"Coffee Rap is a subgenre that needs to happen and I patiently await its arrival. I just know there are artists out there in the studio, grindin’ those beans and sippin’ that drank."
As any avid listener of hip-hop music could discern, many of the artists in the genre incorporate several key subjects which define its values and culture. Among these topics, the procuration and use of marijuana is almost unanimously promoted with, to my knowledge, no one taking a stance of opposition within the community. For some artists in the “cloud rap” genre, it’s their master status: the element that ties all of their lyrics together. Rappers like Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Snoop Dogg, Smoke DZA and early Mac Miller referenced the main ingredient of jazz cigarettes in many of their tracks, garnering them popularity with like-minded individuals.
But I find it strange that marijuana remains the most talked about substance in hip-hop when coffee is so delicious. Why is no one rapping about a tasty light roast or a bold dark roast to pregame before the club? How have producers not sampled the Folgers jingle for a beat yet? Other genres like rock and punk have made songs about coffee — such as Descendents’ “Coffee Mug” and Black Flag’s “Black Coffee” — so why has hip-hop neglected this gourmet topic?
Being the first rapper in the subgenre of “coffee rap” would be a potential bonanza. A windfall of green streaming from caffeine! Instead of “Really Be (Smokin N Drinkin),” imagine if YG had made “Really Be (Stirrin’ N Drinkin)?” Or what about if Chance The Rapper had not penned “Smoke Again,” but rather, “Brew Again?” And just think how much money could have been made if Juicy J made it “Beanz A Make Her Dance?” These examples would relate to the untapped market of business professionals (lawyers, engineers, architects, journalists, etc.) who treat coffee as if it was ichor, sending their interns frantically scurrying for the next cup.
And in addition to the commercial appeal, it would be awesome to have a sweet soundtrack for a morning wake and brew. Many people could relate to each other through their shared love of coffee, so having some music to perpetuate the feeling might bring everyone a lot closer.
Coffee Rap is a subgenre that needs to happen and I patiently await its arrival. I just know there are artists out there in the studio, grindin’ those beans and sippin’ that drank.
Luke Furman is a freshman studying journalism. Email him at lf491413@ohio.edu or find him on Twitter at @LukeFurmanOU.
