Rappers and drugs go back like babies and pacifiers. Even when Melle Mel was talking about “White Lines” back in the day, the game continues to have a prominent love affair with the lush and illicit pharmaceuticals life. Fortunately for Hip-Hop, there are lyricists who are proud not to drink, smoke or do drugs.
To live a life as a “straight edge” rapper isn’t a road taken by most of the mainstream. It’s a choice made by a chosen few. Many of these people who are on this list associate their ideals with the principles found in being sober at all times. For every Curren$y and molly-popping rhyme-spitter, there are quite a few who are extremely resolute in their decision to not indulge in the hard liquor, sticky icky or “white girl.”
We’re here to give y’all the harsh reality check by saluting these 10 Rappers Who Don’t Smoke Or Drink.
Photo: YouTube
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We start off with the most surprising advocate against the drug life—former drug dealer Curtis Jackson:
50 Cent
The G-Unit boss followed Christopher Wallace‘s commandment strongly, “Thou shalt not get high off of thou’s own supply.”
Hopsin
The Funk Volume / Strange Music wunderkind is an avid supporter against drug usage. He believes being drug free “is the best way to live.”
Andre 3000
The proposed reunion between 3 Stacks may make fiends jump out their tube socks, but Dre has put down all mind-altering substances since ATLiens dropped back in 1996.
Way Out West Festival 2015 – Day 2 – Performances Featuring: Tyler, The Creator Where: Gothenburg, Sweden When: 14 Aug 2015 Credit: Emelie Andersson/WENN.com
Tyler The Creator
It’s always nice to see Odd Future‘s mastermind take off his cool. What many might not know (or just assume) is that he is staunchly against any drug use of any kind.
Lecrae
This Grammy nominated gospel rapper used to live the life of crime before Christ entered his heart. Even though there may be “tension,” the Atlanta rhyme-smith stays away from all worldly sins.
K’Naan
This global MC has recorded with everyone from Nas to J. Period to Damien Marley. Instead of succumbing to the dark side of the game, the Dusty Foot Philosopher manages to keep a clean living, yes, by even ignoring the Marley’s.
Rob Base
Before Uptown, Harlem, U.S.A. was known as the home of the “Purple Haze,” Base and his DJ EZ Rock let it be known that they weren’t the ones for puff, puff, passing. On the seminal cut, “It Takes Two,” Rob spat, “I won’t fess, wear a bulletproof vest/Don’t smoke buddha, can’t stand cess, yes.”
Boots Riley
The Coup‘s military minded front-man is a shining example of what it means to be a “sober soldier.” On “Pork And Beef,” the revolutionary mic controller said, “Don’t drink drank, don’t smoke, don’t sell/That’s the real reason that they want me up in jail/They want me to fail, I resist and rebel.”
Way Out West Festival 2015 – Day 2 – Performances Featuring: Lauryn Hill Where: Gothenburg, Sweden When: 14 Aug 2015 Credit: Emelie Andersson/WENN.com
Lauryn Hill
The former Fugee front-woman has always stood for the empowerment of all women against the odds. As you can see in the clip above, she’s also an advocate for saying nope to any form of dope.
54th New York Film Festival – Opening Night Gala Presentation and ’13th’ World Premiere at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center Featuring: Common Where: New York, New York, United States When: 30 Sep 2016 Credit: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com **Not available for publication in Germany, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia**
Common
This Grammy award-winning rapper has went on to become quite the scene-stealer on the big screen. Much of the energy he has that’s allowed him to grow as an actor, as an artist came from his stringent regiment of working out, staying away from the beedis and the brews.
What rapper do you hope will become a straight edge sober soldier? Share your thoughts below.
