Due to the explicit and often violent lyrics of gangsta rap, it was kept out of the mainstream during it’s early years, however, around the mid 1990’s it began to enter into mainstream radio and media, and has enjoyed much commercial success ever since.
Additionally, in the mid 1990’s and early 2000’s popular gangsta rap artists began to emerge in the Midwest and Southern hip-hop scenes.
#Gangsta rap made me do it meaning full
Below we explore the definition and history of gangsta rap, and also take a look at some of the most popular gangsta rappers and songs.įirst we look at the definition of the word “gangsta”, which is “an aggressive type of rap music focused on gang culture and violence.” To further elaborate, the word “gang” has multiple dictionary definitions, including “a group of youngsters or adolescents who associate closely, often exclusively, for social reasons, especially such a group engaging in delinquent behavior.” Merriam-Webster’s dictionary of “gangsta rap” is “rap music with lyrics explicitly portraying the violence and drug use of urban gang life and typically expressing hostility toward whites, women, and civil authority.” Based on these definitions, it seems that the main criteria for defining gangsta rap is the lyrical content of the song.Ī concurs, stating that “gangsta rap revolves around aggressive lyrics” that have come under fire for “misogyny and violent themes,” but also points out that gangsta rap is characterized by “trunk-heavy beats.” shares that gangsta rap is lyrically “abrasive, as the rappers spun profane, gritty tales about urban crime,” and also highlights the sound of the beats, describing gangsta rap as having “an edgy, noisy sound.” Finally, Last.fm defines gangsta rap as “a sub-genre of hip hop that reflects the violent lifestyles of some inner-city youths.” Īccording to Wikipedia, gangsta rap emerged in the mid 1980’s, originally with a few specific songs, such as “6 in the Mornin’” by Ice-T, and later as full albums like N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton.” Many associate gangsta rap with West Coast hip-hop, however, many East Coast rappers also contributed to the genre, which is also sometimes referred to as “hardcore rap” by those in the East Coast. What do you think of when you hear the term “gangsta rap”? Some love it, some hate it, but no matter what side you’re on, you have to admit that gangsta rap has had a great deal of influence on the world of hip-hop.