As KRS-One articulated throughout his catalog and in his many teachings, “Rap is something you do, hip hop is something you live.” As the culture continues to evolve today, many feel it’s not only important, but vital to preserve and honor the fundamental elements: Graffiti, emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying and knowledge. This column called “Each One, Teach One” aims to do exactly that. It will highlight various lessons that can be passed between new and old generations alike.
Thanksgiving is arguably one of the better holidays to experience as a digital family in the era of social media. Although an argument can be made for Halloween and Christmas, there’s just something about Thanksgiving that hits differently. After all, the traditional spirit of the gratuitous holiday in its contemporary form is centered on breaking bread, giving thanks, and spending quality time with loved ones.
From peeping the plates of friends, family and strangers alike that appear in generous quantities on the timeline to yelling at the television screen with your impassioned (and possibly intoxicated) family members to eating until the itis takes over, Thanksgiving is typically held in high regard for being an opportunity to be glutenous, lazy, and cozy. However, outside of long-commercialized cultural signifiers, the annual date also presents an opportunity to confront the true history of the events that led to the holiday’s origin in the first place and have serious conversations that acknowledge the truth of the past, in hopes to ensure that the exploitation, genocide and overall oppression of Native Americans and other disenfranchised groups is not repeated.
Given the holiday’s complexities, a handful of artists in the hip hop community have used their platforms to wax poetic about the brutality of Thanksgiving’s dark past, while others have opted to follow the tradition of weaving gratitude into their lyricism instead. While Thanksgiving itself hasn’t necessarily materialized as a common subject for rappers to tackle in their music, the topic of gratitude in general has appeared in countless tracks and in a multitude of other ways throughout hip hop history.
Expressing thanks for the blessings that each year brings is an integral part of living one’s best life, and doing so can be an act that is as therapeutic as it is relatable and inspiring. Many artists turn to their music to share their personal come-up stories, reflecting on the challenges that helped them build character and tested their perseverance. As we deepen our relationships with ourselves and with others, gratitude helps us to acknowledge the goodness in our lives, and in turn, helps us to reconnect with a higher power. For some of us, that’s as simple as a reminder that the world is a lot bigger than ourselves as individuals.
As research further reinforces, a lot of good can come from expressing gratitude; including improved health, stronger relationships, a more positive outlook, and even the ability to deal with adversity. Most studies focusing on the subject find that there is a direct connection between gratitude and an individual’s well-being. From remembering to say “thank you” on a daily basis to grandiose gestures that take expressing gratitude to a greater level of intention, placing a focus on the art of being grateful is one that can yield multiple benefits.
On the hip hop side specifically, we’ve seen gratitude being expressed in a multitude of ways, from the likes of DJ Khaled landing on the word “Grateful” for the title of his tenth studio album to artists such as Big Sean, Drake, JAY-Z and countless others carving a lyrical lane of their own by consistently keeping it 100, and giving praise to their blessings. While arguably there is no shortage of songs that check the “gratitude” box, there is a generous helping of standout songs that address the topic head on.
In accordance with the “giving thanks” element of the annual affair that is Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at 19 lyrical gems from songs that are fitting contenders to soundtrack the holiday and express different shades of gratitude.
Big Sean – “Blessings” featuring Kanye West and Drake
Blessings on blessings on blessings
Look at my life, man, that’s lessons on lessons on lessons
Nicki Minaj – “Moment 4 Life” featuring Drake
In this very moment, I’m king
In this very moment, I slayed Goliath with a sling
This very moment I bring
Put it on everything, that I will retire with the ring
And I will retire with the crown, – yes!
No, I’m not lucky, I’m blessed, – yes!
Clap for the heavyweight champ – me!
But I couldn’t do it all alone – we!
Drake – “Lose You”
Excitin’ times, revitalized
Trust this little light of mine is gonna shine positively
I’m just takin’ what God will give me
Grateful like Jerry, Bob and Mickey
Better attitude, we’ll see where it gets me
I know catchin’ flies with honey is still sticky
I wrote the book on world-class finesses
And tasteful gestures and makin’ efforts
And never placin’ second
And even better knowin’ you’re first but then takin’ second
Inspirin’ and never takin’ credit
I know I deserve more, I just never said it
Two middle fingers as I make a exit, yeah
JAY-Z – “Nickels and Dimes”
Something ‘bout the struggle so divine
This sort of love is hard to define
When you scratching for every nickel and dime
Got me itching to do this shit for my mom
Do this shit for my town
Leave the door open hoping they kick it down
The purest form of giving is anonymous to anonymous
We gon’ make it there, I promise this
Lil Wayne – “Grateful” featuring Gudda Gudda
I still got love for my enemy
Cause I know its tough to be interesting
I know its tough to be anything, but be grateful
DJ Khaled – “(Intro) I’m So Grateful” featuring Sizzla
I’m so grateful for all you’ve done to bless your soul
With the riches of love forever
Happiness shine as a burning sun
It’s a blooming blessing, hey
Let it flow, it’s a pleasure
Beastie Boys – “Gratitude”
Good times gone, but you feed it
Hate’s grown strong, you feel you need it
Just one thing, do you know you
What you think? That the world owes you?
What’s gonna’ set you free
Look inside and you’ll see
When you’ve got so much to say
It’s called gratitude, and that’s right
Talib Kweli – “Gratitude”
When you think success is based on Illuminati membership
Fuck the money, that’s my new fuckin’ attitude
This the Earth, wind and fire, this gratitude
Whether in paradise or ghetto avenues
I stay inspired by my longitude and latitude
Recordin’ in the rainforest in Puerto Rico
Nas – “Not For Radio” featuring 070 Shake and Diddy
And who y’all comparin’ me to is nonsense
Show gratitude in the presence of dominance
Little Simz – “Gratitude”
Put my feet in the studio and call it my home
While others have got no way out
How blessed am I? Nothing left to find
Your life’s on the line, don’t question mine
Take my advice, don’t stress in life
Arms out to you, you can rest your head in mine
I’m prepared to fly with no landing
I might just be the last one standing
Kanye West – “Paranoid” featuring Mr. Hudson
All of the time
You wanna complain about the nights alone
So now you’re here with me, show some gratitude
Leave the attitude way back at home
J. Cole – “Cost Me A Lot”
Well look, I’m back, bitch, back with an attitude
Buyin’ out the bar, cause I feel like this the shit I gotta prove
Last year the cashier told me my card was not approved
Now I’m tippin’ the server a hundred to show my gratitude
Oddisee – “Own Appeal”
Hunger for knowledge and I miss no meals, I stay
High off life and I miss no pills
I’m addicted to the thrill of walking along the edge
Not knowing what lies ahead but always knowing the deal
I’m good with my decisions, the set backs and gains
Is all a part of the game, I’m ready to spin the wheel
What ever is in store, I’m ready for it, for sure
With the attitude of wealth and the gratitude of the poor
The balance is the challenge and I sit so still between
Mick Jenkins – “Vibe”
Feel the vibe, I got some Gil Scott I know you like to snap to/too
Talk a couple black thoughts, spit ‘em through this gap tooth
Just for the sheer thought that you listening, let me express my gratitude
How can you hate on an attitude?
Anderson .Paak – “The Season/ Carry Me”
How did you find me here? It must be perfect timing
(Forever grateful)
If I didn’t love you then I damn sure love you now
(Fruit of your labor)
Eminem – “You’re Never Over”
To have a guardian angel like you, Lord, I’m so thankful
Please don’t think that I don’t feel grateful, I do
Just grant me the strength that I need
For one more day to get through
Logic – “Wu-Tang Forever”
When we create wars, everybody is a gangbanger
We killin’ each other, but we all got the same anger
Never go against the grain, homie, that’s hateful
Another day in the life for us to be grateful
Spread love, homie, yeah, get a plateful
It’s better to stay full, so let’s make moves
Tupac – “Me Against The World”
The message I stress: to make it stop, study your lessons
Don’t settle for less, even the genius asks his questions
Be grateful for blessings
Don’t ever change, keep your essence
The power is in the people and politics we address
Always do your best, don’t let this pressure make you panic
And when you get stranded
And things don’t go the way you planned it
Young Thug – “Real In My Veins”
I got latitude, I got gratitude
And if you look up at the moon, you’ll see my attitude