Why don't conscious rappers be called out for being 1 dimensional

[Cadillac]

Inspired off this post

I feel like this whole subject matter argument is to downplay "street" rappers. You can argue that some rappers only make conscious records, but nobody says shyt because it's "positive". And to be honest, you can touch on a million things involving crime, money, or women just like you can with any other topics.

This got me thinking

Why is it when we talking about rappers being 1 dimensional it's always directed toward a street or gangsta rapper.

I never see this critique for a rapper who is concious.

U see nikkas always critiquing rappers whether legends like Big and Jay or contemporary like Gibbs and Meek that they have limited subject matter and not talking and or making songs centered around different topics.

But never say that about a rappers like Chuck D or dead prez which most of what they talk about is concious shyt and songs centered around it

Don't get me wrong I like concious shyt(when it's done right) but just wondering why they get off the hook

 

[DaveyDave]

I think there's more space within the "conscious" label to make songs with different subject matter. Look at Death Certificate which is like a gangsta/conscious hybrid Cube touches a lot of different topics just in that album.

 

[Cryptocurrency Scarface]

I think there's more space within the "conscious" label to make songs with different subject matter. Look at Death Certificate which is like a gangsta/conscious hybrid Cube touches a lot of different topics just in that album.

/end thread

 

[Meowth tote da Uzi]

you basically answered your own question. Its positive/uplifting

 

[boskey]

Also they do get called out constantly.

"I'm not tryna hear that shyt in the club/whip/cookout/let out/ridin with a bytch" etc etc

 

[definition]

Interesting question. I honestly never considered this before.

My take: I wouldn't criticize Big or jay or Gibbs (I'm too old to know a lot about meek) for being "one dimensional," even if they are ... because they can rap.

If a rapper does one thing really well, I'm fine with his career being focused on that. If a rapper isn't great, and lacks variety in subject matter, being "one dimensional" is just another way to criticize.

That said, I wonder if hip-hop culture just sees conscious rap as "better," so it's easier to seem to seem like the MC is really good ... which then gives them a pass.

 

[dora_da_destroyer]

I think there's more space within the "conscious" label to make songs with different subject matter. Look at Death Certificate which is like a gangsta/conscious hybrid Cube touches a lot of different topics just in that album.

this ^^


nikkas who can only make songs about partying or destructive shyt are monotonous..."conscious" rappers seem to cover more aspects of life

 

[boskey]

That said, I wonder if hip-hop culture just sees conscious rap as "better," so it's easier to seem to seem like the MC is really good ... which then gives them a pass.

Not just hip hop culture, Music in general. Pop music exists in every genre and in every genre the artists that can talk about "real life" are more respected. Thats why Marvin Gaye did What's Going On and Sam Cooke did Change Gon Come.

Also, Gangsta Rap used to be considered conscious music until it became the norm. Now it's considered pop. Hip Hop is the only genre that associates violence, crime and vulgarity with fun "party music" @PhonZhi

 

[CrimsonTider]

this ^^


nikkas who can only make songs about partying or destructive shyt are monotonous..."conscious" rappers seem to cover more aspects of life

Conscious rappers are usually bad at song making.

 

[IllmaticDelta]

I think there's more space within the "conscious" label to make songs with different subject matter. Look at Death Certificate which is like a gangsta/conscious hybrid Cube touches a lot of different topics just in that album.

this 100%

 

[IllmaticDelta]

Not just hip hop culture, Music in general. Pop music exists in every genre and in every genre the artists that can talk about "real life" are more respected. Thats why Marvin Gaye did What's Going On and Sam Cooke did Change Gon Come.

facts

Also, Gangsta Rap used to be considered conscious music until it became the norm. Now it's considered pop. Hip Hop is the only genre that associates violence, crime and vulgarity with fun "party music" @PhonZhi

not really...only some of the early NWA shyt was considered conscious-gangsta or Paris type shyt. None of that Deathrow G-Funk was considered conscious

 

[boskey]

facts




not really...only some of the early NWA shyt was considered conscious-gangsta or Paris type shyt. None of that Deathrow G-Funk was considered conscious

Ice Cube, Pac, Ice T, Geto Boys, BDP, Nas many others all walked the line between gangsta and conscious.

Death Row is what made it drop the consciousness and turn 100% pop so you're right about that
"No medallions dreadlocks or black fists..."

 

[Kenny West]

if you only make street records tbe only topics covered will be gettin money, gettin bytches, street life, reflecting on being broke and idle threats

The records that get labeled conscious have an unlimited number of topic variations. Look at Wale last album and you could already pick out more song concepts than the street rap topics listed above

in rap you lose for not being one dimensional. Once you start going too far left beyond what's familiar you start to lose nikkas in the mainstream, happened to Nas and Lupe after their first couple albums. Dudes like Jeezy, Fab, Gucci, Ross, 2chainz etc have their own little fanbases that will support and never ask them to evolve just be cool.

 

[Cadillac]

Interesting responses

I think there's more space within the "conscious" label to make songs with different subject matter. Look at Death Certificate which is like a gangsta/conscious hybrid Cube touches a lot of different topics just in that album.

Cube i see in the same lane as Pac where they talk about variety amount of shyt

From gangsta, concious to everyday life shyt.

Im talkin people who r strictly concious

 

[Tribal Outkast]

Cause people don't take gangsta rappers serious but for maybe 3 albums. When these dudes get close to 40 we tell them that they need to stop rapping. Conscious songs live on for years. What song do you care about in 2017? I'm a boss by Meek or Fight the power from P.E.?