: Most newcomers are led to believe they will make a fortune, but 99% of this claim is false . Many end up poorer than they started due to "drug rips" or debts owed to the gang.

: On the flip side, hip-hop is also used as a powerful tool for intervention , offering teens a way to express their frustrations through art rather than violence. 3. The Reality Check: Beyond the Screen

: Successful artists who represent the "gangsta" genre often monopolize the music scene, making the word "gangsta" a compliment among peers.

But as stories from former members and community experts show, there is a massive gap between the digital "clout" and the gritty reality. Here is a look at how the entertainment industry and social media shape this lifestyle, and what actually happens when the cameras stop rolling. 1. The Lure of "Clout" and Social Media