Rappers have expanded the boundaries of rap music. Their lyrics can often be violent and controversial, prompting heated discussions over cultural authenticity and sample use.
Gangsta rap is street-level rap that incorporates elements of gangsta culture. Also referred to as Mafioso rap.
Conscious rap is an artistic form that emphasizes social commentary and often explores relevant social issues. It may take on more political or spiritual overtones.
1. Latto’s “Put It on da Floor”
Latto has long catered to the TikTok generation with her hip hop tunes that go hard. “Put It on da Floor,” her latest diss song to her rivals featuring trap-influenced beats and Atlanta strip club style is no different – with Latto unleashing threats against enemies while boasting about her wealth and unmatched fame on this beat-driven song.
Latto has seen immense success this year with her hit singles like “Lottery” and “Big Energy”, appearing on tracks by Normani, Rosalia and Sukihana as well as performing it at every major concert this summer – including Summer Jam 2023 and Birthday Bash ATL with 21 Savage!
This was Latto’s inaugural collaboration with Cardi B, and their pairing proved effortless. Cardi is clearly fond of Latto as evidenced by her social media posts showing support. They’ve since collaborated on creating remixes for each of their hit singles.
Produced by Go Grizzly, Squat Beats and Pooh Beatz, the song released in April was followed by a music video which shows Latto and Cardi shopping and twerking together before creating havoc in various stores – convenience stores, grocery stores, jewelry shops – plus BabyDrill Yung Miami rappers as well as LSU Tigers women’ basketball player Angel Reese make appearances in it all!
Latto and Cardi’s chemistry can be seen clearly in their video, which has already garnered over three million views on YouTube. Their song has quickly become the most streamed track of summer so far and looks set to become a top-20 Billboard hit. TikTok charts saw it climb as high as No. 2, becoming an instant social media phenomenon on TikTok alone; over four million on-demand streams have also made the track an overnight viral sensation, according to Luminate; reaching No. 2 only four weeks after its debut; TikTok charts also saw its debut! Finally, Billboard charted it quickly once more as no song had peaked before the song had even made an appearance!
2. Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow”
Cardi B is an impressive rapper; her flows are flawless and she knows exactly when and how to drop punchlines. But Cardi’s greatest contribution to hip-hop has come through her ability to sell herself as an individual woman.
As much as we may like to forget it, rap music was once predominantly male-driven genre. Prior to this summer, no solo female rapper had made the Billboard Hot 100 since 1998.
Cardi B is here to change that; she’s not only showing that women can rap (and can do it better than some), but she is also breaking through hardwired gender prejudice.
The title of Cardi B’s new song is a pun that alludes both to her “money moves” and the vibrant hues of her beat-driven sneaker collection. Jermaine White from Dallas created an electric beat which captures both her kinetic personality and struggles; its result being an engaging bassline and fast pace perfectly fitting the subject matter of this tune.
What really sets Cardi B’s song apart is how well her vocal rhythm meshes with the beat. Trap producers, such as those responsible for “Bodak Yellow,” work tirelessly to synchronize snares, drum kicks, and bass notes with rapper’s flow; even their voices seem like instruments themselves with unique melodic patterns and rhythmic structures.
Trap music’s unique blend of sounds cannot be duplicated by more mainstream rappers; that’s why fans love its creators so much.
While older hip-hop was founded on being dramatic and hype, trap is all about looking cool without trying too hard. Gucci Mane, Future and Young Thug have perfected this style and Cardi B is adept at using it effectively.
Critics may fear Cardi is only here as a one-hit wonder, but she has proven herself. Her album Invasion of Privacy debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 this year and she’s become a mainstay on charts worldwide. We can only look forward to what comes next from Cardi.
3. Eminem’s “Dead Wrong”
Rap has always been about representing your roots with pride while simultaneously taking an escape into another universe for 16 bars – often filled with Bugattis and Boo & Gotti albums instead of jail cells and public Facebook photos (TMI, but whatever). Eminem’s “Dead Wrong” stands as an outstanding example of this genre’s ability to transport listeners elsewhere.
After 1999’s The Slim Shady LP and 2000’s The Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem became pop culture’s premier villain: an unruly bleach-blond devil traumatised by circumstance who battled his inner demons with passion and humor. He served as an antihero figure for an audience consumed with reality TV; his songs provided primal release.
By 2002, when Em released The Eminem Show, it seemed he had given up. After nearly a decade in the public eye and as an artist and cultural icon, his latest album Encore had become both critical and commercial failure. To regain his position as top dog he needed an answer; “Dead Wrong” provided just such a vehicle.
This track begins with a pulsing instrumental and unsettling bass line, and builds in intensity until its beat begins to literally shake. Eminem then unleashes his dark baritone voice into a flood of profanities using his lyrics as an assault weapon to threaten anyone who crosses him with further attacks on their person or property.
But Eminem also stresses the fact that his enemies don’t just reside in Detroit or the Midwest – this message resonates with any listener worldwide, further strengthened by Nate Dogg’s baritone vocals providing the perfect counterbalance to Eminem’s masculine persona – making this song compelling enough to get listeners running into the gym for an intense sweat session!
4. 50 Cent’s “Hustler’s Ambition”
50 Cent’s “Hustler’s Ambition” is an inspirational song that emphasizes the drive and determination of a hustler. It encourages listeners not to give up on their dreams or take calculated risks in pursuit of their goals, reminding listeners never to give up and keep fighting hard until success has been reached. Additionally, its lyrics also urge viewers to remain focused while taking calculated risks to reach success.
50’s rapping on this track is raw and reflective of his life growing up on the streets. The catchy beat makes the song infectiously enjoyable to listen to; thus making it no surprise that Get Rich or Die Trying was featured as its lead single from 2005 movie release.
50 speaks about his journey towards becoming a millionaire in this song and how hard he worked towards reaching his goals. He raps about selling drugs on the street before setting out on his dream of being successful in music business. It serves as a motivational piece that anyone who strives towards their own goals should listen to regularly.
Some critics criticized 50’s lyrics on the song, while others found them inspiring and encouraging. The positive message in the song has resonated with listeners across the globe and become an international hit. Additionally, its production features many instruments and sounds incorporated into its production.
This track features an infectiously catchy beat and 50 Cent’s charismatic rapping, making it no surprise that it has become such a global phenomenon and become an inspirational piece for listeners to stay focused and pursue their goals without giving up. Furthermore, its lyrics also encourage listeners to take calculated risks in order to reach their desired goals in life.
Although 50 Cent remains one of the most divisive artists in hip-hop, he remains an accomplished master of his craft. According to TMZ reports, trademarks for both his debut album and 2005 single are up for renewal this month; also seeking a television adaptation of Get Rich or Die Tryin’ film is something G-Unit leader’s seeking as well.
G-Unit mogul Jay Z is an astute businessman who recognizes that hip hop’s young audience tire quickly of its usual gangsta bravado and violent content, leading him to quickly diversify into movies, video games, fashion and other areas.