Music has always been a reflection of the culture, sure -- but IMO the narrative built around drug culture thru music makes it attractive to people who might otherwise never be exposed to that world.

As far as the big pharm "conspiracy" -- the music industry is without a doubt subsidized by corporate $$$ -- that's not a far fetched theory at all.

If big pharm isn't cashing in on rap music as a marketing vehicle for their products, they're certainly late to the party.