Final answer:
Gangsta rap, a sub-style of hip-hop characterized by its raw portrayal of inner-city life, is tied to rising racial tensions around the era of the Rodney King beatings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sub-style of hip-hop music that led to rising racial tension in the context of the Rodney King beatings is c) Gangsta rap. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, gangsta rap became incredibly influential, characterized by its graphic lyrical content on life in the inner cities, which often included themes of violence, police brutality, and systemic racism. This genre of hip-hop gained prominence around the same time as highly publicized events such as the Rodney King beatings, and it was seen as a musical form that both expressed and amplified the racial tensions of the time.
Critics pointed to gangsta rap as glorifying violence and reinforcing negative stereotypes, contributing to racial tensions. Fans and artists within the genre, however, saw it as a raw and honest portrayal of their lived experiences and the reality of life in marginalized communities. Notable artists within this sub-style, such as N.W.A., used their music as a platform to confront and highlight the challenges faced by African Americans, which resonated with many and drew attention to the need for social change.