Hip-Hop Is Sociology Too

Maddie Bogan

Rap/Hip-Hop Journalist

Oftentimes, the subject matter in hip-hop music covers a wide range of societal issues. Some people may not even realize it on the first play of a hip-hop song, but the catchy instrumentals they listen to intertwine with heavy and relevant lyricism that applies to our world. This can be labeled as sociology. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, sociology is the study of how humans behave when they interact with certain systems, such as schools, churches, or workplaces. Sociology regularly deals with personal traits like race and gender, and how those qualities intersect with one’s behavior and reactions to a system.

Kendrick Lamar is a prime example of a hip-hop artist who covers societal dilemmas in their discography. His common themes include his struggles growing up in a low-income neighborhood and the disparities he has overcome due to his race. One instance of sociology being featured in his song “Momma,” from the album To Pimp A Butterfly, is when he mentions giving his earnings to the Compton school district. He states, “give it to the kids/Don’t gossip ‘bout how it was distributed.” As previously mentioned, Lamar commonly raps about being raised in a substandard neighborhood, as he was born in Compton. He makes it apparent in this song that having a childhood like this altered the way he views society and his own fame. 

Another artist who addresses sociological obstacles is Lauryn Hill. Hill especially sings about dating culture, but she more specifically has some tracks about what dating is like from the perspective of a woman. Famously, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” highlights the importance of being careful when getting into relationships. She warns both men and women to tread lightly, as people’s selfish desires can get in the way, notoriously known as “that thing.” Relationships are a huge part of sociology studies, since couples are susceptible to influencing or manipulating one another. 

N.E.R.D. is a group that puts out hip-hop songs that can also be lessons in sociology. Their track entitled “Don’t Don’t Do It!” is wholly about police brutality towards Black people, which ties back to the position of race in society. Repeatedly throughout the song, they urge the target audience to not give in when a police officer tries to stop them. Historically, some members of law enforcement unfortunately tend to have prejudice towards Black individuals, because they make harmful assumptions based on their own opinions. N.E.R.D. does a phenomenal job of being straightforward with their message in the song, and they do the same thing with the rest of their pertinent discography.

Overall, hip-hop and rap songs are not exclusive to how good the beats sound. They are about brutally honest criticisms of society, which are emphasized in the field of sociology. This goes for the majority of the hip-hop industry. If you listen to any artist within this genre, you will quickly discover that you can learn much more than you realize.