As a dude who came up learning from some of the greatest artists of all time. I can only give respect to their artistry and talent but I must poke holes in their theories. Every artist develops their philosophy from their life experiences and life learned-lessons but some lessons mislead while others guide. Music is a mixture of instrumentation, writing, composition, expression and talent among other things, but often neglected to mention is the philosophy these artists share with the world.

Tupac- The Hate You Give Little Infants, F*** Everybody (Thug-Life)
Tupac’s life was well documented and written about by scholars and journalists but many criticized the man instead of the message. Tupac’s message focused on the poverty-stricken kids neglected in America. He referenced Malcolm X and Huey P. Newton to explain that waiting for change was unnecessary; it had to be taken by any means necessary. He embraced women in his songs, acknowledging the need for respect and adoration for the single-mothers and burgeoning sisters in the communities, but he also addressed the need for young women to respect themselves. Tupac was a very controversial artist who was known for his public outburst and his eloquent interviews but regardless of his public persona he embraced a militant outlook on the world. In his songs he spoke of drug dealing and though he admitted to never being a drug dealer he still endorsed the action. In his earlier messages he claimed crack was wack and drugs were bad but in his post-underground music his theme changed. He talked about the need for young brothers to leave the street but still stated the need to carry guns and kill opponents lyrically as well as defend himself physically. Many elders do not recognize these artists as an authority, to me and millions of young people they were and still are to the new generation. Tupac’s influence encouraged many to think and challenge social norms but also to fight back and disrespect authority. Kurt Cobain was a similar Icon in the realm of Rock and Roll Music and Elvis was also in his hey day, but for some reason the wide spread effect on the lives that street music caters towards is more costly than any genre in music.

Nas- “Thug Intellect” (New York State of Mind)
Nasir Jones was and is a prolific writer and lyricist; he’s well known for his controversial quotes and themes on his albums. Nas has confronted issues like poverty, the growing penal system, race relations, the drug trade and a host of uncomfortable talking points. He had a political philosophy not unlike a congressman or senator that resonated with the people, giving a hope and a brighter street vision. Nas articulated the street struggle to survive, the need to make money by any means and the power in a unified vision. Nasir provided an intellectual perspective from a street point of view, rebelling against authority with radical ideas of overthrowing the government with the intent to change the system. Nas references Malcolm X as well as Christian and Muslim beliefs. His message varies from “Pro-Black Rhetoric” to “Street Lingo” to “the emancipation of an enslaved mind.” Nas resembles the great philosophers in history and music like a Bob Dylan who held dialogue with a guitar and microphone for over forty years, addressing public outrage in the sixties from the Vietnam War to the Civil Rights era. Nas’s music speaks directly to the disenfranchised and the poor, like many philosophers who had conflicting themes and seemingly hypocritical messages he fell into that category. Similar to a young Bob Dylan the philosophy presented leaves the listener perplexed and confused. Bob Dylan traversed to different genres of music with ease but Nas’s music has stayed relevant over the changing times. Nas has had many positive themes in his music and has even addressed social issues time and time again, but for the youths who grew up listening to him and many others like him, they find a difficulty attempting to find an answer for the lifestyle consequences that follow the choices Nas and others profess in their music.

Jay-Z (Tales of a Hustler) “I will not Lose”
Jay-Z has become one of the leading voices in this genre of music; some call him the best or the title holder of street music. Jay-Z professes to know all there is to know about the drug game, he has articulated the journey and trials of a young drug dealer. Shawn Carters message has been; determination and a bit of ruthlessness will take you to the top. Jay has given explicit details and instructions on how to infiltrate drug corners for profit, and he explains how to maintain dominance in the street life. An artist never shy of gritty information shares the rise and fall of a street icon that may feel guilty for past decisions but continues to forge ahead for success. Jay speaks to the disenfranchised and the poor by sharing a sense of hope and accomplishment with kids who believe they too can reach similar heights. Success is the driving factor in Shawn Carter’s music; he relates the street world to the corporate world and connects a perseverant attitude to both environments. Jay-Z has enlighten many youths to a higher level of thinking and a broader world view of society and the standing of a young person in search of a better way of life. Jay shares a savvy business acumen that can be utilized in a street or business setting like a Donald Trump or a Ted Turner. Jay-Z’s philosophy has been enhanced the more successful he’s become in business. His philosophy continues to spew the same theory on his path to success even though there are many alternatives to a street path for a better life. Many parents advise their children to avoid the pitfalls they have encountered; so that there kids do not suffer the same consequences, but many street artists knowingly share street tales with poorer kids when there are healthier alternatives.

DMX (Where My Dogs At) “Only the Strongest Survive”
Earl Simmons is one of the most passionate rap artists and a very controversial entertainer on and off the record. Dmx has a very aggressive message that pushes the envelope by challenging rivals and purported “fake” artists in the same genre. Dog Man X represents the lost and misunderstood in the inner cities and individuals going through difficult trials. According to his music his outlook on the world is negative and merciless, a kill or be killed attitude that portrays a thug doing whatever he must do to survive. D is the quintessential badboy in street music because of his direct opposition to the law, his disregard for authority and devil-may care attitude in song. As an artist he characterizes himself as an individual who lives to the absolute fullest and is unafraid of death. His mystique in song symbolizes a dark creature prepared for battle and his underlying message is; that he may be bad but he wants to be good. An artist like DMX toys with the theme of redemption but never quite captures the essence of the term, because he is celebrated for the wrong he does in the street life and since survival is most important he seems to never fully to detach himself from negativity. Dmx’s influence on the youth is uncanny compared to other rap artists because of his emotional connection in song and lyric, but a hope deferred can only mislead when an action does not follow.

Biggie Smalls “Big Poppa” (From Ashy to Classy)
The Notorious B.I.G. was one of the greatest rap artists of all time, he was creative in his delivery, he had a unique disposition, his story was compelling and he embraced the title of an over comer. Biggie stayed grounded in his message, he had an image of an ugly fat guy who was overlooked to being that same person that was celebrated despite his faults. His story suggested that anybody could make it, despite what they’ve gone through, regardless where they’re from or what they’ve done. He addressed his Drug dealing past and confronted his doubts and fears nakedly through song. The Notorious B.I.G. was a premier artist engaged in lyrical battles that propelled him to the top of his genre. His album content ranged from desperate to suicidal to celebratory to malevolent. An artist of such caliber was embraced by rivals and enemies but his message never fully transitioned from his Drug Dealing past, having traces of street bravado sprinkled throughout his later works. Christopher Wallace wrote many positive songs about a better life, about leaving all the negativity behind, celebrating good times with loved ones and providing for family. Biggie’s message had plenty of heartfelt ideals and ambitions but that same joyous display was tarnished by negative themes from past experiences. His music embraced a working man’s anthem, do what you have to do to survive, this street message enlightened young kids throughout the country that they too could make it if they only sacrificed. Biggie spoke to the inner city children and the rejected youth, his audiences were kids who felt a need to belong and to fit in. Biggie opened many eyes to the possibility of success but at the same time to the trappings of success. Biggie shared a powerful message in his music and in his storytelling but left the story incomplete, by never truly showing a way out of the life he rapped so strongly about.

A paragraph for each artist doesn’t do justice to the extent of their talent and expertise. This subject is definitely debatable but truth in its purest form can never be tarnished by opinion or critical views. Each artist has made great contributions to music and the spoken word; their talent can not be jaded or slighted for any reason. This article’s sole purpose is to confront the philosophies commonly shared in song and to counteract there theories with a closer look and understanding. God is Love

GU-Double



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