I don’t think conscious rap will ever have a strict definition, it’s a spectrum. Just like country, rock, and pop, all have their own ranges and interpretations. To me, if a song is thought provoking and speaks on real world social or political issues, it’s conscious, whether it’s mainstream or not. Whether the artist sees themselves as “conscious” or not. It can definitely have its mainstream moments, but I don’t think it’ll ever take off the way “unconscious” rap does. And if it does take off it won’t be for a long time.
I think mainstream rap takes off the way it does because it tells a story of the experiences of a lot of Black folks while also offering a fantasy for those who’ve never lived that lifestyle. And it’s fun!
But conscious rap? It tends to be slower, it confronts issues people aren’t ready to face, and it’s sad.
But to someone’s point, the right song will have you running back to the dance floor every. single. time ( Laffy Taffy—no shame). The first thing that comes to mind for me is Brad from Malibu’s Most Wanted. A exaggerated take on rap influences and shapes identity. But let’s be real, we see it on social media all the time. People start adapting to what they consume, whether it’s the way they talk, dress, or even how they see themselves. The influence is real.
The only way I think conscious rap really breaks through is when it’s “disguised.” Songs like What Would You Do?, Not Like Us, Hey Ya!, If I Ruled The World, or Lights Please, carry deeper messages but are wrapped in upbeat production, sex appeal, or catchy hooks. They give the substance for those who are listening, but still appeal to people who aren’t or simply can’t relate. And at the end of the day, relatability and fantasy drives a lot of rap’s marketability(my humble, personal opinion)and conscious rap just doesn’t offer that for the masses. I love both through and through. Can conscious rap pop off? Absolutely, if it’s packaged right.
Loved this first episode! Y’all are mad funny, and I can’t wait for the next one.
I don’t think conscious rap will ever have a strict definition, it’s a spectrum. Just like country, rock, and pop, all have their own ranges and interpretations. To me, if a song is thought provoking and speaks on real world social or political issues, it’s conscious, whether it’s mainstream or not. Whether the artist sees themselves as “conscious” or not. It can definitely have its mainstream moments, but I don’t think it’ll ever take off the way “unconscious” rap does. And if it does take off it won’t be for a long time.
I think mainstream rap takes off the way it does because it tells a story of the experiences of a lot of Black folks while also offering a fantasy for those who’ve never lived that lifestyle. And it’s fun!
But conscious rap? It tends to be slower, it confronts issues people aren’t ready to face, and it’s sad.
But to someone’s point, the right song will have you running back to the dance floor every. single. time ( Laffy Taffy—no shame). The first thing that comes to mind for me is Brad from Malibu’s Most Wanted. A exaggerated take on rap influences and shapes identity. But let’s be real, we see it on social media all the time. People start adapting to what they consume, whether it’s the way they talk, dress, or even how they see themselves. The influence is real.
The only way I think conscious rap really breaks through is when it’s “disguised.” Songs like What Would You Do?, Not Like Us, Hey Ya!, If I Ruled The World, or Lights Please, carry deeper messages but are wrapped in upbeat production, sex appeal, or catchy hooks. They give the substance for those who are listening, but still appeal to people who aren’t or simply can’t relate. And at the end of the day, relatability and fantasy drives a lot of rap’s marketability(my humble, personal opinion)and conscious rap just doesn’t offer that for the masses. I love both through and through. Can conscious rap pop off? Absolutely, if it’s packaged right.
Loved this first episode! Y’all are mad funny, and I can’t wait for the next one.