If you like compelling rhyme schemes, witty bars and substantive content, you might consider pressing play. These aren’t songs that often get radio play, but they’re certainly ones that yield thought when stumbled upon. All are hip-hop tracks, a genre rooted in lyricism and the ability to convey a message, and that’s exactly what these artists do.
“Mural” by Lupe Fiasco
Veteran Chicago artist Lupe Fiasco has a lot to say on this track, rapping for about eight minutes straight over consistent piano chords and a light sample. He uses a slew of metaphors to articulate his existential visions of the world, the way in which it’s constructed and how it’s run by a system that doesn’t listen.
“Palmolive” by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib (feat. Pusha T and Killer Mike)
Freddie Gibbs raps over Madlib’s soulfully sampled beat joined by featured artists Pusha T and Killer Mike. Gibbs uses grounded lyricism, nothing too complicated, to talk about survival tactics associated with getting money. He addresses systemic issues that create environments like the one he grew up in. “sorcerer” by milo Milo, a spoken word artist who grew up in Wisconsin, speaks on identity and what it means to be an artist. He discusses his inner thoughts, contemplating other paths, while also addressing the chaotic and harmful nature of the world around him.
“Dressed Like Rappers” by Isaiah Rashad
Lyricism doesn’t always mean nonstop verses. Isaiah Rashad demonstrates this here by providing a powerful flow while addressing meaningful content. He talks about the superficial lifestyle that rappers oftentimes live. He wants to know if that can truly make someone happy.
“Western Education is Forbidden” by billy woods
Billy woods, an underground New York rapper, addresses his skepticism toward Western Education. He talks about the problematic nature behind what one reads, how one consumes content and who is giving the information in the first place. “Aquemini” by OutKast The legendary Atlanta duo puts forth one of their most impressive lyrical efforts on this heavily studied and scrutinized track. André 3000 and Big Boi talk about the uncertainty of human existence. They creatively point out how things aren’t always how they seem over a light instrumental.
Click this link to listen to the playlist on Spotify.
