Young African Americans face several critical issues such as dire economic circumstances, peer pressure, random violence, and feelings of alienation from the cultural mainstream in America. Black popular culture for these youth creates a value system born out of these same issues. This analysis will address the influence of Black popular culture on African American urban youth and its subsequent intersection with the culture found in secondary schools (cultural collision). Black popular culture will be examined through the use of two components: hip-hop culture and television media. Current literature as related to the topics discussed will be used to make recommendations.