'Paul Gilroy (1992) argues that young African-Caribbeans often adopt identities based around influential media role models such as 50 Cent and So Solid Crew. Gangsta rap and hip-hop, in particular, have been powerful influences, and oftent the adoption of aspects of the gangsta rap lifestyle symbolise opposition to white society. Kellner (1995) agrees and notes that rap music is a means of expressing black identity in what is perceived by African-Caribbeans as a hostile and racist environment' (Collins textbook).
So, I have collected a few examples of gangsta rap and also some Public Enemy stuff. Yeah boyeeee!
50 Cent - Pimp
50 Cent is an idiot.
Dre and Snoop - 187 (Undercover Cop)
'187' is American Police Radio Code for 'murder'. In this charming little number, Dre and Snoop discuss the urgent need too '187' an 'undercover cop'. It's from the film 'Deep Cover' which I heartily recommend.
The Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme the Loot
I prefer 'Going back to Cali' but '...Loot' is a better example of a track purely about committing crime.
Wu Tang Clan C.R.E.A.M.
N.W.A do not like the police one little bit.
NWA - F tha police and an amusing comedy sketch about it here
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| Ice Cube was very pleased with his Xmas present. |
Da Lench Mob - Buck Tha Devil Freedom got an AK
Da Lench Mob were formed by Ice Cube and are sort of halfway between the pure mindless gangsta violence of 'Gimme the Loot' and the political awareness of Public Enemy. Members of the Nation of Islam, they were obsessed with AK47's and crime but they also wrote about the problems of racism in society caused by 'tha devil' which in this case refers to 'whitey'. 'Buck tha Devil' therefore, is a delightfully up-tempo number about eradicating the problem of racism in society by shooting all the white people.
And let's not forget the UK G's repping their endz!
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| Dizzee and Wiley - a history of 'beef'. |
Wiley - Gangsters and Dizzee Rascal Where da G's? Sirens
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| K Koke - NOT an Idiot in any way whatsoever. |
K Koke 'Gangster Life' I had never heard of this chap and when I saw his picture I thought he was less gangster, more half-wit shelf-stacker with an ill-fitting hat. However, I have since done some research and it turns out he spent most of this year on remand for murder. Therefore I will not be 'dissing' him in any way whatsoever, so that I may avoid any possible 'beef' and subsequent 'caps' being 'busted' in the vicinity of my 'ass'.
It's not all drive-by shootings, Tec-9's and spinning rims...
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| Public Enema |
Public Enemy were/are not gangsta rappers, the documentary 'Prophets of Rage' explains why not in far more detail than I can.
Public Enemy - Fight the Power
Prophets of Rage - BBC4 documentary on Public Enemy Part 1
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| This is what happens when you listen to gangsta rap |
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