Well, MCs have been making drug references since Melle Mel recorded "White Lines" (maybe before that). And, there's always been this paradox of rappers glorifying and condemning drug use in the same breath. Seems the only major change is what drugs are being hyped.

Neither cough syrup nor E are that new. They've been around at least 10 years as recreational drugs for young people. Personally, I question the safety of any pill like E because you don't know what you're getting. If its quality ecstacy, you're probably not in serious danger unless you overdo it. But, dealers are shady, and you can't assume that you know exactly what you're putting in your body. I'd much rather see kids get into smoking pot than popping pills - that's a realm of drug use that gets real scary real quick.

But, as others have said, it isn't really the MCs that have created the drug use. They are reacting to it. It would be nice if their reaction were a little more constructive than just advertising the positive fun side of these substances, though.

peace,
murph