Urban Word of the Day - 2/6/09

Conscious Rap –
Conscious rap is a sub-genre of hip-hop that focuses on creating awareness and imparting knowledge. Conscious rappers traditionally decry violence, discrimination, and other societal ailments. It's propelled by the conviction that radical social change comes through knowledge of self and personal discovery. Most conscious rap songs contain positive, uplifting messages, often delivered over smooth, ear-grabbing beats. Conscious rap is often confused with political hip hop because 1) they speak to social turmoil and 2) there’s a disdain for commercialism. Political hip hop songs are usually delivered in a militant fashion while conscious songs empower by uplifting the listener.

Popular conscious rappers: Common, Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, The Roots, Nas, Lauryn Hill