Why do rappers talk about drugs all the time? Is it because they sell drugs? Or are they acting? When Tom Cruise plays a killer in a movie, is it because he’s really a killer? Or is it because movies about killers are popular?

When a rapper talks about drugs, there are many possible reasons why. The most popular explanation given is that said rapper was formerly involved in a life of crime, and if not for hip-hop, would be dead or in jail. That sounds glamorous; like a hood coming-of-age story. It sounds so glamorous that practically every rapper claims to be a former drug dealer.

We know from experience that several famous hard-core rappers have histories that do not exactly scream “drug kingpin.” For instance, we won’t call any names, but certain rappers are former military men, correctional officers, performing arts high-school students, catholic school students, ballet dancers (yes), exotic dancers, and most importantly, ACTORS! If a rapper continuously talks about the fact that he sells drugs, how is it that he is not arrested? He’s acting; that’s how.

Think about Ice Cube, and his “Fuck the Police” rap style from the 1980’s. Today, Ice Cube is a successful screen actor with his own production company. Does he even rap anymore? Who knows? The point is that he’s not a drug dealer or a gangster. Sure, he’s probably tough, but a gangster he is not. He’s a mogul. There’s a difference. When he says “Fuck the Police,” he is merely expressing the sentiments of the less fortunate; those real gang members and drug dealers who are stuck in the ghetto, never to be seen on your television screen.

Another reason why a rapper might pretend to be a drug dealer is because it sells! Everyone loves the movie Scarface, right? Well, maybe not YOU, but an entire generation of drug dealers and wannabe’s have worshiped Tony Montana and his fictional cocaine empire for years. Posters and DVDs are still selling to this day. Scarface is one of the most epic drug films ever made. Does that mean that Al Pacino is a drug dealer? No.

So your favorite rapper claims that he moves kilos of cocaine on a weekly basis? And you believe him? Just like sex sells, so does drug talk! A suburban kid who’s being bullied everyday can listen to a Jay-Z song and feel tougher than leather. He may still receive a beating at school, but at least he can zone out and listen to his favorite gangster rap track to help build his confidence! That’s a perfect example of why artists lie in their raps. Confidence is key. Rap music, at its core, is about bravado; talking and acting tougher than you really are.

TI has served time in prison for gun possession, been shot at, and had a host of different encounters with the law. How is it that he can make a music video depicting himself running a drug operation; physically cooking crack cocaine on the stove? Because he’s acting. It’s possible that TI sold drugs as a youth. But suppose it weren’t true? Suppose he never sold drugs a day in his life? Does that make him less credible as a street-wise gangster rapper? In many circles, yes. So TI is either acting like a drug dealer, or truly selling drugs; risking his freedom to seem like a gangster. Which one do you think he’s doing?

Another reason a rapper might rap about selling drugs is because it’s actually true. If a rapper is still selling drugs, it’s most likely a little-known rapper with a small following, and you’ll know him by the subsequent drug bust and arrest. As for big-name artists like Jay Z and Rick Ross, they are artists! Jay Z does not sell drugs. He runs companies, he goes into a recording studio and tapes his voice repeatedly until it sounds perfect enough to sell as a CD. He is a creative individual who does music. He does radio appearances. He does press. He does not sell drugs. Why would he make you think he sells drugs? Because that’s the image it takes to get YOU to buy his records.

The energy of thug-drug music is similar to the excitement of any other genre. Music makes you feel pumped up, charged and energized. Take a listen to TI’s new song Trap Back Jumpin. Think it’s really talking about his life of selling drugs? If you belive that, chances are, you’re a child. As you listen to Trap Back Jumpin, substitute whatever word you want in the place of Trap.

A Trap is a drug house. TI is not running a drug house. He’s playing the role of someone who does. As for his song, millions of people love it! Do they all sell drugs? No. For instance, when I hear Trap Back Jumpin, with its energetic beat and dark, courageous, underdog tone, it motivates me. Not to sell drugs. To sell my blog. Don’t believe me? Take a listen. [Trap Back Jumpin by T.I.] In my mind I say, “It’s time to get the blog back jumpin…” and you should do the same, with your own personal goals, if you enjoy TI’s music.

The fact that some rap music is peppered with drug references is not an indication that the artist sells drugs. It’s an indication that the public loves to hear fantasy rap: the type of rap that discusses women, drugs and money exclusively while ignoring social issues. Can we really blame TI or any other artist for giving the people what they want?

You, however, can be blamed if you listen to rap music, then go out and live the fantasy life it describes. Why don’t you just go ahead and become Tony Montana since you’re so easily guided by ENTERTAINMENT!

In the movie Notorious, which chronicles the life and death of rapper Notorious BIG, there’s a scene in which Derek Luke, who plays Shawn Puffy Combs, gives aspiring rapper Christopher Wallace and ultimatum: Either you can keep selling small bags of crack to buy tennis shoes, or you can RAP about people who do. Notorious BIG chose to act like a gangster and get paid for it, rather than trying to be one.

Rappers are actors. When a rapper really sells drugs, he goes to jail. Real drug dealers go to jail. And if your favorite rapper goes to jail frequently, it’s probably because of the weed, extacy, cocaine and/or heroin that he purchased with his music industry money, from a real drug dealer.