Drugs and rap have been pretty synonymous since the 90s, but recently there's been an influx of rappers talkin' about harder drugs than the chronic. Chance the Rapper's Acid Rap tape was perhaps the most illicit example of an ongoing trend that's taking place amongst the newer artists. The Underachievers, Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, and even A$AP Rocky, whose hit "L$D" is just the latest in a lineage of rap tracks that allude to a wild night with the drug most commonly associated with the hippie generation, are a few artists who have taken a trip down the rabbit hole.
Because psychedelics and hip hop haven't always been closely tied, it's interested to see multiple references pop up in recent history. Here are a selection of tracks that demonstrate the link.
A$AP Rocky - L$D (LOVE x $EX x DREAMS)
Rocky took things to another level with the release of his "L$D" video. The visuals are a millennial's answer to the acid tests, with lava-lamp effects and hazy focus. With the lyrics, Rocky turns the schedule 1 drug into an airy pop ballad.
Jay Electronica - Dimethyltryptamine
We all know about acid, but what do you know about that dimethyltryptamine? Jay uses DMT as the namesake for one of his illest raps to date.
"Drill 'em, let the skin peel off to reveal him
Then spray 'em wit them rhymes you like spilling
Hit 'em up real, real good but don't kill him
We only want to burn him to the point that they willing
To give the location of the blank face villain
Who split atoms and give mushrooms to civilians
Hiroshima never recovered and all the evidence was smothered
Under a thick cloud of rubble"
Chance The Rapper - Acid Rain
Chance The Rapper - Acid Rain
You can't really talk about acid or psychedelia in modern rap without landing on Chance The Rapper. His mixtape Acid Rap did wonders for bringing LSD into the limelight, and it's peppered with nods to experimental drug use throughout its duration. This one, "Acid Rain," might be better for the come down, with a smooth beat and a calmed Chance spitting really nice bars.
Shabazz Palaces - An Echo From The Hosts That Profess Infinitum
Just look at the song title...we're gettin' trippy on this one. Shabazz Palaces employs a spacey beat that'll put you in outer space, and then bring it home with some killer verses.
"Gang signs point to hang them high
Who, Swindle? Oh yeah, that's my guy
The forecast: Heat, with chance to blast
Hustle though sure don't seem fast
My kiss, my list, my dreams, my stash
See certain things need not be asked"
Clams Casino - One Last Thing
Don't be afraid to let the instrumentals ride during your trip. Clams Casino, for example, has a couple of instrumental tapes that play the perfect background music for a stimulating afternoon, evening, or early morning.
Earl Sweatshirt - Grown Ups
"Feel this cage when that acid fade / Face the same, but your mind has changed," Earl begins on this I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside cut. "Grown Ups" features some stellar production from Earl himself, and when he blesses it with his angsty raps, magic takes place.
Yung Lean - Ginseng Strip 2002
Yung Lean - Ginseng Strip 2002
At just 19 years old, Yung Lean rarely shies away from his experimental drug use. On "Hurt," he rapped about a "Louis duffel bag filled with heroin / Louis goons who finna trip on LSD acid tabs, let them in," and on "Ginseng Strip 2002," he brings the same vibe around with an even more psychedelic beat.
The Underachievers - Herb Shuttles
Along with Flatbush Zombies, The Underachievers are apart of a New York City-based movement of druggy raps that have the youth going wild. The shows go off, but if you're chillin' in your own mind this stuff is definitely worth a spin as well.
Kid Cudi - In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem)
Before any of these newer cats were talking about drugs, Kid Cudi was talkin' "split an eighth of shrooms just so I can see the universe." The lonely stoner vibe is strong on this cut, "In My Dreams (Cudder Anthem)," which is sonically downtempo and spiritually uplifting - perfect for the vibe we're going for here.
Juicy J - Smoke A Nigga feat. Wiz Khalifa
You can't talk about gettin' trippy in rap music without bringin' up Mr. Trippy himself: Juicy J. On his album Stay Trippy, Juicy J enlists Wiz Khalifa for a smoker's anthem that's sure to expand your mind.