Although I don't fully agree with Rivera here, I think it's an interesting point to discuss and wish he would have expanded his views on it. In my own experience, I've noticed that much of Hip-Hop lyrics and songs (specifically American) deal with themes of success and emergence from poverty. There are often references to brands, and material objects that are the envy of masses and readily accessible to the poor. It is inevitable that the poor aim to rise from poverty. However the way in which society is structured there is a very low percentage of people who are realistically able to do such a thing. It reminds me of Rousseau's Discourse of the Origin on Inequality. Rousseau is saying that the way in which the Rich keep the poor oppressed is by leading them with blind ambition. The poor will always strive to be the rich which essentially means they strive to oppress those weaker than themselves. In a way it makes me wonder if Hip-Hop is in some way a rich mans way of propaganda for the poor. Is Hip-Hop an illusion of success for the oppressed condoned by those in power? This seems to make sense but I think it's deeper than just this. I know conservatives are known for being against Hip-Hop and Rap culture, but wouldn't such genres strengthen their power?