Lyrically Brilliant Raps That Beat the Stereotypes of the Genre

"Ill Mind of Hopsin 7" by Hopsin

The formerly religious Hopsin has a passionate conversation with a god who he is struggling to keep faith in. He's angry because he wants to believe and hesitant because a society he doesn't trust has forced that belief on him. The raw emotion in his voice is strikingly beautiful.

"Man, what if Jesus was a facade?
Then that would mean the government’s God
I feel like they’ve been brainwashing us with a lot
So much that we don’t even notice that we’re stuck in the box"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBsA2ETp7JA

"Glory" by I-Know Brasco

Philly rapper, I-Know Brasco, gets brutally honest about the conditions of living in an impoverished city while keeping his focus and a level-head as an up-and-coming rapper. The lyrics are incredible, and it sounds amazing when coupled with Punk Rock guitarist, Anthony Edge.

"Twelve year old moms, Twenty-six year old grandmoms
Schools is getting closed down, the kids are forming flashmobs
They aint do their homework, but they know Rick Ross's last rhyme
...And I'm trying not to preach on it
But I wouldn't be a man if I didn't speak on it"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94KVklsCzHg

"Happy Birthday" by Joyner Lucas

Lucas has a flawless gift for consistently creating emotional videos that match the intensity of his words. "Happy Birthday" is written to a child he raised as his own until he learned his significant other cheated on him during what he thought was a perfect relationship. A paternity test reveals the baby isn't his, and he uses this piece to deal with his storm of emotions.

"Sometimes I wanna explain but I don't know where to start
Cause you won't understand even if I told you my thoughts
Cause even when its light
I feel like I'm alone and its dark
My mind keeps racing fast
I can't bear with this pain I have"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6RpbgrHVV0

"Yesterday" by Atmosphere

If there was ever a song you needed to really appreciate the important people in your life, "Yesterday" is it. Without going into much detail, it's one of those songs I recommend you keep listening to until the very last word.

"I like to tangle up the strings of the puppetry
But you knew me back when I was a younger me
You seen Sean in all types of light
And I've been meanin' to ask you if I'm doin' alright"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FJUD0rEPWM

"Pray for Me" by Joe Budden

Budden tells the story of a man who is murdered and wakes up to God. He is then asked, after living a life of sins, why he should be allowed into heaven. He defends his actions while blaming God for unfair circumstances in an intense back and forth.

"Look, I woke up without a heart beat
But I remember we was just in the car deep
Was at a light and got approached by a car thief
He pulled out but didn't ask for no car keys
A loud noise without a voice but I'm tryna scream out shit is not fair
I can't tell you where I'm at or how I got here"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o61emtyGBq8

"Retrospect for Life" by Common ft Lauryn Hill

Common is an incredible poet who fearlessly tackles difficult and controversial topics. In this case, he speaks on the subject of abortion and dealing with an initially easy decision that had tremendous emotional consequences.

"To someone, my life for you I woulda had to leave
Instead I lead you to death
I'm sorry for takin' your first breath, first step, and first cry
But I wasn't prepared mentally nor financially"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmDybzfNBG0

"Uncle Sam Goddamn" by Brother Ali

Brother Ali addresses political corruptness, poverty and inequality in America. He isn't afraid to speak his message and make people uncomfortable whether or not you agree with his views.

"You don't give money to the bums
On a corner with a sign, bleeding from their gums
Talking about you don't support a crackhead
What you think happens to the money from your taxes"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO18F4aKGzQ

"Snooze" by Snow Tha Product

Snow is known for her flow and quotables. She praises her Mexican-American heritage by often rapping in both Spanish and English. "Snooze" is no different. Although short, it's too the point, touching on racism, the media, sexism, and other issues.

"America's obsessed with making things so big except the clothes
Over-sexualized mass media
Over exposed so bright you can't see enough
So no details, just females, being the shells of beings"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR-dk5XhqrI

"You Never Know" by Immortal Technique

Thinking back to a woman who he once loved, Immortal Technique explores his deeply emotional past and inability to give love again. With his true gift for telling personal stories, he admits his brokenness with sincerity.

"She could only sob hysterically, holding me tight
I tried to speak, but she wouldn't stop until I left sight
I felt like a moth who got himself too close to the light
Except I didn't burn, I turned cold after that night"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv7w200rrcs

BONUS: "Dance with the Devil" by Immortal Technique

If you haven't already, check out "Dance with the Devil" also by Immortal Technique. I recommended it on an earlier post, and although it's lyrically one of the greatest songs I've ever heard, it'll tear your heart out. It was difficult picking lyrics that represented the heart of the song without completely giving away the plot.

"The devil grows inside the hearts of the selfish and wicked
White, brown, yellow and black colored is not restricted
You have a self destructive destiny when you're inflicted
And you'll be one of God's children who fell from the top
There's no diversity because we're burning in the melting pot"

WARNING: EXTREMELY GRAPHIC SUBJECT MATTER IN THE VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-1ZaMe72ZU