Contents
The Simultaneous Rise of Marijuana and Hip-Hop
The Relationship Between Hip-Hop and Marijuana
Marijuana Helped Change the Hip-Hop Game
Stoner culture has boomed over the past several decades. Hip-hop has revolutionized the industry, raising a new generation who appreciate rap music and marijuana.
How did the famous genre and the multi-faceted herb influence pop culture?
Music is a powerful tool that uplifts, encourages, and influences listeners in various ways. Cannabis used to be a taboo topic, but it’s become mainstream today. Song lyrics provide artists with a platform to express their opinions on the plant and open doors for an inclusive society.
Join us as we dive into the intertwined history of marijuana and hip-hop and how they helped shape today’s world. We also explore the rappers who’ve had the biggest influence and how they revolutionized pop culture.
Ready? Grab your favorite strain from the large selection of Kush seeds for growing, light up a joint, and let’s drop some beats.
The Simultaneous Rise of Marijuana and Hip-Hop
There was a time when weed and hip-hop music wasn’t well known. Many people turned their nose up at the mention of both, considering them stains on society.
They had plenty in common. Some people associated the music genre and the herb with rebellion, gangster activity, and irresponsible attitudes. They were taboo topics, only discussed in private circles and rallied against at teacher-parent school functions.
The hip-hop genre started in 1973, not long after the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) officially outlawed cannabis in 1970. Rappers began speaking about sensitive topics like drug abuse, violence, politics, and discrimination.
Some artists even advocated against marijuana use, and the CSA caused the herb to become associated with negativity and judgment.
From the 1970s to the late 1990s, there was a revolutionary shift in the public’s attitude toward rap and cannabis.
1996 was a landmark year as California legalized marijuana, sparking a new revolution and gradual de-stigmatization of the plant’s use. As more people worldwide expressed their passion for hip-hop and cannabis, they rose in popularity.
In the early 1990s, stoner rap was born. Hip-hop artists like Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, and Redman started something no one in the genre had done before: making music about weed.
By the start of the 21st century, many more rappers caught on to the trend. Some significantly impacted both industries, like Snoop Dogg entering the marijuana market and popularizing stoner songs.
These artists shed new light on specific subjects for people worldwide to gain inspiration. The widespread acceptance and celebration of hip-hop and weed occurred almost simultaneously, paving the way for today’s freer society.
The Relationship Between Hip-Hop and Marijuana
An underground culture existed for many years before prohibition and the birth of rap music. Jazz, rock, and reggae musicians paid homage to cannabis from the early 1900s.
When hip-hop started making waves, listeners felt a similar catharsis to when they smoked weed. Stoner culture is rooted in finding an outlet, experiencing therapeutic healing, and giving a voice to the underdogs.
Rap music provides the same release for listeners. There are often encouraging and empowering lyrics about a wide host of social topics like injustice, prejudice, pain, and heartbreak.
When rappers started releasing music about weed, it shed new light on a stigma that had existed for years. Not only do the lyrics talk about the fun side of the herb, but they also touch on its therapeutic properties.
As these songs spread worldwide, they gave courage to those who faced shame and judgment for using marijuana.
Many people have advocated for cannabis, and although hip-hop didn’t directly contribute to legalization, it certainly had a significant impact. Rap songs about weed portray the plant as a means of managing life’s struggles and achieving creativity, relaxation, and spirituality.
Several rappers are open and avid advocates for marijuana use. Artists like Wiz Khalifa celebrate 420, releasing songs that celebrate the positive feelings associated with the herb.
Others, like Lil Wayne, make songs about weed for fun. As more states legalized the plant, hip-hop artists could publicly express their passion for it. No matter their background, they often speak out about discrimination against people who use cannabis.
Many musicians use marijuana as a creative tool. It’s well known for opening up the mind, providing a brain boost, and allowing users to enhance their artistic abilities. The herb also changes listeners’ perception of music, amplifying the tunes and lyrics.
Stoned fans listen to hip-hop and feel the beats deep within. They’re able to connect more deeply with the music, which can also inspire them to pick up a pen and write their own songs.
How many more stoner hip-hop stars will we see in the future? More of them venture into the cannabis business and even have strains named after them. Thanks to this movement, more fans of the herb can find solace in the fact that famous people share their passion.
Marijuana Helped Change the Hip-Hop Game
There have been many influences on cannabis and pop culture as we know it today. Rappers like Kanye West help weed gain recognition as a positive healing outlet with many therapeutic benefits.
The hip-hop game changed when artists spoke about weed with increasing frequency. Songs give listeners insight into the benefits of the plant and allow them to connect to relatable lyrics.
In a world where trends come and go, rap music and marijuana remain consistent and unchangeable. Despite many attempts to dampen both of them, they’ve proven to be resilient and globally influential.
As the stigma behind cannabis use gradually dies out, society deems it more appropriate to promote the herb. Music is still a massive and beneficial tool that can help shed a more positive light on otherwise taboo topics.