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Feb 15, 2024 · J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. Superstars J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are the most visible examples of modern-day conscious hip-hop. Though Cole is no stranger to the more braggadocious style of rap ...
Jan 2, 2024 · Undoubtedly, conscious rap catalyzes social awareness and positive transformation. It is a dynamic and impactful force within the broader landscape of Hip Hop music. It also remains a dynamic and ...
Major labels signed more artists, but record companies didn’t think political songs would resonate with a large audience. So they pushed the feel-good, party songs that rose to the top of the “Hot Rap Songs” charts during that era. The socio-economic climate may have also affected the amount of political consciousness in hip-hop.
Conscious rap’s is complex, with deep roots that grow from within the broader hip-hop world. Here’s a look at the artistes and themes defining the genre.
- Yg
- Nas: Cops Shot The Kid
- Kendrick Lamar: How Much A Dollar Cost
- Common
- Prophets of Rage: Take Me Higher
- Public Enemy: Man Plans God Laughs
- Vince Staples: Bagbak
- J Cole: Friends
- Jay Z
- The Roots
Released before Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States, “FDT” speaks about the perceived dangers of the then-candidate. YG calls out about Trump’s views and comments on minority groups, and how his possible presidency makes him appreciate ex-President Barack Obama. With an assist from Nipsey Hussle, “FDT” is a throwback to a ti...
Queensbridge’s favorite son speaks about one of the most talked-about issues currently plaguing US society – police brutality. Produced by and featuring Kanye West, “Cops Shot The Kid” shows Nas addressing police abuse dating back to Emmett Till. With a minimalist beat and a hook that samples Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story,” “Cops Shot The Kid” has...
As one of the leaders of the new generation of conscious hip-hop MCs, it’s only right that Kendrick Lamardelivers a story that is multi-layered and ripe with metaphors and double meanings. As Kendrick tells the story of a conversation between him and a transient, he reveals just why he is regarded as one of the top wordsmiths of his generation.
Common holds up a mirror to urban America, discussing everything from guns, drugs and mass incarceration to the shooting of Trayvon Martin and police brutality. With assistance from Stevie Wonder, Chicago’s finest MC lays out the modern-day urban agenda in this conscious hip-hop cut.
Only a supergroup consisting of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Tim Commerford, Tom Morello and Brad Wilk of Rage Against The Machine could deliver an engaging and thought-provoking song about drones and their potential misuse and abuse. These accomplished veterans to leave no stone unturned.
“Do it for the culture, do it for the youth” is the bridge of “Man Plans God Laughs” by Public Enemy. The self-proclaimed Prophets Of Rage, who demanded we “Fight The Power” back in the day, don’t disappoint with an updated version of the noise that they so powerfully brought us back in 1987.
“We need Tamikas and Shaniquas in that Oval Office/Obama ain’t enough for me, we only gettin’ started,” Vince boldly declares on “Bagbak.” The Long Beach rapper also speaks about gentrification and racial division on the self-produced track. Staples brings hip-hop swagger to protest music, and the result is a new rallying cry for a generation.
Despite drugs pervading some strands of hip-hop culture, the genre has rallied against their abuse since “White Lines.” On “Friends,” rapper and singer J Cole takes aim at the new vice plaguing modern hip-hop: opioids and the accompanying “Xanax rap” that glorifies it. The KODalbum as a whole speaks to modern drug culture, with the title being an a...
Appearing on Jay Z’s most personal album, “Smile’ sees the Brooklyn MC getting introspective as he reflects on his troubled past and how it shaped who he is today. The track also serves as a “coming out” of sorts for his mother – Gloria Carter – who appears on a spoken-word outro for the track. “Mama had four kids, but she’s a lesbian/Had to preten...
The legendary Roots crew examine the hypocrisy of people who ask for God, but “turn around and run” when God comes. Assisted by Dice Raw and Greg Porn, The Roots’ lead vocalist and co-founder Black Thought gets introspective and provokes thought over an organ-heavy beat.
- Jayquan
Conscious hip hop (also known as socially conscious hip hop or conscious rap) is a subgenre of hip hop that challenges the dominant cultural, social, political, sociopolitical, philosophical, and economic consensus, and/or comments on or focuses on social issues and conflicts. Conscious hip hop is not necessarily overtly political, but the ...
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May 14, 2023 · Conscious hip-hop is more than just a subgenre of rap music; it is a culture, a philosophy, a movement, and a force for social change. Conscious hip-hop artists use their words as weapons to fight against injustice, oppression, ignorance, and apathy. They also use their music as a tool to educate, empower, and enlighten their listeners.
