Even though a lot of (U.S.) American rap music nowadays entails bragging about becoming rich and famous, there are still many indie-rappers like Run the Jewels who are trying to change and challenge the ever more threatening status quo with political lyricism.

CunninLynguists aren’t exactly known for shying away from uncomfortable topics, either. The alternative hip hop trio hails from Lexington, Kentucky and Atlanta, Georgia and has been active since 2000. Just like their name, their lyrics are often filled with sly double entendres that are not exactly safe for work, but thought-provoking and necessary — now more so than ever, which is perhaps why they decided to end their 6 year hiatus with their studio album release of Rose Azura Njano this year. There are no official videos out yet, but out of a collection of really strong songs I like Violet (The Upper Room) — which also happens to part of their mini-EP release The Azura — best. And it’s because of lyrics like these: 

What is yours? What is mine? When do we serve it?
Being hood ain’t the absence of good
Being square don’t make you equal or fair, it’s not an equal affair
Weak voices can’t speak for a share
Speak choices with no when or a where, are you aware? I don’t think so
Unless your cup runneth over and you still sip slow
Or guzzle til’ nothing, complaining when you don’t get mo’
See another’s glass empty and you don’t think poor/pour

…and these:

One nation under a God kickin’ us out
‘Cause America took and takes the infamous route
As we state from state to state let’s be great again
Let’s forget the salient struggle of each alien
Parade after you honor the graves
Of natives, slaves, women, gays
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera

One of their older single releases, Cocaine, encapsulates their more experimental style, but might not be quite to everyone’s taste (which, of course, is somewhat the point):

[BEWARE: FLASHING IMAGES]

CunninLynguists will be performing in Hamburg on October 26th at Molotow. Presale ticket prices are currently on offer for 22 €, box office tickets will be available for 27 €.

by Simone