Tanner is so dead on here. I like hip hop, and a lot of hip hop songs( especially older stuff from the early 90's) have some really good, positive lyrics. But beyond that, so much of contemporary hip hop is so focused on violence and gangsterism that it's just not uplifting to listen to. Additionally, I have a hard time relating to really gangster shit. Now I'm not saying I don't enjoy myself a gangster ass tune, but its not the music I want to fill my life with.
Reggae on the other hand, particularly roots era reggae and roots inspired contemporary reggae is music that I want to live my life by. That music is filled with positive vibes of hope, peace, and religion, which much better suits my non gangster lifestyle. Reggae lyrics inspire me to be a better person everyday, and at this point in my life, it's kinda the only thing I take any religious value out of. That being said, reggae is really important to me, and since last spring/winter, I've really started to live reggae, not just listen to it.