Despite being nearly 20 years since the release of “Changes,” Tupac Shakur’s lyrics and message are still relevant today. Whether it be addressing issues of teenage pregnancy in rough communities or slamming the harsh realities of rape culture, Tupac touched the hearts of many people.
His music and compelling persona has inspired an entire generation of young listeners – including some of the most popular artists today, such as Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Jhene Aiko, Zayn Malik, and countless others. Some of today's biggest names in music were clearly influenced by Tupac.
Then you have Lil Pump. Lil Pump, the stage name of 17-year-old Gazzy Garcia, Pump’s chart-topping single “Gucci Gang” lacks the same beauty and creativity that the majority of Tupac’s – and most other rappers work includes. Regardless of sales and popularity, this guy said “Gucci Gang,” 53 times throughout the song.
Yes, “Gucci Gang” is a fun song to listen, especially when you’re getting lit or whatever. The same can be said for “XO TOUR Llif3.”
The seemingly endless mumble-rap songs that are being released these days consist of trap beats and lyrics regarding the consumption of Xanax and lean.
Ultimately, the trend is becoming mundane and rather tiresome to listen to. It is also becoming quite disturbing, particularly following the recent deaths of Lil Peep and Fredo Santana – both of whom died of Xanax overdoses and side effects of prolonged lean consumption.
Drug usage being openly discussed in hip-hop songs is not a recent phenomenon. Illicit substances such as cocaine, crack, marijuana, lean and prescription pills have been recurring themes in popular songs released by rappers since the 1980s. Ultimately, the same artists have sadly been the ones who have suffered the most from their actions.
Lil Wayne, who has openly rapped about his love for “sizzurp” (a combination of cough syrup and fruit soda), has been hospitalized on five separate occasions due to nearly overdosing on the highly dangerous concoction. Eminem, who has rapped about consuming copious amounts of Vicodin and, was two hours away from death in 2007 when he nearly overdosed on Methadone, a similar opioid (although he has been sober for the last decade). And of course, the tragic deaths of Lil Peep and Fredo Santana is all too sombering to hear, especially in the midst of this nation’s terrible opioid epidemic.
Yet artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Logic and Joyner Lucas are constantly producing music that is enjoyable to listen to and bringing awareness to serious issues today such as depression, racism and peer pressure. Hip-hop, just like any other cultural phenomenon, is continuously evolving into different forms and sub-genres. So whether you’re debating to put Drake or Biggie on your weekend playlist, just go ahead and put both.
Akash Bakshi is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you bump 'Gucci Gang'? Let Akash know by tweeting him @akashmbakshi.
