A backpack rapper is someone who raps about their real, somewhat average life. They aren't known as "mainstream" and don't talk about all their money/cars/women/success. According to a friend that I asked, "A more mainstream rapper may write an entire track bragging about how much bling or swagg they have and how no one could ever measure up to them. But a backpack rapper may choose to focus on the injustice that he experiences or how his undesirable financial position makes daily life challenging."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwnZI01YdXE
A great example is Chance The Rapper, who is self-produced and constantly refers to events in his life, primarily his ten-day suspension in high school. I chose this song because he's sending a message that love is better than anything else, even the drugs and fame that comes along with being a famous rapper.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzWxf7tf3Qo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP5e8HqVN0o
Some of the more mainstream rappers have a problem with backpack rappers. David Banner spoke out against it, claiming that it's a problem because "everyone thinks they can be a rapper now." However, most of the people who listen to backpack rap today like it more because it's definitely more relatable to listen to a song about hanging out in a fast food restaurant than being VIP at a club and getting to do whatever you want all the time.
Interesting blog. Cool to know the distinction between backpack and mainstream rappers. Nice examples too!
ReplyDeleteI like the definition aspect of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what a backpack rapper was or who Chance the Rapper was so this was all new to me and I learned something new! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI never knew exactly what backpack rap was before, but now I do!
ReplyDeleteI had never even heard of a backpack rapper before so this was definitely something new to me
ReplyDeleteI love back pack rappers, so glad you wrote about them and gave these examples.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about this because I had no idea what a backpack rapper was. You did a great job explaining the differences between mainstream and backpack rappers.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting blog. I had no idea what backpack rappers were before this.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that there were different names to call different rappers. I had never heard the term backpack rapper before. Good blog and very informative.
ReplyDeleteI like that you mentioned Chance tha Rapper, who has one of my favorite mixtapes of the past year.
ReplyDeleteI think its important to be genuine in your rap, yet you still have to consider what sells.
ReplyDelete