New research published in the journal Psychology of Music suggests that people often form negative opinions about individuals simply because they listen to rap music. The findings indicate that reading violent or sexually explicit rap lyrics causes observers to view a hypothetical fan of that music as more sexually aggressive and more capable of committing murder. This provides evidence that negative stereotypes associated with rap music extend beyond the artists who create it and affect how everyday fans are perceived. Rap and hip-hop are among the most popular music genres in the world today, with millions of people streaming these songs daily. At the same time, the genre tends to be associated with controversial themes. Some songs frequently reference violence, drug use, and the objectification of women. Past studies show that these stereotypes can have serious consequences in the real world, especially within the justice system. In criminal trials, prosecutors sometimes use a defendant’s own rap lyrics as evidence of their poor character, violent tendencies, or even as a confession. Research provides evidence that mock …