The rap and hip hop all-stars are 21st century wordsmiths, hitting every note in and out of the studio without hesitation. Whether you’ve got more swag than Jay-Z or think Drake should’ve stuck to acting in Degrassi, there are some life skills we can all learn from hip hop.
IGGY AZALEA: Stop at nothing to get what you want
For those of you getting down to that new track A and wondering who this new chick on the block is, let me school you. Iggy Azalea is an Aussie expat who’s been pursuing ghetto superstardom in the U.S since she was 16.
Iggy, 23, understood the limits of hip hop and rap Down Under, so she left her family and life behind to compete with the cream of the crop. At 16, most of us are still figuring out what we want to be when we grow up. But with some true balls and blonde ambition, Iggy Azalea let her vision take her where she needed to be. Thank Yeezus it’s all working out for her!
LISTEN TO: Work
By Alyce Shaw
What I learned from hip hop...
What Yeezy Taught Me
BEYONCE: Self-love is sexy
Let’s face it: Everybody loves Beyoncé. To feel any other way would be going against nature. While this Independent Woman knows she’s musical royalty, she uses her power for good over evil. Beyoncé shows women you can be feminine and strong, sexy but not slutty, successful yet humble. And we can’t forget — her music fucking rules. Whether it’s 11.30 and the club is jumpin’, or you’re at home in your jim-jams, I dare you not to dance when Single Ladies or Crazy in Love comes on.
Go on. I’ll wait.
LISTEN TO: Upgrade U
KANYE WEST: Haters Gon’ Hate… at least they’re listening
If Queen Bey and Jay-Z run the Monarchy of Hip Hop, then Kanye is the Court Jester. Fighting to be noticed, West will do his best to get your attention. And if you don’t like what he has to say, the joke’s on you – he got you talking.
Kanye’s rise to the top has not been without struggles, but one thing ‘Ye don’t struggle with is criticism – running his mouth more to give you something to talk about.
So keep doing your thing and don’t worry about anybody else, just like the man himself says: “Screams from the haters, Got a nice ring to it. I guess every superhero need his theme music.” Word.
LISTEN TO: POWER
CHILDISH GAMBINO: Don’t underestimate your potential
Remember in school when kids thought it was cool to be shit at everything? Trying was some kind of bad virus and failing was a ticket to popularity – so we thought.
Then you get a bit older and realise it might be nice to amount to something. Cue Childish Gambino, the poster boy for success. In his short time on earth, Childish – real name Donald Glover – is inching closer to world domination. Writing for sitcoms like 30 Rock, acting in NBC’s cult show Community, coasting the stand up comedy circuit and conquering the rap scene – just, you know, in his spare time. The self-confessed workaholic nerd shows us it’s not just hip to be square, it’s also extremely rewarding.
LISTEN TO: Freaks and Geek
For those unconvinced, don’t stress — you don’t choose the thug life, it chooses you. As for those of you already riding the soul train, Yeezy taught you well.
What life lessons have you heard from hip hop greats? Let us know in the comments.
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