Final answer:
The more brutal genre of music from the late 1980s known for praising misogyny and violence is gangsta rap. It faced backlash for reinforcing negative stereotypes yet also drew fans who felt it represented an authentic cultural expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
As new styles evolved, the more brutal genre of the late 1980s that often praised misogyny and violence, which drew a devoted following and criticism in equal measure, was gangsta rap. This form of music attracted listeners for its raw and unapologetic portrayal of life in the inner cities, appealing to a sense of authenticity and cultural expression. Yet, it also faced backlash for its controversial lyrics, with critics pointing to its negative influence on youth and its perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.
Artists such as Public Enemy, while not gangsta rap, used hip-hop to confront societal issues, such as racism, and spurred much-needed conversations. Despite this, record companies were often criticized for promoting music that glorified violence and demeaned women, shaping the media's perception of black America in the 1980s.