We often enjoy tracks and entire albums for months on end before encountering the epiphany like realisation that results in us hearing an entire new message within the lyrics. It has been said of rappers such as Future, The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky that the encouragement and potential reliance on drugs within hip hop has a negative effect on audiences.
My question is, have we ever delved deep enough into these rappers' songs and mindsets to understand where this reliance stems from. Future's 'Codeine Crazy' is a track enjoyed immensely but while critics argue that the themes are unsuitable for the radio, should we not be similarly reprimanded for enjoying another's sorrow so immensely without a thought as to the origins?
Future is simultaneously energetic yet sinking into despair following The Weekend-esque vibes of mixing rambunctious sexual relationships with dirty sprite in a vivid shade of violet. This artist has faced a new turn in his career with an influx of new music and more demanding fans as a result. Future is following the same path that saw Lil Wayne at his most unstable but in his prime workaholic mentality. He has gone from lighter casual references of recreational uses of lean, to an infectious over-indulgence of drug abuse. The juxtapositions of Future's victories in his life alongside his vices mirror that of his followers' hype and enjoyment over his display of slipping into a desperately hopeless place.
Yes it is alarming to hear about drugs referenced so causally that it's almost shrug worthy, but it's difficult to note the seriousness of these addictions and possible cries for help. 'What A Time To Be Alive' is an incredibly successful album, yet filled with dark and cold indications of dangerous thoughts. The differences in this particular album are blinding. It's clear that Future is coming from a place laced with survivors guilt; he came from nothing and is now living a luxurious lifestyle while still knowing people stuck in his past. The anguish is permeable, as if Future is desperate to escape the present and move backward in time.
Even when our favourite rappers are living on the hardest of drugs and are so open about it we still imagine them to be in total control. We are still shocked and saddened when hearing of Lil Wayne suffering seizures, and A$AP Yams passing away. We still feel as if it is much too soon, they have too much to offer us. Future, along with many others seems to be falling very much harder and faster into a whirlwind of these substances, yet some of my favourite lines from albums (namely Travis Scott's latest release) are wholly focused on drugs. " N-Dimethyltryptamine and Lysergic acid diethylamide, The vibes are effervescent, delicious, just how they should be." Travis mixes a new sound but one that is his signature to the same theme as many others. 'SDP Interlude' is reminiscent of Trilogy, at a time where Abel was at his darkest, most mysterious and to me, the most appealing.
As much as we enjoy the sounds that these troubled artists create, attention must be paid to the fact that this is their out, their release for the anguish and suffering they are experiencing. While it is impossible to understand the origins of the music unless you have suffered yourself from the type of depression and anxiety rapped about, it is imperative to be respectful whilst not doing so. Knowing how difficult those may find it to speak out, fans must listen when reached out to. If not, many of our favourite artists will be gone long before their palaces have been built from the blueprints we enjoy now.
Companies
The Feature
- Publishing