Conscious music differs from mainstream or gangsta rap in its concentrate on violence, crime and materialism by encouraging individual self-discovery which could ultimately lead to positive collective change.

While hip-hop’s legacy may be long and complex, some artists have were able to bring its philosophy into mainstream consciousness. These rappers all share an antipathy towards commercialism while emphasizing social issues which affect society all together.

Texas Hip-Hop Music Group ? The New World Order

Poor Righteous Teachers were established in Trenton, New Jersey in 1999 as pro-Black hip hop artists. Led by lead MC Wise Intelligent who provides lyrics; Culture Freedom and Father Shaheed provide backing vocals and production respectively.

PRT’s 1990 debut Holy Intellect epitomized the socially conscious hip-hop music movement of early 1990. Showcasing an edgeless approach with no polish or refinement present among their contemporaries, PRT embodied conscious music’s true meaning in their music.

Kendrick Lamar ? The Blacker The Berry

Conscious hip hop is a subgenre of hip-hop music that explores political and Afrocentric topics through lyrics written by rappers who aim to educate their listeners about social problems while motivating them to take action because of what they hear in the rhymes they perform.

Kendrick Lamar uses this track’s lyrics to dismantle common stereotypes about blackness. He proudly proclaims their own African American heritage and dispels any negative images created by privileged white Americans.

He refers to Pan-Africanism, an ideology advocating a return of Africans to their roots and culture, an excellent example of conscious hip-hop music. This song stands as a shining example.

Common ? The Blacker The Pen

Common is widely recognized among the pioneers of conscious hip hop music and his immense discography bears testament to this fact. From groundbreaking albums that affirm humanity to thought-provoking singles that provoke debate, Common remains one of the beloved MCs today.

Like Water for Chocolate by Common is an outstanding hip-hop classic and will only get better with age. From Afrocentricity and shifting hip-hop culture to a range of social ills, Like Water For Chocolate stands as one of the finest albums ever released in hip-hop history and will only become better as time passes.

Sa-Roc ? The Sharecropper?s Daughter

The Sharecropper’s Daughter is an engaging and socially aware album that unashamedly celebrates black women. Boasting top-tier emceeing, superior wordplay and outstanding guest performances by Sa-Roc, her rhymes run into with unrivaled authority.

Sa-Roc is known on her behalf polished articulation, fiery delivery, and insightful lyricism; thus making her lyrics accessible to those looking to break free of mainstream rap’s excesses by providing socially conscious lyrics.

Since signing with Rhymesayers Records in 2015, Sa-Roc has steadily been growing her fanbase via an engaging singles series and eye-catching music videos such as “Forever”, which currently boasts over 4 million views on YouTube. Now she is unveiling her long awaited debut album for Rhymesayers Records entitled The Sharecropper’s Daughter.

Brother Ali ? Mourning IN THE US And Dreaming In Color

Conscious Rap is really a form of hip hop music characterized by lyrics that address issues facing society and urge individuals to take social action. Over time, this subgenre of hip hop has grown increasingly popular, becoming relevant genre in every nation that enjoys rap music.

Conscious rappers frequently reference class oppression and racism in their lyrics, though not always exclusively so; many artists don’t limit themselves to making only conscious music.

X Clan ? Blackwards

Blackwards was released as the follow-up album to their landmark To the East album and features an impressive production team and Brother J, among Hip-Hop music’s premier emcees, making this record essential listening.

Grand Verbalizer Funkin’ Lesson Brother J is joined on this album by production from Master China, Kumu, “Ultraman” Ra Hanna, ACL Lord Cza and DJ Fat Jack. Furthermore, this lyrically dense work provides an example of what hip hop should represent: intelligence and upliftment over guns, money and bitches.