and redemption from the holy God.

My focus is on this topic of drug addiction, as depicted by J. Cole. This is a social issue that is widely spreading and related to other issues such as racism, depression, harsh realities of life, and discrimination. This plan for this research shall be based on scholarly articles and case studies on this subject matter. Some of the keywords used in this research include drug abuse and J. Cole. Since J. Cole is a popular rapper, I am convinced that I would be able to find relevant information concerning his work related to the topic (Williams 14). One interesting key question I have on this topic is the relationship between drug addiction and hip-hop rappers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in his work, J. Cole proved to be a social activist who was concerned the societal issues, especially moral standards. Indeed, drug addiction is a social issue that erupts due to interlinks that exist with other factors. There is a need to fight the continuous rise in drug addiction as it seriously erodes the morality in our societies.

Work Cited

Williams, Melvin L. "“Meditate, Don’t Medicate!” an Analysis of Addict Rap, Black Men’s Social Issues, and J. Cole’s KOD Album." Howard Journal of Communications (2020): 1-14.