Gangster rap

Heard in 2 episodes across 1 show since Jul 2026

Gangster rap, also known as gangsta rap or reality rap, is a subgenre of hip-hop that conveys the culture, values, and experiences of urban gangs and street hustlers. Emerging in the late 1980s through pioneers like Schoolly D, Ice-T, and N.W.A, the genre frequently discusses the harsh realities of inner-city life. It grew to dominate mainstream music in the 1990s with the rise of G-funk and highly influential artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G.