Every now and then, there comes a rap song that carries a deeper more profound meaning than originally presumed. These songs break the norm of the genre by offering something more than an uptight beat and great vocals. They provide a message that speaks waves. Here are our seven highlights:
"Alright" by Kendrick Lamar
"Alright" took the world by storm on Lamar's highly controversial and divisive album, "To Pimp a Butterfly." The message is highly optimistic, but it is fueled by pain and suffering at the hands of police brutality among other things. "Alright" ensures that through faith and unity "we 'gon be alright." In February of 2016, "Alright" won two Grammy's for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
"N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas
Widely considered not only one of Nas' greatest songs, but one of the greatest songs in rap history, "N.Y. State of Mind" paints a perfect picture of life on the streets with a great beat to match. It's a hard hitting anthem about the struggle for those living in the inner city brought to us by God's Son himself.
"Juicy" by Notorious B.I.G.
The rags to riches song describes Biggie's ascent from the average crook to rap star. The song mixes in the joys of success along with the hard truth of life on the streets. The song features a great beat backed by Biggie's unique charismatic swagger.
"Fight the Power" by Public Enemy
Just like the name implies this powerful anthem is all about standing up to fight the power. Originally conceived for Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," it then headlined Public Enemy's seminal album, "Fear of a Black Planet."
"It Was a Good Day" by Ice Cube
Arguably Ice Cube's greatest solo song, "It Was a Good Day" samples the Isley Bros. in an anthem about how a normal day is an experience few and far in-between for those living life on the streets.
"F*** Tha Police" by NWA
The greatest song from the group that started it all. "F*** Tha Police" speaks out against police brutality and racial profiling in South Los Angeles. It is a political statement against the injustices faced during the time and a very good one at that.
"Changes" by Tupac
Tupac was a lyrical genius who left the world too soon. Many of his songs brought unearthed a variety of social issues. "Changes" stands at the forefront of these songs. It references the war on drugs, brutality, and the struggle among many other things. It's a call for change to take place and the fighting to stop.
Reach Staff Reporter Johnny Flores Jr. here.
Annenberg Media