5 Tracks On Nicki Minaj's "Queen" Album Highlighting Girl Power
It's been nearly three years since Nicki Minaj released her highly anticipated fourth album titled Queen, and looking back, the album not only serves as a modern-day hip-hop feminist manifesto but showcases Minaj reasserting her status as hip-hop royalty. We discuss it here!
By: Alexis Oatman
It's been nearly three years since Nicki Minaj released her highly anticipated fourth album titled Queen.
Following its initial release back in August 2018, many barbs and music critics offered the project mixed reviews, noted the album had flashes of brilliance but mainly was "eclipsed in chaos," said one Fader magazine music critic.
The album comes almost four years after her critically acclaimed work, The Pinkprint.
However, looking back, the album not only serves as a modern-day hip-hop feminist manifesto but showcases Minaj reasserting her status as hip-hop royalty.
Minaj defends her crown with blaring beats and infectious samples, all while giving homage to her Trinidadian roots thanks to collaborations with a host of hot producers ranging from Boi-1-da to Mike Will Made It.
Concurrently, the rapper also launched her own radio show on Beats 1, appropriately titled Queen Radio. Minaj used the platform to dispel rumors surrounding her relationship with then-fiancé Kenneth Petty, her very public beef with Remy Ma, and her on-and-off-again beef Cardi B.
Never lacking charisma and attitude, Minaj's slick metaphors and wordplay are still heavily present throughout the 19-track project, featuring only a handful of features, including Eminem, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and more.
As a black woman in a male-dominated industry, Minaj has had to scrape her way to the top.
Queen showcases Minaj's raw nature through her toughness, menacing lyrics, and soft edges. Whether she's answering to the "bitches” who are her "sons" or dispelling rumors, Minaj takes listeners on an intense ride while she defends her royal status.
Her journey is most visible in five songs on Queen.
"Majesty"
Minaj kicked off the record dripping with a menacing swagger as she hoots, "Yo, I got the money and the power now/The G5'll get me out there in an hour now." Minaj made it clear that she worked hard for her spot and has earned everything she has gotten. Appropriately titled, “Majesty” guest singer Labrinth offers Minaj a beautiful yet chilling introduction as her highness during the song's chorus. This track even features the "Rap God” himself, Eminem, as he blasts off into a sneering, lighting quick verse speaking on everything from new hip-hop to sleeping with strangers.
Nicki Minaj - Majesty
"Barbie Dreams"
This hilarious rap attack is an homage to Notorious B.I.G.'s "Just Playing (Dreams)" and his rip on famous R&B singers at the time—except this time, Minaj serves a beat down for the men of the hip hop industry. "Drake worth a hundred milli, always buying me sh*t/But I don't know if the pussy wet or if he's crying and sh*t." The rapper even took a lighthearted jab at her ex-boyfriend, rapper Meek Mill. "Meek still be in my DMs/ I be having to duck him/'I use to pray for times like this' face ass when I f*ck him." The song showcased Minaj's upbeat and fun side, a side we haven't seen lately, barbs remember feeling this kind of energy from Nicki early on during her mixtape days.
Nicki Minaj - Barbie Dreams
"Hard White"
Minaj storms the track calling out her suspected haters once again, noting how she has to "work hard just to get half back." The albeit creeping hop shows Minaj enjoying herself while cementing her legacy as the top woman in rap. "My legacy could never be undone/I'm a prodigy, R.I.P Thun-Thun/Got these bitches shook, they shocked, no stun-gun." Minaj clarifies that she created the blueprint for a lot of female artists who followed her, but doesn’t get her proper credit, and she is right.
Nicki Minaj - Hard White
"Chun Li"
The first official single off the album, "Chun-Li," silenced anyone who thought the pop-crossover artist didn't still have bars. With a blaring saxophone and sporadic gong, Minaj reminded her "sons" that "Ayo, I been on, b*tch, you been corn" and fully embraced her new persona and the notion that some entities were "paintin’ me out to be the bad guy.” The song peaked at No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100, coming after her four-year hiatus working on The Pinkprint album.
Nicki Minaj - Chun-Li
“Good Form”
No Nicki record is complete without a twerk anthem, “Good Form” offers a needed break from the serious tone of the album. The track serves as subtle appreciation for big derrieres and is also accompanied by a bright and colorful visual featuring other popular women in the industry, including “New New” herself Lauren London, the Clermont twins, Instagram influencer Ari, and more. “Who on Barbie D? Who on Barbie D? Everybody (Go!),” Minaj yells, making it know that everyone’s gaze remains fixed on her and what she does next.
Nicki Minaj - Good Form ft. Lil Wayne
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Saweetie: Hip-Hop's Girl Next Door
Saweetie has cemented her influence in Hip Hop by making her music relatable and accessible for other women, establishing herself as hip-hop's Girl Next Door. We discuss it here!
By: Prince Hakeem
As female rappers' visibility and profile within hip-hop continue to elevate, there seem to be growing discussions on who's-who and where each of them "fit" within the culture. Through the late 90s to 2010s, there was a drought in regards to female rapping talent. Outside of Nicki Minaj, fans were hard-pressed to see more than one female act on the forefront in mainstream hip-hop. However, thanks to streaming, social media, and defiant pushbacks against long-held industry sexism, the landscape has shifted, and there are more diverse acts in the game today than ever before. It's safe to say that we are experiencing a Female Rap Renaissance.
Despite this new boom of artists, much of the online conversation centers on stereotypes or lanes they're expected to operate in. These "labelings," in turn, shape audiences' perception of the artist, their legitimacy, and how serious they are to be taken. While male rappers have more freedom to label themselves, the same can't be said of female rappers. She's either the unappealing conscious lyricist or the vulgar sex pot.
While the ubiquitous "rapper who only talks about sex" label is primarily aimed at women rappers, it's a lazy one-dimensional take on these dynamic artists. A new classification, however, has emerged in this new era. It's The Girl Next Door. Known as a movie trope where her accessibility is tied to a male protagonist, hip-hop's version of the Girl Next Door sees the female rapper who establishes her presence and sets goals for herself, first, and other women. And there is no other female artist who exemplifies this than Bay Area rapper and social media influencer Saweetie. She's Hip-Hop's Girl Next Door.
Born in Hayward, California, Saweetie, whose real name is Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, was built for the spotlight. There've been assertions that she's being forced on audiences as her online presence seems inescapable. And while she may appear to have come out of nowhere, that is not the case.
Saweetie is a self-made woman, and her breakout was a long time coming. She began songwriting at 13. The California native held education in the same high regard as music. After high school, Saweetie first attended San Diego State University, studying communication and business. Her dream school, however, was the University of Southern California (USC). Even though it was a struggle, including doubting family members and a letter to the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Saweetie soon transferred to USC.
"But I promised myself if I got into USC, it was a sign I needed to finish college," she recalls during an interview with the Daily Trojan.
Saweetie's work ethic has been a constant fixture in her journey. While at USC, she held down four jobs. It speaks to the hustling attitude that has garnered her the visibility and attention she's enjoying today. Creating her own t-shirt brand, the 'My Type' singer also worked at a sports bar and Marshalls. On top of all that, Saweetie worked as a research assistant for a professor named Ann Majchrzak. The professor spoke on Saweetie's tremendous work ethic, recalling how she put in "several hundred hours" coding for a research project over a few months.
Despite the hectic school and work schedule, Saweetie still honed her musical skills. She would write rhymes every day on her nearly 2-hour commute to USC from Northridge. For an individual who most audiences write off as just being "pretty," she's not afraid of hard work.
The two most remarkable catalysts of Saweetie's rise are her relatability and consistency. She leaned into social media very early, showcasing not only her skills but her personality as well. She only had $40 to her name in 2017 when a freestyle posted on Instagram would change everything for her.
My Neck My Back- Saweeti Freestyle
Rapping over Khia's "My Neck, My Back" beat, Saweetie launched herself into viral superstardom. The song would eventually become "Icy Grl," giving her the first big song and break into the music industry. She then met her manager Max Gousse and signed to his label Artistry Worldwide, in partnership with Warner Records. The Freestyle gave an authentic birth to her ICY calling card and brand.
The Icy Girl branding is the crux of Saweetie's persona and artistry. After her break out hit with 'Icy Grl,' Saweetie caught another viral moment with her "High Maintenance" freestyle. She rode that moment into the debut of her first EP of the same name. She hit significant adversity with her infamous Hot97 Freestyle, creating the "she's pretty, but can't rap" narrative, which she still deals with today. However, that did not stop her.
She moved on to release her second EP, Icy, in 2019. It featured her biggest hit thus far, 'My Type'. Next was 'Tap In' in 2020, earning Saweetie her second Top 10 placement on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She's continued her streak of hot catchy singles with 'Back to the Streets' alongside Jhene Aiko and the girl power anthem 'Best Friend' record featuring Doja Cat.
Saweetie - Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat) [Official Music Video]
Saweetie's perseverance with music best represents her Icy Girl moniker. Even with harsh critics dismissing her rap skills and online threads continuously dragging her, she "bosses up," accepts responsibility, and works through the problem.
"I'm really grateful for my start," Saweetie says in Cosmopolitan's March cover story. "Because the mistakes, the struggle, the grind—it allows me to appreciate the rewards that come now because I know what it feels like to sleep in motels, to drive and do promo, to be stressed out."
Being an Icy Girl aims to be the best version of yourself and want better things in life.
"It's not always about being iced up or stuntin' on hoes. Icy to me is hustling and having the mentality of getting what you said you was gon' get. Everything I was gon' get, I got. It's very important to believe in yourself — and that's what an icy girl and an icy boy is."
More than just defining what the Icy brand is, Saweetie cements her influence by making it relatable and accessible for other women. It's what makes her hip-hop's Girl Next Door. She's the girly-girls best friend. Motivated and aggressive, yet warm and inviting. She will interact with her fans and hype up the dance videos made to her records. She doesn't base her career or validation on the success of a boyfriend or male suitor.
Saweetie upholds this self-assured independence as a standard. It, in turn, sets an example for the women, who admire her beauty and confidence, to follow. That is the secret behind Saweetie. The music speaks it, the online personality reinforces it, and her boss moves manifest it. Her overall likability and branding have already gone past her music. It's the fuel behind her consistent digital presence.
When you see her, she's always having fun, looks fantastic, and aspires to bigger and better. Who wouldn't want to get next to that?
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DMX Passes At 50: We Owe DMX So Much More
Hip Hop icon DMX has passed away at the age of 50. After multiple conflicting media reports surrounding the artist’s hospital stay, we owe DMX so much more.
By: Alexis Oatman
We owe DMX so much more.
Today, the Hip Hop icon passed away at the age of 50. Fans and fellow entertainers paid their respects to the legend through social media.
RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones. 🙏🏿💛 pic.twitter.com/WC5LsaL9j8
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 9, 2021
Sending 🙏🏿 to @dmx’s family. Lord, help us stop these substances from taking the lives of our brothers & sisters. Say it w me- God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can & the wisdom to know the difference. R.I.P. DMX 🕊 pic.twitter.com/mRR8yAKUA9
— Charlie Wilson (@CharlieWilson) April 9, 2021
As DMX fought for his life in a New York hospital, huge media outlets continuously provided misinformation and lacked sensitivity with his battle with addiction.
As fans around the world held vigils and pray for the survival of a hip-hop legend, The New York Post decided it would be a good idea to devote an entire story to homes the 50-year-old rapper has lost throughout his lifetime in an article released on Tuesday.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, allegedly was at his home in White Plains when he overdosed on drugs, triggering a heart attack that has left him in a "vegetative state" on life support at White Plains Hospital.
Considering how Britney Spears, and now even Jessica Simpson, have received apologies and reassessed their legacies in public, DMX deserves the same respect.
Simmons has had a long and public battle with addiction, with many stints in and out of rehab.
Simmons, 50, a survivor of early childhood abuse, has also battled against mental illness, receiving a bipolar diagnosis early on in his life.
In an interview last year, he disclosed his trouble with addiction began at the ripe age of 14 when a "mentor" had laced a blunt with crack without his knowledge.
Sarah Paynter, a real estate reporter for The Post, is responsible for the article.
Paytner's tone throughout the article screams of privilege and lack of tact when it comes to those suffering from addiction. According to the article, the rapper has lost several properties in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona due to various financial reasons.
"Debts followed him as he moved all over the country, and since the '90s, he has undergone repeated foreclosures, forced sales, and investment losses in his real estate portfolio despite his lucrative, multimillion-dollar career, financial documents show," Paytner wrote.
She even included DMX's "demolished" child home, which was actually a public housing development.
Hundreds of people have already called the article out on social media for not taking Simmon's battle with addiction seriously and mocking his struggle with addiction.
DMX wasn't just careless.
He wasn't just bad at finances.
He was not trying to get over.
He was an addict.
Along with all the harmful things drugs can do to your body, many don't think about addiction's economic burden.
The cost of addiction is more than twice that of any other neurological disease, according to drug abuse.com, an online platform created to offer alcohol and drug abuse education and resources and a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers.
Addiction can lead to multiple factors affecting financial stability, including loss of income, healthcare, legal fees, and more.
Not only was the article distasteful, but it was also outright unnecessary. When a man is fighting for his life, why would the world need to know how many homes he has lost?
More importantly, why does it matter?
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William Prize Talks The Release Of His New Album "Up From Here"
North Carolina rapper, William Prize, dropped a hot new album titled Up From Here. We talked with William Prize in an exclusive interview, check it out here!
“I want the fans to know how much gratitude I have for every play, share, or like. It really means a lot to me! It’s only up from here!!!”
By: Omar Cook
North Carolina rapper, William Prize, dropped a hot new album titled Up From Here. The title says it all! With the release of this album, it’s no doubt Prize is on the way up.
“Firstly I want to say thank you for having me on your platform yet again! Deeply appreciate the good folks over at 24/7 live culture”
How did you come up with the name for the project? What was your inspiration?
“Yeah man, Up From Here actually started as “Fruition” the album, and shortly after I changed it to “Will To Live” the EP . A good friend of mine and I had a plethora of conversations about life, where we currently stood as men, the vibes of Fayetteville, NC’s highly talented but slept on music scene and many other things. Before he passed on the night of my first radio interview with DJ dowdy at 104.5fm, he sent me a video which is actually the clip you hear on the intro to the album. I was just looking back at our last text threads and he had told me it was only “Up From Here” and I decided to go with that name to honor him. RIP to my brother John smith.”
The album features 12 tracks with features from fellow rising artists Ahmad Latif, Cidy Pyramids, Lyneyis Neptune, Feleice, JacqueO, VilleBoy Rand, and Miracle The Alien. Every last one of these tracks is a banger! Our personal favorites are “Many Men/Fall Short” and “Ceiling Flows, Pt. 3”.
What is a must listen track? Your favorite?
“I would say the whole project honestly but I guess track 1. Hearing the other tracks always sounds better after I’ve heard 83ft/ helipad flows.”
William Prize is dropping the music that Hip Hop needs right now. While the industry is flooded with main stream rappers pouring out lyrics lacking substance, Prize is maintaining the true essence of Hip Hop by laying conscious lyrics on every track. Each track is relatable in its own way and speaks to ups and downs that today’s Black men go through on a daily basis.
What was the overall message you wanted to send with this project?
To be present . . . Acknowledge and appreciate the work and efforts it took to get where you currently stand but to always work harder to rise higher, to further, to maximize, to grow. Also not to fear anything life sends your way. Fear is slavery. And we free outchea you dig!
Prize’s last project, Dirty Game was a top tier project but he definitely stepped up his game for this album and there are no skips!
What separates this project from your previous?
“A lot! The energy is completely different. The music has more purpose and soul on up from here than dirty game. Honestly Dirty Game was just a mix of throw aways that didn’t make the album and songs I just wanted to release before it was too late, whatever too late is.”
What can we look forward to in the future?
“I just want my fans (whom I’m now referring to as the gift box) to know they can always look forward to growth and hearing what need to be heard as for 2021 I plan on shooting videos for the entire album! Most people don’t do that but I feel the project is just that important.”
Listen to the project below and download on Apple Music!
William Prize - 83FT/ Helipad FLO's
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Quavo and Saweetie's Altercation Opens Up Necessary Discussions About Domestic Violence
Quavo and Saweetie's physical altercation opens up necessary discussions about domestic violence in relationships. We discuss it here!
By: Alexis Oatman
It seems that issues between Quavo and Saweetie have gone beyond allegations of cheating after footage leaked from a physical altercation in 2020 between the pair before they split up.
From Ike and Tina, Will and Jada, G Herbo and Ari, and now Sawetiee and Quavo, another "couple goal" fantasy has been broken.
TMZ released the elevator surveillance footage on Monday, leading many to wonder how long the couple has been experiencing problems. The duo was popular on social media and even dubbed "couple goals" by many, the pair dated two years before Saweetie called it quits alluding that Quavo had cheated on her.
The video starts with both of them standing outside an open elevator, and it appears that Saweetie took a swing and missed at Quavo. He dodges the hit, dropping an orange Call of Duty case in the process that Saweetie tries to pick up.
In the tussle for the case, Quavo ultimately swings her into the back elevator wall, and then they both go down. The video ends with Quavo using the case to hold the elevator door open while Saweetie picks herself up and limps off.
The incident went down in 2020 at an apartment building where Saweetie was renting, according to TMZ.
Many have already come out in support of Quavo, including rappers like Boosie Badazz and Trouble. They took to social media boiling the physical altercation down to a simple argument that just got out of hand.
On the other hand, many fans have called out the Migos rapper for his behavior, alleging the footage captures an example of domestic violence.
Why women gotta be knocked out cold for y’all to consider it abuse?
— IJS (@1anjohn) March 30, 2021
i'll never forget this day... where women got on the internet and said having physical altercations w your partner is normal, what happened between Saweetie & Quavo is normal or okay.. i want more for y'all & I'm praying for your safety bc this shit is not okay.
— spicebae. (@spicebae_) March 31, 2021
Nearly 40% of Black women will experience violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime, according to a report from Institute for Women's Policy Research.
White women, Latinas, and Asian/Pacific Islander women all reported report lower rates.
The report also shows that Black women have a significantly higher rate of experiencing psychological abuse, including humiliation, insults, name-calling, and coercive control.
Frequently, Black women are at the bottom of the social dating hierarchy, so seeing a Black woman loved out loud can be somewhat inspiring.
It's nothing like seeing a successful Black couple basking in their love, but as we can see, often, these relationship goals we aspire to aren't real. A few photos and cute posts don't show the full weight of any relationship.
While this "tussle" may not be a big deal to some, it's a huge red flag and one of the biggest signs of a toxic relationship. Women shouldn't have to be knocked out cold for it to be considered "abuse." Domestic abuse ranges beyond physical harm. It can verbal, emotional, and mental.
I'm glad Saweetie decided to step away and send Quavo back to the streets, but unfortunately, there is no right side or wrong side in this. Both parties should have walked away long before things escalated to this point. Hopefully, they both can put this moment past them and move on.
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31 Songs Released This Month By Women In Music
To close out Women’s History Month, we have highlighted 31 songs released in the month of March by Women to recognize artists making waves in the industry!
By: Tomiwa Moro
Women should be celebrated every day of the year. However, March is a special month dedicated to the celebration and recognition of Women around the world for their impact in the society. The music industry — like many other industries — remains a male-dominated one.
For Women in the music industry, navigating their way to the top isn’t an easy one as they have to jump through hurdles that come in the form: of sexism, inequality, harassment, and racism (Black Women can relate to this) among others. From rappers, singers, producers and songwriters to those in the music business, the power of Women has been felt in the industry.
To close out Women’s History Month, we have highlighted songs released in the month of March by Women to support, recognize, and appreciate them. These Women are making waves in the industry through the art of music.
- Grace Davies - Iris
- Ray BLK - Games
- Claire Renee - Honey
Claire Renee - Honey
- Joyce Wrice - Losing
- Bad Gyal - Iconic
- Noga Erez - You so done
- Kamille - mirror mirror
- Tokyo Jetz - Been did that
- Renni Rucci - Can’t Be
- Mysie - Keep up with your heart
- Tallia Storm - I am The news
- Raiche- Pick a side remix
- Kirby Maurier - Key$
- Lorine Chia - Chile Please
- Beka - my one
- Brianna Perry - So What
- Krystall Poppin - FaceTime
- Mimi Webb - Good Without
- Kat Cunning - Confident
- Jiah - Might be
- Moyka - Stay
- Ginga soul - unfamiliar
Unfamiliar (feat. Näylon)
- Nayirah - Dive
- Joy Mumford - eat sleep me repeat
- Maddie & Tae - woman you got
- Rowe - Again
- Billur - bathroom light
- Monet - just one of those days
- Sara Phillips - nobody loves you
- Not Fay - Red Zone
Pharahoe - Red Zone
- Karun - Catch a vibe
- Maddie Medley - wild parts
- Majesty Lyn - Name another girl
- Chloe Angelides - lsd
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Alternative R&B: A Love Letter To Black Culture
Alternative R&B, which is at times referred to as Indie R&B, is a style of music that originated in the late 2000s, drawing inspiration from its sister-genre of contemporary R&B and serves as an abstract painting of our resilience and ability to transform. We discuss the rise of Alternative R&B here!
By: Cory Utsey
The genre of rhythm of blues, also known as R&B, has remained a staple in the Black community since it first took roots in the 1940s.
As a culmination of blues-inspired music, fast-paced rhythm, jazz, and light-hearted lyrical content, these songs hold the power to take listeners through a euphoric ride full of love, life, and redemption.
The term “rhythm and blues” was coined by music journalist Gerald “Jerry” Wexler in an attempt to replace the then-popular phrase “race music”, which was labeled offensive, while also marketing this new sound that had become popular in Black circles.
As the genre began to be associated with Black adolescence and late-night club scenes in the 1950s, it started to be seen as low-quality in comparison to Jazz music, which was regarded as a more refined form of Black expression. However, as R&B began to incorporate funk and soul, along with relatable lyrics about love, it was seen as more of an umbrella term for contemporary Black expression.
Nowadays, R&B and each of its sub-genres are easily accessible and highly revered-- especially alternative R&B.
Alternative R&B, which is at times referred to as Indie R&B, is a style of music that originated in the late 2000s, and it draws inspiration from its sister-genre of contemporary R&B.
Contemporary R&B combines elements of traditional R&B with lush, disco-like production and a distinct rhythm that is reminiscent of early hip-hop. It is best represented by artists such as Beyonce, Michael and Janet Jackson, and Usher.
Alternative R&B, on the other hand, takes some of those same attributes that are found in contemporary and traditional R&B, and fuses them with more prominent bass and vocals that almost feel like an echo.
As a versatile style of music, no two artists sound the same.
The airy, angel-like voices of singers like Brent Faiyaz or SZA can reel you in as they talk about toxic love and heartbreak, while Leven Kali and Syd might make you feel like you are seated on a cloud, so long as you tell them what you like. Solange might facilitate Black pride while providing a haven for different aspects of the Black experience, while Xavier Omar and Lucky Daye might have you aching for that “Old School” love.
The Internet - Girl (Official Video) ft. KAYTRANADA
Lucky Daye - How Much Can A Heart Take (Lyric Video) ft. Yebba
The subject matter varies from love and sex, to spiritual anecdotes and commentary on what is going on in the world.
If music has been a canvas for the expression of our pain, our joy, and our love, then alternative R&B is an abstract painting of our resilience and ability to transform.
Alternative R&B is the sister, the cousin and the love-child of the many different genres in which Black people have made a mark, and it is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic genres to top the charts in today’s day and age. It is a love letter to Black creativity and Black culture.
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15 Must Listen To Songs For The Black And Conscious
Music about Black excellence, social injustices or simply the overall Black experience are necessary for Hip Hop culture. Here are 15 must listen to songs for the Black and conscious!
By: Tomiwa Moro
Revolutionary activist, James Baldwin was once asked what being Black in America is and he said:
“To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost all of the time — and in one's work. And part of the rage is this: It isn't only what is happening to you, but it's what's happening all around you...”
It’s one thing to be Black, it’s another to be conscious. James Baldwin’s definition sums up what it means to be Black and conscious. Being Black and conscious is to be mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially aware of how you, your brothers, and your sisters are being treated as Black people. It’s caring about how Black men, women and children are treated in a world that favors all other races to the Black race.
Many music lovers use relatable songs as tools for connecting with their emotions. For the Black and conscious, songs about racism, Black excellence, injustice or simply being Black evokes strong emotions that might differ according to listeners and their personal experiences.
Below are 15 songs for the Black and Conscious:
1. Common - U, Black Maybe
Common - U, Black Maybe(Featuring Bilal)(Music Video)
In this song, Common — who is a very conscious rapper — raps about the Black experience. He begins in his first verse by saying, “I heard a white man’s yes is a Black maybe”. He continues by describing life in African American communities and how poverty, drugs and other issues influence the fate of the Black men, women, and children.
Quotable lyrics:
“When we talk about black maybe/ We talk about situations of people of color/
and because you are that color/
You endure obstacles and opposition”
2. Nas - Ultra Black
Nas - Ultra Black (Official Music Video)
In 2020, Nas released this anthem for all Black people titled, “Ultra Black”. The Hit-boy produced song is a celebration of Black Culture.
Quotable Lyrics: “To Africa, you say, ‘Go back’ / I stay pro-black, my Amex black/
Black like cornrows, afros/ Black like Kaep' blackballed from the Superbowls”
3. Janelle Monae - Django Jane
Janelle Monáe – Django Jane [Official Music Video]
“Django Jane” is an empowering song — especially for black women. Through her lyrics, she describes her rise to fame and success as a Black woman.
Quotable Lyrics:
“Black girl magic, y'all can't stand it/ Y'all can't ban it, made out like a bandit/ They been tryin' hard just to make us all vanish
4. Mick Jenkins - Padded Locks
Mick Jenkins - Padded Locks & Barcelona (Official Music Video)
There’s a lot to unpack on this song. In addition to Mick Jenkins’ rhythm and Ghostface’s aggressive bars, there are conscious lyrics sprinkled in many parts of the verses.
Quotable Lyrics: “Fuck the rulers, Donald Trump is a piece of shit”
5. Royce da 5’9 - Black Savage
Royce 5'9 - Black Savage ft. Sy Ari Da Kid, White Gold, CyHi The Prynce & T.I. (Official Video)
Royce is a bold artist who says whatever he wants to say. He doesn’t hold back on this one and let’s his lyrics about Blackness spray like bullets from an AK. He also pays homage to some legendary Black people in the entertainment industry.
Quotable Lyrics: “How much more do you want?/ You wanna send us back to where we came from 'Cause we just savages/ Well here's my ass to kiss”
6. Big Sean - Guard Your Heart
Big Sean - Guard Your Heart (Audio) ft. Anderson .Paak, Earlly Mac, Wale
“Guard Your Heart” is like fuel for the mind. Big Sean encourages listeners to keep their head up and stay grinding while Wale directs his lyrics at racist white people.
Quotable Lyrics: “Got tired of white silence, so the riots started/ And the robbers robbed, you wylin' 'cause yo' product gone?/ We mad that Eric Garner, Breonna, Gianna father gone”
7. J Cole - Before I’m Gone
J. Cole - Before I'm Gone
J Cole has a lot of deep and conscious songs in his discography. This one is one of the really good ones.
Quotable Lyrics:
“We tired of only having just a piece/ And fuck policing, they killing niggas what's the reason/ His daughter starving and she fucking freezing/ So no wonder why he fucking squeezing”
8. J Hus - Helicopter
J Hus - Helicopter (Official Audio) ft. iceè tgm
British rapper, J Hus can best be described as a conscious rebel who makes great music.
Quotable Lyrics:
“No man can ever put my life on pause/
They enslaved my ancestor, no remorse/ I bring knowledge to Europe, just like the Moors”
9. Black Milk - Could it Be
Black Milk - Could It Be (Official Video)
“Could It Be” is one of the best songs in Black Milk’s collection. This is a record for the Black dreamer. It’s a reminder of where we come from and where we want to be. Despite the obstacles thrown at us, we still have big dreams. Like Black Milk says in the song, “that American pie he just want a portion.”
Quotable Lyrics: “Black kid with dreams by any means/ to see himself foldin' keys to a black Porsche and/ That american pie he just want a portion”
10. G Herbo - All Black
G Herbo – All Black (From Judas And the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album)
A song that appeared on the soundtrack for Judas and the Black Messiah — an historical drama about the betrayal of Fred Hampton. Like the entire soundtrack, “All Black” is one for the culture.
11. Rakim - Black Messiah
Rakim – Black Messiah (Official Audio) [From Judas And the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album]
On “Black Messiah” Rakim pays tribute to Fred Hampton, the Black messiah.
Quotable Lyrics: “Like the barrel of a gun, crucified, he was only 21/ Look at all the things he did in a short time/ Imagine all the things that he could've done”
12. Sault - Foot on Necks
Sault - Foot on Necks
In 2020, British group, Sault outdid themselves. They released two albums that can only be described as protest anthems for Black people around the world. Although “Foot on Necks” appeared on their 2019 album, ‘5’ it makes the list because of the strong emotions it evokes.
Quotable Lyrics:
“You don't feel, what we feel, and it's evident/ That you shoot to kill, 'cause you know, you'll get away with it”
13. Pharrell ft Jay Z - Entrepreneur
Pharrell Williams - Entrepreneur (Official Video) ft. JAY-Z
Another song about Black excellence. One of the ways Black people can progress and fight oppression is by striving to be great by any means. Although the system doesn’t favor us, we can build something solid from the scratch by being entrepreneurs.
Quotable Lyrics:
“The brainwashed become hype boys/ Third eye dilate/ You ain't supposed to make it off Section 8/ Robbin' Peter just to pay Paul”
14. Jay Z and Kanye West - Murder to Excellence
Kanye West and Jay Z - Murder to Excellence
“Murder to Excellence” is consciousness at its peak. The sample amplifies the deep lyrics about the society and its relationship with black people.
Quotable Lyrics: “In the past if you picture events like a black tie/ What’s the last thing you expect to see? Black guys/ What's the life expectancy for black guys?/ The system's working effectively, that's why!”
15. G Herbo - Intuition
G Herbo - Intuition ft Sonta & 2Pretty (Official Audio)
The last song on this list, and the best way to end this piece is a quote from G Herbo’s Intuition.
Quotable Lyrics: “You can't separate or compare freedom from peace/
Because no one can be at peace unless they have freedom/ And we not even born free, at least that's where I'm from/ Everything I seen growing up was poverty strucken/ Shit was damaged, taken from us or taken advantage of already/
And this is what we exposed to all day, that's what damage does/ And if you don't understand what I'm talking about, you never been through it/ I guess you one of the people I'm saying this to and not for”
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Respect the WAP: Boosie, Lori Harvey, and Rap's problem with Slut-Shaming Women
Rap music has a long history of portraying women, particularly Black women, as “sluts” and sexualized objects only to turn around and demonize for engaging in said act. We discuss the double standards in Hip Hop surrounding sexuality!
By: Alexis Oatman
In a recent interview with Vlad TV, rapper Boosie Badazz offered his thoughts on Lori Harvey’s “body count” and her new relationship with actor Michael B. Jordan.
The 38-year-old Louisiana native went as far as to say, “I’d sleep with her, but never marry her,” after DJ Vlad proceeded to go down a list of Lori Harvey’s famous past suitors from Trey Songz, Future, and even Diddy.
“I think we need to stop giving the women the power with situations like this,” Boosie added. “We gotta start giving the bachelors, the men, who are running through a beautiful woman like this the credit, who not housing her, running through her.”
Boosie on Lori Harvey's Body Count: I'd Sleep with Her But Never Marry Her (Part 22)
For women, sex will always be something that happens to us, not something that we choose to engage in. The issue lies when women decide to take charge of their sexual autonomy, only to be labeled a “slut.”
Here we go again. Sadly, this is nothing new. Rap music, a long-time reflector of society, has a long history of portraying women, particularly Black women, as “sluts” and sexualized objects only to turn around and demonize for engaging in said act.
When Cardi B and Megan the Stallion released “WAP,” the world was shocked and disturbed at two women, women of color at that, talking about sex and their bodies so explicitly.
Slut-shaming is the archaic process of criticizing women and girls who perceive to violate societal expectations regarding sexuality. These degradations, often double standards, range from criticizing women for wearing “sexy” clothing or having multiple sex partners.
However, for men, whether it's Snoop Dogg’s saying “Bitches ain’t shit, but hoes and tricks” in Dr. Dre’s hit classic “Bitches Ain’t Shit” to even Three 6 Mafia winning an Oscar for “It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp,” Hip Hop not only allows the sexual exploitation of women for the male gaze but awards men in the process.
In the article, Misogyny in Rap Music: A Content Analysis of Prevalence and Meanings, Ronald Weitzer and Charis E. Kubrin suggested that “larger gender relations, the music industry, and local neighborhood conditions” are the three primary forces behind why women are portrayed so negatively throughout Rap.
The scholars note that Hegemonic masculinity is at the root.
This form of masculinity hangs on the idea that men hold the dominant position in society, leaving women at the bottom. In this context, being a “real man” means to support attitudes that perpetuate women’s sexual objectification, the practices that subordinate them, and derogating men who adopt an egalitarian approach to gender inequality issues.
The fragility of Black masculinity cannot risk being perceived as “soft” or fake.
As a result, Black male rap artists will create explicit and violent lyrics against women to assert their dominance and prove their authenticity as a “real man.”
In our community, the sexual conquests of young men are revered while it demonizes our women and girls, labeling them “fast.”
Due to society’s implications about sex, young black men will often use the graphic tells of their exploits for social status and esteem—the goal of these intended conquests to make a fool of women. Sex isn’t seen as a testament of affection, but a form of control, a way of keeping women in line.
A more in-depth look into the street male culture will show you that Black hypermasculinity is due to the historical socioeconomic disadvantages which have stripped Black men of traditional sources of dignity in a white patriarchal system.
As a woman and a rap fan, I’m tired of the patriarchy.
I was six years old in the back of my dad’s Ford Taurus when the “Bridge is Over” by KRS One came on. My dad was fan of 80s Hip Hop, he called it the “Golden Era”. The beat knocked from his stereo system, rattling around through my brain. I was in love, and I was now a fan. Today, the genre has long separated from being the voice of the people and expanded into a multi-billion-dollar industry intent on objectifying women as sexual beings.
I think more men in Rap and Hip Hop need to acknowledge their privilege and stop using women as muses to fulfill their misogynistic lyrics about objectifying women. Of course, this isn’t just a problem in the world of Rap. Patriarchy is a societal problem affecting us all.
As Feminist scholar, Bell Hooks said, “Feminism is for everybody.”
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HutchTheGift Talks The Release Of His New Album "It's Simple"
Los Angeles rapper HutchTheGift dropped a dope new album titled It’s Simple! The project is the first of the year for this upcoming rapper and HutchTheGift definitely delivered with some bangers!
By: Omar Cook
Los Angeles rapper HutchTheGift dropped a dope new album titled It’s Simple! The project is the first of the year for this upcoming rapper and HutchTheGift definitely delivered with some bangers!
“I came up with the name of the project from the George Floyd murder in 2020. If he can’t breathe, stop pressing down on his neck. Its Simple.”
HutchTheGift brings relatable lyrics to his tracks and that Hip Hop fans need right now especially with all that is going on with the world. The project features 12 tracks with a number of features from Kavo, Agbon, RepXL, MoThoro, Black Mike, Rasual, and Willyisforever! Our favorite track is “Bless Me” as this track will make you press repeat and adding in a Dr. Sebi reference sealed the deal as our top pick. “My favorite, it’s a tie between “Crucify” and “Favorite” said HutchTheGift.
Hutchthegift - Bless Me (Official Music Video)
In today’s Hip Hop world, we often hear artists that sound like clones of other artist, but HutchTheGift sounds like only himself and that reflects in the overall message he was trying to portray with this album.
“The overall message I wanted to send is to always be yourself no matter what.”
HutchTheGift has a contagious sound that keeps you locked in as soon as the track starts. His unique flow separates him from other artists, but you can definitely hear the Los Angeles influence in delivery.
“What separates me from other artists is my cadence, delivery, realness, and how relatable my music is.”
Hutchthegift - Iso Joe (Official Music Video)
HutchTheGift’s raw lyrics, dope beats, and smooth delivery makes him a candidate for a break out artist; slept on to say the least! You will definitely be hearing more from this California artist. “In 2021, lookout for the world of HutchTheGift.”