No more than the "gansta rappers" represent African-Americans. 99.9+% are decent, hardworking folks who want the same thing as everyone else: a chance for a good home, enough to pay the bills, a chance for themselves and their kids....
Reagan's "Social Safety Net" has been ripped to shreds in the US. As Mick said, hopelessness grows. And what Janis sang is correct: Freedom's just another word for "nothin' left to lose." Then the blood starts to run in the streets.