Intellectual Rappers

The garbage you hear on the radio that passes itself off as “rap” is rarely indicative of the beauty and intricacy evident in real rap music.  Even though some rap does not contain socially redeeming or intellectually stimulating lyrics, there are a few diamonds in the ruff.  IntelRap (a genre I just made up) is a style that transforms listening to rap into a thought-provoking and reflective activity.

Andre 3000
You might know Andre 3000 as one-half of the critically acclaimed rap duo Outkast.  Although his biggest hits (Hey Ya!, Sorry Ms. Jackson, So Fresh So Clean) are not heavy with intellectual lyrics, he does have a few cerebral tracks in which he explores existential topics and offers unconventional metaphorical language.  “My Favorite Things”, “A Life In the Day of Benjamin Andre”, and “Pink & Blue” are three examples. 

Immortal Technique
His real name is Felipe Andres Coronel, and this Afro-Peruvian rapper focuses venomously on controversial issues in global politics.  His aggressive lyrics are largely centered around class struggle, poverty, religion, government, and institutional racism.  Born in Lima, Peru, “Tech” raised in Harlem, New York.  “You Never Know” and “Dance With The Devil” are the two tracks I would recommend from this obscure, but brilliant rapper.  

Illogic
Even though this Ohio-based underground rap artist is very obscure, his skill with words is second to none.  In his tracks, he discusses religious doctrines, scientific discoveries, and philosophy.  He’s a special talent, and its unfortunate most people have never heard of him.  Check out “1000 Whispers” and “Hate In A Puddle”.

Eyedea
The late Eyedea (Micheal Larsen) was a freestyle battle rapper who hailed from Saint Paul, Minnesota.  His non-battle rhymes have heavy philosophical themes, and are often told in a story format.  He died way too young at the age of 28, but appreciators of deep rap music will forever remember him.

KRS-One
Lawrence Krisna Parker, better known as KRS-One, was a pioneer of IntelRap.  He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work and effort towards the Stop the Violence Movement.  He talks about the importance of knowledge, education, and history in his song “You Must Learn”  In “Philosophical” and “My Philosophy”, KRS-One explores metaphysics, rationality, and meaning.