Babak Afshinnik---Gangster vs. Conscious Rap

The song I chose is Tupac’s “Never Had A Friend Like Me.” This song embodies both Gangster and Conscious rap in it lyrical dimensions. Few artists are capable of producing a song that can possess Gangster and Conscious rap lyrics and far fewer can achieve this with the balance and taste Tupac brought. Conscious rap attempts to tell a story/narrative from an introspective stance that incorporates metaphoric/descriptive prose to impart a refined sentiment/quality to the music Gangster rap, in contrast to conscious rap, is more unrefined. Although a story is often told in Gangster rap, the main focus isn’t one of introspection and reflection but rather reaction and flows that speak of the present at hand and ho that experience comes across is the core of Gangster rap. Tupac’s “Never Had A Friend Like Me”comes across as both Gangster and Conscious rap in its entirety.Tupac blends elements of Gangster and Conscious rap with the verses, “…See at night I watch the sky take another breath I smoke my Newport to the butt Like it's the last motherfucker left just me and you evading enemies let you get my last shot of Hennessy ain't never had a friend like me remember memories so vividly was once a little dust kicker now becomes a G who can I call when they all fail collect calls to my dogz from the county Jail sendin' me mail heard the blocks in the same shape ain't nothin' changed niggaz slangin' at the same place the same faces we suppose to alwayz hate our foes this lifestyle is forever watch the game unfold shedding crocodile tears just got life plus and you wonder if these white judges like us just stay strong we'll appeal nigga you'll be free down with cha to the very end cause you ain't never had a friend like me.” In this verse, Tupac touches on many elements of Gangster and Conscious rap. Tupac’s choice to speak of Hennessy and Newport’s is reminiscent of Gangster rap. Tupac’s discussion of the block and how things haven’t changed is a social commentary on the pace of life in the hood and this draws from elements of Conscious rap. Tupac’s reference of to a white judge is a commentary aimed at the racial prejudice blacks and minorities feel in America, especially in the judicial system.