History Main / GangstaRap

* Music/{{Eminem}} is generally classed as a {{Horrorcore}} artist but occasionally went gangsta.
** ''Infinite'': [[GoodIsBoring extremely soft]] Blue Collar.
** ''Slim Shady EP'': Blue Collar mixed with a LightmareFuel PissTakeRap of Hardcore, via a StupidEvil, HeroicComedicSociopath alter-ego who might be a JustifiedCriminal but would kill you even if he wasn't. The expanded version of the album, ''The Slim Shady LP'', drops most of it in favour of a {{Toon}} approach.
** Em went through a Commercial "thug phase" in 2003, exploiting controversy after a (minor and non-gang-related) assault charge and remodelling his image on his protégé Music/FiftyCent. The persona didn't suit him, something he acknowledged even within some of the songs; he reverted to his more comfortable SubvertedKidsShow image on 2004's ''Encore'' and ditched gangsta cosplay for good after Proof's murder in 2006, becoming an advocate for gun control.

* Music/{{Gravediggaz}}: Hardcore.

* Music/{{Esham}}: Hardcore.

The term Gangsta Rap actually came from the media, not the artists themselves, though some have called the genre "Reality Rap", or ''prime time news'' in the form of rap music. The genre in its infancy even had shades of ConsciousHipHop and PoliticalRap. There were also a lot of issues with mislabeling. Quite a few rappers who didn't fall into the alt/indie scene were automatically placed under the umbrella term Gangsta Rap. Usually cynically and unfairly. There is also debate going on about whether the genre is still alive and well in the mainstream, or is it [[DeadHorseGenre deader than a horse]]. Some proponents feel that it died a long time ago, while opponents (usually alt/indie rap fans) think a watered-down version is still very much active, continuing the UncleTomFoolery, and the dumbing down of the genre.

The term Gangsta Rap actually came from the media, not the artists themselves, though some have called the genre "Reality Rap", or ''prime time news'' in the form of rap music. The genre in its infancy even had shades of ConsciousHipHop and PoliticalRap. There were also a lot of issues with mislabeling. Quite a few rappers who didn't fall into the Alt rap, or indie scene were automatically placed under the umbrella term Gangsta Rap. Usually cynically and unfairly. There is also debate going on about whether the genre is still alive and well in the mainstream, or is it [[DeadHorseGenre deader than a horse]]. Some proponents feel that it died a long time ago, while opponents (usually alt/indie rap fans) think a watered-down version is still very much active, continuing the UncleTomFoolery, and the dumbing down of the genre.

After the genre had been around for two decades, many of the rappers who were making hard-hitting Blue Collar albums have [[FormerTeenRebel softened as they reached their 30s and 40s]]. Many of them became parents, dramatically changing their opinions on violence and profanity, with many taking up RatedGForGangsta projects (looking at [[Film/AreWeThereYet you]], Music/IceCube). There are, however, exceptions (Music/TechN9ne, for example).

* Mobb Deep: Primarily Hardcore and Mafioso, with occasional touches of Commercial.

* Music/NipseyHussle

One of the most controversial genres of music, if not ''the'' most controversial, to ever hit the mainstream. To detractors, it's nothing but [[ClusterFBomb gratuitous]] [[NWordPrivileges profanity]], [[StopBeingStereotypical perpetuation of racial stereotypes]], glorification of violence, glorification of drug dealing and usage, homophobia, misogyny, [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking and grammatical inaccuracy]]. To fans and proprietors, it's {{catharsis|Factor}}.

One of the most controversial genres of music, if not ''the'' most controversial, to ever hit the mainstream. To detractors, it's nothing but [[ClusterFBomb gratuitous]] [[NWordPrivileges profanity]], [[StopBeingStereotypical perpetuation of racial stereotypes]], glorification of violence, glorification of drug dealing and usage, homophobia, misogyny, [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking and grammatical inaccuracy]]. To fans and proprietors, it's [[CatharsisFactor catharsis]].

The term Gangsta Rap actually came from the media not the artists themselves, though some have called the genre "Reality Rap", or ''prime time news'' in the form of rap music. The genre in its infancy even had shades of ConsciousHipHop, and PoliticalRap. There was also a lot of issues with mislabeling. Quite a few rappers who didn't fall into the Alt rap, or indie scene were automatically placed under the umbrella term Gangsta Rap. Usually cynically and unfairly. There is also debate going on about whether the genre is still alive and well in the mainstream, or is it [[DeadHorseGenre deader than a horse]]. Some proponents feel that it died a long time ago, while opponents (usually alt/indie rap fans) think a watered down version is still very much active, and continuing the UncleTomFoolery, and the dumbing down of the genre.