This week’s #A3C Poll asks the question, “ Who is the most conscious rapper in Hip-Hop?” When you think of a conscious rapper who comes to mind? These are artists whostrive to touch on serious issues within their music, while still voicing their own personal ideals and beliefs. A conscious artist is someone who tends to make music for the people.
1. Kendrick Lamar is easily considered one of the most socially aware rappers in the
industry. From his early mixtapes of rapping about gang culture in the streets of
Compton to his most recent project “How to Pimp a Butterfly,” Kendrick Lamar
shares deep insight on his own personal experiences as well as those who have
impacted his life. Known for his immense lyrical content, Kendrick speaks a great
deal on racism, peer-pressure, and violence in his music, specifically in the black
community. Kendrick says that his music is meant to be a soundtrack for the
youth, in hopes of creating a more positive future.
2. Many of J. Cole’s inspirations have derived from earlier conscious artists such as
Jay Z, Nas, and Tupac. J. Cole has said times before that he would analyze the
lyrics of these artists while still a kid growing up in South Carolina. When it
comes to his music, J. Cole has made it clear just how important it is for him to
tell his story. Cole grew up in a rough neighborhood, but takes pride in making it
out his situation by staying away from violence and drugs. On top of escaping the
ways of his environment, J. Cole shares his experiences on graduating college and
wanting better for himself, as well as his mother. Many of J. Cole’s most popular
tracks are uplifting, and motivational such as “Crooked Smile,” and “Apparently.”
3. Big K.R.I.T. is arguably one of the most conscious rappers currently dominating
the underground scene of Hip-Hop. In fact, Big K.R.I.T.’s catalog of music is
mostly comprised of conscious music, which would explain his stagnant growth
in the mainstream. Big K.R.I.T. takes pride in helping those through similar
struggles he has dealt with as a starving artist growing up in Mississippi. In
relation to his deep lyrics, Big K.R.I.T. focuses much more on his music’s overall
messages rather than the passing trends that support it. K.R.I.T. is an acronym for
King Remembered In Time, which goes to show just how patient this artist is
when it comes to leaving his mark on the music culture.
4. It is no secret that artist Lupe Fiasco supports the influence of conscious rap, as
well as religion, and how it contributes to music culture as a whole. Despite his
role in music, Lupe Fiasco has also been deeply involved with politics, as well as
shares his views on issues like ISIS, Black Lives Matter, and even presidential
policies. Being a Chicago native, Lupe Fiasco is also highly involved in
advocating a stop to drugs and gun violence in black communities. In his most
recent interview, Lupe talks about the release of his new album titled
“DROGAS.” Lupe’s album title means “drugs,” in Spanish, however, he uses the
words “ Don’t Ruin Us God Said,” as an acronym to explain the album’s
underlying theme.
