Take a look at the Top 10 Hot Rap Tracks according to Billboard. I included select lyrics and a brief, original analysis to show the parallel between the economic times and the Top 10 rap songs.
Update: I should also mention that I’m a firm believer that societal problems influence hip hop music, not the other way around.
1. Drake – “Best I Ever Had” (“You can have my heart or we can share it like the last slice/Always felt like you was so accustom to the fast life/Have a nigga thinking that he met you in a past life/Sweat pants, hair tied, chilling with no make up on/That’s when your the prettiest”)
Economic Reflection: Sounds like love on a budget to me.
2. The Black Eyed Peas – “Boom Boom Pow” (“I’m so 3008/You so 2000 and late”)
Economic Reflection: It’s futuristic, and flat out avoids anything ‘current.’ Remember when BEP had “Where Is The Love?” They should have made a 2009 remix, “Where Is The Dough?”
3. Lil Wayne ft. Drake – “Every Girl” (“I wish I could fuck every girl in the world”)
Economic Reflection: I’ve got nothing for this one. People are horny regardless of the countries economic status.
4. Soulja Boy – “Turn My Swag On” (“Hopped up out of bed turned my swag on/Took a look in the mirror said ‘what’s up’/Yea I’m getting money”)
Economic Reflection: “Turn My Swag On” is an anthem for everyone trying to keep their head above water.
5. Soulja Boy – “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” (“You can be my Bonnie, I can be your Clyde”)
Economic Reflection: Bonnie and Clyde were real-life bank robbers that traveled around the country doing stick-ups during the Great Depression. Who knew Soulja Boy could be so deep?
6. Pitbull – “I Know You Want Me” (“Label flop but Pit won’t stop”)
Economic Reflection: Apparently Pitbull’s record label went out of business. Nuff’ said.
7. T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake – “Dead and Gone” (“Swallow that pill that they call pride/The old me’s dead and gone, the new me gon’ be alright)
Economic Reflection: Lost your job? Can’t make your mortgage payments? Swallow your pride and keep it moving cause T.I. and J.T. said so.
8. Hurricane Chris ft. Superstarr – “Halle Berry (She Fine)”
Economic Reflection: See #3
9. Birdman ft. Lil Wayne – “Always Strapped” (“And since I’m paid niggas be muggin me”)
Economic Reflection: Being wealthy during a recession makes people hate you. Right, Wayne?
10. Flo Rida ft. Wynter – “Sugar”
Economic Reflection: See #8
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