Is rap good or bad for the black community in America?

There is an ongoing debate about the impact of rap music on certain listeners – especially "gangsta rap" which often has lyrics linked to violence, commodification of women, and illegal activities. There is widespread disagreement, for example between the music industry and parents’ groups, about the effect such music has on listeners and their behaviour. But rap has also produced role models in the music industry for black youth, and opened up a new avenue for self expression. What do you think, is rap good or bad for the black community?