The number of drug references in rap music has risen sixfold since the genre revolutionised pop music.
Researchers who analysed the lyrics of hundreds of songs say rap has been transformed from one which warned against the dangers of drug abuse to one that routinely glorifies it.
And because many of the references are coded, many parents are unaware what their children are listening to. Scroll down for more... {4}
"Positive portrayals of drug use have increased over time, and drug references increased overall," said Dr Denise Herd, who led the study.
"This is an alarming trend as rap artists are role models for the nation's youth, especially in urban areas.
"Many of these young people are already at risk and need to get positive messages from the media."
Dr Herd looked for blatant and hidden references to drugs in 341 of the most popular rap songs released between 1979, when the genre was in its infancy, and 1997. Scroll down for more... {1}
Each song was categorised in terms of its attitudes towards drug use and consequences.
The number of drug references increased 600 per cent over that time, while the number glorifying drugs also increased.
The study found that drugs were increasingly used to signify glamour, wealth and sociability.
"This indicates a shift from cautionary songs, such as those that emphasised the dangers of cocaine and crack, to songs that glorify the use of marijuana and other drugs as part of a desirable hip-hop lifestyle," said Dr Herd.
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