A$AP Rocky + Kendrick Lamar
I won’t deny it: I enjoy listening to rap music.
Today’s successful rap music artists have the ability to paint pictures with their words, make connections that are insightful, humorous and intelligent; and even weave in and out of stories within their work.
Take F***in’ Problems by Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky, for example (Warning: This music video is highly explicit). There’s a double entendre:
“I love bad b******, that’s my fing problem / And yeah I like to f, I got a f***ing problem”.
It’s catchy and humorous, but in a subtle way.
Another great example is Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar. This album, one of the best in recent years, is highly praised for its use of nonlinear storytelling and themes.
Kendrick Lamar discusses issues such as economic disenfranchisement (being excluded by outside forces), gang violence and women’s oppression.
In addition, Good Kid analyzes the effects of these issues on individuals and families.
I was very impressed with the lyrics and originality the first time I listened to this album.
Kanye West and Nicki Minaj are examples of more mainstream rap artists. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West is one of my favorite albums of all-time.
Homophobia in hip-hop is unfortunately still prevalent, but the future is hopeful.
If you’re interested in rap music, a pretty good documentary is Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap.
Although I am not endorsing these artists as individuals, their music has something we can all take away from.