Conscious Hip Hop
Conscious hip hop or socially conscious hip-hop is a subgenre of hip hop that challenges the dominant cultural, political, philosophical, and economic consensus. Conscious hip hop is related to and frequently overlaps with political hip hop, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, conscious hip hop is not necessarily overtly political, but rather discusses social issues and conflicts. Themes of conscious hip hop include afrocentricity, religion, aversion to crime &violence, culture, the economy, or simple depictions the struggles of ordinary people. Conscious hip hop often aims to subtly inform the public about social issues and having them form their own opinions instead of aggressively forcing ideas and demanding actions from them.
History of political and conscious hip hop
The proto-rap of Gil Scott-Heron is often noted as significant influence on political and conscious rap, though most of his earlier socially conscious and political albums fall within the jazz, soul, and funk genres. One of the first socially conscious hip-hop songs was "How We Gonna Make The Black Nation Rise?" by Brother D with Collective Effort.[3] The first big hit hip hop song containing conscious rap was Grandmaster Flash's "The Message", which was a hugely influential political and conscious hip hop track, decrying the poverty, violence, and dead-end lives of the urban poor of the time.
Examples of conscious and political hip-hop music throughout the decades include Whodini's "Growing Up", Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C.'s "Hard Times", MC Lyte's "Cappucino", Lupe Fiasco's "Conflict Diamonds", Big Daddy Kane's "Lean On Me", Mos Def's "Mathematics", most of Public Enemy's discography, including notable tracks such as "Give It Up", "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos", "Rebel Without a Pause", "Fight The Power," "911 Is a Joke", "Burn Hollywood Burn," and "Night of the Living Baseheads"; much of the The Roots' discography, including the track "What They Do" and albums such as Things Fall Apart, Game Theory, Rising Down, Undun, and …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin; much of Kendrick Lamar's discography; much of KRS-One's discography, including the tracks "Move Ahead" and "Know Thyself"; Boogie Down Productions' albumsCriminal Minded and By All Means Necessary; Eminem's "Like Toy Soldiers"; much of Talib Kweli's discography, much of Lupe Fiasco's discography, much of rapper Common's discography, such as the track "I Used to Love H.E.R."; Main Source's "Watch Roger Do His Thing", and much of2Pac's discography, including "Changes".
Early gangsta rap often showed significant overlap with political and conscious rap.[4] Pioneers in the gangsta rap genre such as Ice-T, N.W.A., Ice Cube, and the Geto Boys blended the crime stories, violent imagery, and aggression associated with gangsta rap with significant socio-political commentary, using the now standard gangsta rap motifs of crime and violence to comment on the state of society and expose issues found within poor communities to society at large. These early gangsta rap artists were influenced in part by the bleak and often "revolutionary" crime novels ofIceberg Slim as well as hip hop groups such as Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions, groups that mixed aggressive, confrontational lyrics about urban life with social-political commentary and often radical political messages. The controversial Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. brought gangsta rap to the mainstream, but it also contained harsh social and political commentary, including the confrontational track "Fuck tha Police."
After his split from N.W.A, rapper Ice Cube released sociopolitical and conscious rap with gangsta rap elements in the 1990 album Amerikkka's Most Wanted and the companion EP Kill at Will; the 1991 album Death Certificate; and the 1992 album The Predator. Furthermore, Ice Cube produced and appeared on the controversial and radical political rap/gangsta rap album Guerillas in tha Mist by Da Lench Mob in the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. Though Ice Cube would continue to sporadically insert political and social commentary into his music throughout his career, he once again focused on conscious and political rap with the 2006 album Laugh Now, Cry Later and 2008's Raw Footage, featuring the single "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It", a song dealing with the perceived correlation between music and global issues (i.e. the War in Iraq, school shootings, etc.).
A particularly notable conscious hip-hop track in recent years was "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, the first Top 40 track in the United States to ever promote marriage equality and gay rights.
The audience for artists who consistently produce conscious rap is largely underground.[5] However mainstream artists are increasingly including elements of conscious hip-hop in their songs.[6] There are hundreds of artists whose music could be described as "political": see the List of Political hip hop artists page for a partial list.
Political hip hop ideologies
Explicitly political hip hop is related to but distinct from conscious hip hop because it refers to artists who have strong and overt political affiliations and agendas, as opposed to the more generalized social commentary typical of conscious hip hop. It can also be used to include political artists of all ideological stripes, whereas the term conscious hip hop generally implies a broadly leftist affiliation or outlook.
Black nationalism
Black nationalism is an ideology underlying the militant wing of the North American civil rights movement in the 1970s and early 1980s. It played a role in early political hip hop and continues to be a theme for many contemporary political hip hop artists. Prominent black nationalist artists include Public Enemy, X Clan, MC Ren, Ice Cube, Da Lench Mob, Tragedy Khadafi, Dead Prez, Brand Nubian, Sister Souljah, Paris and Big Daddy Kane.
Caribbean Consciousness
Caribbean consciousness is hip hop songs that highlight the themes and causes of the Caribbean (aka West Indies). From a geographic perspective, the Caribbean is in close proximity to United States (more specifically Florida, Atlanta, New Orleans, Georgia) and the symbiotic relationships developed between the two regions has existed historically.
Libertarianism
Rappers such as KRS-One[7] and Big Boi[8] have expressed libertarian views in their lyrics and personal life. KRS-One's songs have covered such libertarian topics as individualism, while Big Boi intended the OutKast song "Bombs Over Baghdad" as a libertarian, anti-war song.[8] KRS-One has publicly supported Republican Ron Paul,[7] and Big Boi supported Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson in the 2012 election.[8] Rapper GoRemy has expressed libertarian views in videos hosted by the libertarian magazine Reason.[9][10][11] Houston rapper Neema V expresses libertarian, pro-capitalism views in his lyrics.[12]
Marxism
Marxism has been an element of social movements worldwide and is seen in hip hop. Some overtly Marxist and Marxist-influenced groups include Marxman, The Coup, Immortal Technique, and dead prez.
Anarchism
Anarchism is relevant in hip hop culture. Like Marxist hip hop, class struggle and anti-imperialism are major themes in anarchist hip hop music along with anti-parliamentarianism and a strong emphasis on intersectionality and the connections between different movements. The need for community-level grassroots organization and opposition to political hierarchy and illegitimate authority are also common themes. Unlike Marxist acts, several of which have been signed to major labels, anarchist artists have generally followed a DIY ethos which has led them to remain independent such as Sole. However, Lupe Fiasco has also identified as an anarchist publicly.
Prominent anarchist hip hop artists include: Emcee Lynx, Comrade Malone,[13] Direct Raption[14] and Ko49.[15]
Socialism
Many other artists object to capitalism in general but prefer not to explicitly identify with either Marxism or Anarchism and instead advocate various other forms of socialism. Hip hop acts that describe their politics as "socialist" include Immortal Technique,[16] Dead Prez, the Blue Scholars, andSun Rise Above. Looptroop Rockers is an anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist hip hop project from Sweden. Gatas Parlament is an anti-capitalist hip hop project from Norway. The members of Gatas Parlament are also members of the revolutionary socialist party Rødt, and were members of Rød Ungdom in their youth.
Other
Other political hip hop artists advocate a wide range of positions, and often disagree with one another. Zionist hip hop acts like Golan and Subliminal,[17] and supporters of the Palestinian cause, like Lowkey and the Iron Sheik[18] have obvious fundamental disagreements about a wide range of issues, but both use hip hop music and culture as a vehicle to express themselves and spread their ideas. As hip hop becomes increasingly widespread, artists from many different countries and backgrounds are using it to express many different positions, among them political ones. The nature of hip hop (as with much music) as an opposing force to the establishment lends itself to such a use.[19]
References
Jump up ^ Political Rap. Allmusic. Accessed July 2, 2008.
Jump up ^ Bogdanov et al. 2003, p. 563
Jump up ^ http://www.discogs.com/Brother-D-with-Collective-Effort-Dib-Be-Dib-Be-Dize-How-We-Gonna-Make-The-Black-Nation-Rise/release/541671
Jump up ^ Lamont, Michele (1999). The Cultural Territories of Race: Black and White Boundaries. University of Chicago Press. p. 334. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
Jump up ^ Thompson, Amanda (May 6, 2004). "Gender in Hip Hop: A Research Study" (PDF). Humboldt State University. Retrieved June 9, 2006.
Jump up ^ Forman, Murray (2010). "Conscious Hip-Hop, Change, and the Obama Era". Retrieved March 17, 2013.
^ Jump up to: a b http://www.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2011/09/30/krs-one-to-rock-the-ron-paul-revolution-tour
^ Jump up to: a b c "WATCH: Big Boi Explains He Didn't Vote For Obama". Huffington Post. January 11, 2013.
Jump up ^ http://washingtonexaminer.com/video-libertarian-rapper-spoofs-the-nsau2019s-surveillance-programs/article/2531936
Jump up ^ http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/07/30/libertarian-rapper-thwacks-potential-weiner-voters-in-blurred-lines-parody-video/
Jump up ^ http://gawker.com/5923731/meet-rapper-dorian-electra-gomberg-the-libertarian-lolita
Jump up ^ http://www.stephankinsella.com/2009/09/fantastic-libertarian-rapper-neema-v/
Jump up ^ Comrade Malone signs to Kemet Entertainment Records
Jump up ^ Direct Raption: Artist Profile Page on Jamendo.com
Jump up ^ Ko49: Artist Profile Page on ReverbNation.com
Jump up ^ "IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE DISCUSS LIBERTARIAN PHILOSOPHY, SOCIALISM, AND REV. VOL. 3 [2013]". Global Hip Hop. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
Jump up ^ A Zionist Hip-Hop Stance Comes to Lollapalooza
Jump up ^ Iron Sheik – Palestinian Arab American Hip-Hop [1]
Jump up ^ Forman, Murray; Mark Anthony Neal (2004). That's the Joint!: The Hip-hop Studies Reader. Routledge. p. 7. ISBN 0-415-96919-0.
See also definitions of
revolutionary hip-hop
underground hip-hop
anarchist hip-hop
anti-authoritarian hip-hop
mainstream hip-hop
Alright
Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Alls my life I
Hard times like, yah
Bad trips like, yah
Nazareth, I'm fucked up
Homie, you fucked up
But if God got us then we gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
We gon' be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Huh? We gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
Uh, and when I wake up
I recognize you're lookin' at me for the pay cut
But homicide be looking at you from the face down
What MAC-11 even boom with the bass down
Schemin', and let me tell you bout my life
Painkillers only put me in the twilight
Where pretty pussy and Benjamin is the highlight
Now tell my mama I love her but this what I like
Lord knows, twenty of 'em in my Chevy
Tell 'em all to come and get me, reapin' everything I sow
So my karma come in heaven, no preliminary hearings on my record
I'm a motherfucking gangster in silence for the record, uh
Tell the world I know it's too late
Boys and girls, I think I've gone cray
Drown inside my vices all day
Won't you please believe when I say
Wouldn't you know
We been hurt, been down before, nigga
When our pride was low
Lookin' at the world like, "Where do we go, nigga?"
And we hate po-po
Wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, nigga
I'm at the preacher's door
My knees gettin' weak and my gun might blow
But we gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
We gon' be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Huh? We gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
What you want you, a house? You, a car?
40 acres and a mule? A piano, a guitar?
Anything, see my name is Lucy, I'm your dog
Motherfucker, you can live at the mall
I can see the evil, I can tell it I know when it's illegal
I don't think about it, I deposit every other zero
Thinkin' of my partner put the candy, paint it on the regal
Diggin' in my pocket ain't a profit, big enough to feed you
Everyday my logic, get another dollar just to keep you
In the presence of your chico, ah
I don't talk about it, be about it, everyday I see cool
If I got it then you know you got it, Heaven, I can reach you
Pat Dawg, Pat Dawg, Pat Dawg, my dog, that's all
Bick back and Chad, I trap the bag for y'all
I rap, I black on track so rest assured
My rights, my wrongs, I write 'til I'm right with God
Wouldn't you know
We been hurt, been down before, nigga
When our pride was low
Lookin' at the world like, "Where do we go, nigga?"
And we hate po-po
Wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, nigga
I'm at the preacher's door
My knees gettin' weak and my gun might blow
But we gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
We gon' be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Huh? We gon' be alright
Nigga, we gon' be alright
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
I keep my head up high
I cross my heart and hope to die
Lovin' me is complicated
Too afraid of a lot of changes
I'm alright and you're a favorite
Dark nights in my prayers
I remembered you was conflicted
Misusing your influence, sometimes I did the same
Abusing my power full of resentment
Resentment that turned into a deep depression
Found myself screamin' in the hotel room
I didn't wanna self destruct, the evils of Lucy was all around me
So I went runnin' for answers
In Kendrick Lamar's song "Alright," he begins by talking about his fight to survive, expressing how his life has been full of struggles and hardships. He mentions bad times, including feeling lost and directionless, but states that even though things may seem difficult, if God is with him, he will be okay. Kendrick also speaks about the issues faced by the black community, including the police brutality they face and the constant fear and danger they live with. The song emphasizes the importance of staying strong and having faith, even when times are tough.
Throughout the song, Kendrick uses religious themes and allusions, referring to God and the struggles of Job, a biblical character known for his perseverance and faith. He also speaks about feeling conflicted and struggling with power and influence, but ultimately finding peace and hope through it all. The recurring phrase, "we gon' be alright," is a powerful message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
One interesting fact about the song is that it became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, with protestors chanting the lyrics during rallies and marches. The song was also performed at the 2015 BET Awards where Kendrick Lamar won multiple awards, including Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Video of the Year for "Alright."
Line by Line Meaning
Alls my life I has to fight, nigga
Throughout my entire life, I have had to struggle and fight for everything I have, my friend.
Hard times like, yah
I have faced difficult and challenging times in my life.
Bad trips like, yah
I have had negative experiences and setbacks in my life, just like everyone else.
Nazareth, I'm fucked up
I am in a difficult and messed up situation, perhaps referencing the biblical town of Nazareth where Jesus faced many struggles.
Homie, you fucked up
My friend, you are also in a bad place and experiencing difficult times.
But if God got us then we gon' be alright
If we have faith and trust in a higher power, we will overcome our struggles and be okay.
Nigga, we gon' be alright
We will persevere and overcome, regardless of the obstacles we face.
Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright
Can you understand and empathize with my struggles? Despite everything, we will make it through.
And when I wake up, I recognize you're lookin' at me for the pay cut
I know that others are judging and measuring me based on how much money I make or don't make.
But homicide be looking at you from the face down
Those who judge and criticize me may themselves be in danger or facing problems.
What MAC-11 even boom with the bass down
The threat of violence and danger is always present.
Schemin', and let me tell you bout my life
I am always plotting and trying to find ways to improve my situation and achieve success in life.
Painkillers only put me in the twilight
I have turned to substances to deal with my pain and it has only created more problems and uncertainty in my life.
Where pretty pussy and Benjamin is the highlight
I am drawn to pleasures and material possessions that bring me temporary happiness and satisfaction.
Now tell my mama I love her but this what I like
I care about my family, but I am also focused on pursuing my own interests and desires.
Lord knows, twenty of 'em in my Chevy
I have had to hustle and work hard to achieve the things I have, sometimes using unconventional or illegal means.
Tell 'em all to come and get me, reapin' everything I sow
I am willing to face the consequences for my actions and am prepared to reap the rewards of my hard work.
So my karma come in heaven, no preliminary hearings on my record
I hope to be judged by a higher power after my death, rather than by earthly authorities who may not understand my struggles.
I'm a motherfucking gangster in silence for the record, uh
Despite my hardships and challenges, I am strong and resilient, expressing my strength through my actions rather than words.
Tell the world I know it's too late
I realize that my problems and challenges may be overwhelming and difficult to overcome.
Boys and girls, I think I've gone cray
I am aware that my actions and decisions may seem illogical or insane to others.
Drown inside my vices all day
My temptations and addictions consume me and make it difficult for me to function or achieve my goals.
Won't you please believe when I say
Please trust and have faith in me that I will overcome my struggles and succeed in the end.
We been hurt, been down before, nigga
We have faced difficult times in the past, my friend.
When our pride was low
During times when we felt defeated and overwhelmed.
Lookin' at the world like, "Where do we go, nigga?"
Feeling lost and unsure about our direction and purpose in life.
And we hate po-po
We have a deep distrust or anger towards law enforcement authorities who may not understand our struggles or treat us fairly.
Wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, nigga
We feel targeted and at risk of being harmed or killed unjustly.
I'm at the preacher's door
I turn to religion and spiritual guidance for help and support during difficult times.
My knees gettin' weak and my gun might blow
I am struggling and feel like I may resort to violence to protect myself.
What you want you, a house? You, a car?
What material possessions do you desire or think will make you happy and successful?
40 acres and a mule? A piano, a guitar?
What other things do you dream of having in your life?
Anything, see my name is Lucy, I'm your dog
Anything you want, I can provide it for you, but like a dog, there will always be some kind of catch or negative consequence.
Motherfucker, you can live at the mall
Materialism and consumerism will never lead to true happiness and fulfillment.
I can see the evil, I can tell it I know when it's illegal
I am aware of the darkness and evils in the world, and I recognize when something is wrong and immoral.
I don't think about it, I deposit every other zero
I focus on making money and accumulating wealth, without considering the moral or ethical implications of my actions.
Thinkin' of my partner put the candy, paint it on the regal
I am thinking about my friends who are involved in the drug trade, and how they are able to profit from it.
Diggin' in my pocket ain't a profit, big enough to feed you
Even though I make a lot of money, I may not always have enough to provide for myself and others.
Everyday my logic, get another dollar just to keep you
I work hard every day to earn more money, but it often feels like I am just trying to keep up with my expenses and obligations.
In the presence of your chico, ah
I am with my close friend or partner, likely someone involved in the gang lifestyle with me.
I don't talk about it, be about it, everyday I see cool
I don't waste time talking about the life I want, I work hard to achieve it every day and maintain my cool demeanor.
If I got it then you know you got it, Heaven, I can reach you
If I have the means or resources, I will share them with my friends and loved ones, and I believe that I will be able to reach Heaven or a state of peace in the end.
Pat Dawg, Pat Dawg, Pat Dawg, my dog, that's all
Referring to a close friend or partner, emphasizing loyalty and trust.
Bick back and Chad, I trap the bag for y'all
I will work hard and hustle to make money and provide for my friends and loved ones.
I rap, I black on track so rest assured
I am a talented rapper and musician, and I will always come through with good music.
My rights, my wrongs, I write 'til I'm right with God
Through my music, I work through my struggles and come to a sense of peace and acceptance with my actions and experiences, hoping to reconcile with a higher power.
I keep my head up high
I maintain a positive attitude and outlook despite my challenges and struggles.
I cross my heart and hope to die
I am making a solemn promise and swearing on my life that I will remain dedicated and resilient despite any obstacles I may face.
Lovin' me is complicated
My life and experiences are complex and difficult to understand, making it hard for others to truly love or support me.
Too afraid of a lot of changes
I am afraid of the unknown and find it difficult to adapt to new situations or circumstances.
I'm alright and you're a favorite
I am doing okay and am well-liked, possibly referencing the fame and success he has achieved.
Dark nights in my prayers
I am going through a difficult time, and I pray for guidance and hope during these dark nights.
I remembered you was conflicted
I recall that you were struggling and unsure, possibly referring to a friend or loved one.
Misusing your influence, sometimes I did the same
We have both used our power or influence for selfish or negative purposes at times.
Abusing my power full of resentment
I have used my power and influence to hurt others, feeling resentment towards them.
Resentment that turned into a deep depression
My negative feelings and actions towards others have led me to a deep and dark depression.
Found myself screamin' in the hotel room
I have been in such a dark place that I have resorted to screaming and acting out in private spaces like hotel rooms.
I didn't wanna self destruct, the evils of Lucy was all around me
I did not want to destroy myself or give in to temptation and vice, but the dark side of life was constantly present and tempting.
So I went runnin' for answers
I turned to seeking guidance and answers from others, possibly including a higher power or religion.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kawan Prather, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Mark Anthony Spears, Pharrell L. Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@songezembangxa7903
R.I.P
George Floyd
Breanna Taylor
Ahmaud Arbery
Sandra Bland
Treyvon Martin
Eric Garner
Ezell Ford
Michelle Cusseaux
Tanisha Anderson
Tamir Rice
Natasha McKenna
Walter Scott
Bettie Jones
Philando Castile
Botham Jean
Atatiana Jefferson
Eric Reason and
Dominique Clayton
Rest In Power...we gon be alright..from South Africa....
@artkreekw4039
3:22 everybody gangsta till Kendrick switches to Creative Mode
@jaedendejesus5827
ArtKreekW this is definitely my most favorite comment from this 😂😂
@noahsaucier2294
That texture pack 🔥🔥
@archivedaccount2049
damn underrated comment hahahaha
@capa1575
This comment is very.. creative.
@jaydengilmore5133
@@jaedendejesus5827 0
@MAZaini93
To Pimp A Butterfly - One of the greatest albums ever made.
@plicool
YEA
@KUTOU-qi7jo
I prefer GKMC but TPAB is amazing too
@sirowl7491
@@KUTOU-qi7jo gkmc when im on good mood,tpab when im depressed to ok mood bc songs in the album is real deep