History of Gangster Rap

Gangster rap has been an influential form of music since its origin. During the mid-1980s, rap moved from the fringes to the mainstream of the music industry as white musicians began to embrace this new style. By 1986 rap had reached the Top 10 on the Billboard pop charts and has not ceased in its assent to the top of the music world. Gangster rap has always had something to say, whether it be for the …

…As rap became apart of the North American music industry in the 1990s, forms such as political rap and funk became less popular among the masses, while gangster rap grew more in style. This was mainly exemplified by rappers such as Snoop Dog, Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, and Puff Daddy. These artists, as well as many others within this genre have blazed a trail so appealing to the eye, that many youngsters want to follow.