Traditional rap, which is mostly devoid of explicit lyrics, and the more radical style of “gangster rap” divide the rap music community. In order to sell more CDs, some rap artists will release a recording in two versions: an explicit version and a tamer version that removes the harsh lyrics and often replaces entire verses with friendlier lyrics. A rapper is frequently a musician and a salesperson who aspires to sell his or her art to a willing buyer without jeopardizing the music’s artistic integrity.
