Rap, Memes, and Everything In-Between

Robert Lloyd Howard IV

Rap/Hip-Hop Journalist

Back when I was younger, if you’d ask me what I was listening to I probably would’ve responded with a bit of hesitation, because even though I knew what I was listening to was a little weird, I loved it. The genre that I was listening to was called meme rap or as its most known as comedy rap. Meme rap is known for its comedic or experimental beats,  but it has an aggressive and dark comedy under tone to its lyrics. Personally, I really enjoy this, I love the touch of comedy added in making the music a lot more entertaining, creating a unique intersection of memes and rap that just works.

A meme is anything that spreads across the internet,  gaining cultural value as it resonates with people and becomes part of the online conversation. Released in 1996, The “Dancing Baby” is widely known to be the first internet meme. Since then, memes have evolved exponentially, from “ rage comics” to “YouTube Poops” memes are a staple of our current cultures humor in a quick digestible form. Their simplicity and adaptability have made them a dynamic tool for self-expression, social critique, and even activism. With memes being used to highlight political movements, cultural shifts, and internet subcultures. Much like memes, rap music also thrives on condensing complex emotions and experiences into short, potent lines. In both forms, creators use a few words or images to convey deeper meanings, whether it’s through humor or powerful storytelling.

Building on this dynamic, meme rap takes the internet’s fast-paced, humorous content and seamlessly integrates it into the structure of modern hip-hop. The rise in Meme rap culture started with the release of “Crank That” by Soulja Boy in 2007. Soulja Boy was one of the first artist who utilized the internet to his advantage, he used  YouTube, Myspace ,and LimeWire to promote his music. Bypassing traditional industry standards and opening a new window for future artist. Lil B another artist known for his impact on hip hop and internet culture. His influence on music is really important as he brought the internet mixtape culture to life. By releasing an enormous amount of music, with over 1,000 songs available online, including mixtapes like Everything Based (2010) and The Complete Myspace Collection, Vol.4 (2011). By flooding the internet with his work, Lil B helped pave the way for the SoundCloud era, where artists could build massive followings by releasing their music directly to fans online.

Another notable meme rapper and my personal favorite, Zach Fox, got his start in 2013 on Twitter, where he became known for tweeting jokes that often-poked fun at pop culture and everyday absurdities under the alias “Bootymath.” His humor and unique voice online quickly earned him a following, setting the stage for his entry into the meme rap genre. His transition from internet comedian to meme rapper felt natural, as he began releasing tracks that carried the same biting humor and absurdity as his online persona. His music, much like his tweets, is filled with punchlines, satire, and a raw energy that sets him apart from traditional rap artists.

One of his most well-known tracks, “Jesus Is the One (I Got Depression),” went viral due to its hilarious, unfiltered lyrics paired with a catchy beat produced by Kenny Beats. The song, much like his other work, plays on dark humor and absurd references, blending meme culture seamlessly with rap. What makes Zach Fox stand out in the meme rap genre is his ability to balance humor with insightful commentary, all while maintaining an authentic, unpolished style. His music reflects the randomness and absurdity of internet culture. For me, Zach Fox’s music represents the perfect blend of comedy and rap. His willingness to be bold, silly, and even controversial makes his tracks not only entertaining but also reflective of the chaotic, meme-driven world we live in today.

Rap’s influence on meme culture is undeniable, with rap lyrics, music videos, and specific moments from songs frequently becoming viral content. This relationship is driven by rap’s ability to create catchy, punchy lines that fit perfectly into short, shareable formats. With the rise of platforms like TikTok, this connection has only strengthened, as users create viral trends around snippets of rap tracks. Think of songs like “Mo Bamba” by Sheck Wes and Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” both of which exploded onto the meme spotlight after their release. Meme makers took key lines and moments from these tracks and added comedic twists, transforming them into widely shared memes that not only added humor, but also helped define internet culture for months.

Vice versa, memes also can affect rap too, including the way artist create and market their music. Memes often dictate trends, and rappers sometimes intentionally incorporate meme-worthy lines or visuals into their songs and music videos, knowing that viral moments can propel their tracks to greater popularity. In my opinion this could be a good or bad thing, it’s good if you can execute it well, using humor or references in a way that feels natural and enhances the music. However, it can backfire if an artist repeatedly tries to chase viral moments without success, as it can make their music feel forced or inauthentic, losing the original appeal that made them stand out in the first place.

One perfect example on how memes can be used affect rap is Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” Lil Nas X strategically embraced the meme culture surrounding the song, further fueling its success by releasing multiple remixes and leaning into its playful nature. the song gained traction on TikTok thanks to the Yeehaw Challenge, where users dressed up in cowboy outfits and performed to the track. The meme quickly spread across social media, propelling the song to viral fame.

Memes are here to stay, and just as they will continue to evolve, so will meme rap. With memes now being a fundamental way we communicate and express ourselves, their influence on music, especially rap, is undeniable. As both memes and rap continue to shape and reflect modern culture, meme rap will likely remain a powerful vehicle for commentary, humor, and creativity, bridging the gap between internet culture and music.