Subliminals in Hip Hop

Subliminal messages are used throughout the media. In the hip hop industry, artists like 2Pac, Jay-z, 50 Cent, and DMX, carry subliminal messages in their music, album covers, and signs.

One technique that is used to identify subliminals in songs is called backmasking. This is when a recording is reversed and played backwards. In 2Pac’s song “Life I Lead” it has been played backwards and an unsuspecting message occurs.

Here is the link to the subliminal message in "Life I Lead" By 2Pac:
http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/1747655/2pac_yes_im_alive_subliminal_message_full_audio_and_vid.swf
The words that are said backwards are “Yes I am alive and me missing you”. Ever since September 13, 1996, there has been controversy about his death. People continue to believe, to this day, that 2Pac is still alive. So this subliminal message in his song is something that may cause more people to believe that he did not die and that he is still living.

Here is the link to Chart Topping Subliminals:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A9rVzXX0Ns
This video shows the subliminal messages in popular music today. The artists that are in this video are Baha Men, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Lil Kim, and Usher. The main, constant pattern throughout all of these subliminals is that they all have to do with sex. Referring to McLaren and Torchinsky’s “Subliminal Seduction,” sex is also a continuous pattern in advertisements.

But there are other patterns in backmasking music. A pastor by the name of G Craige spoke upon Jay-Z and one of his songs.

Here is the link to Jay-Z Exposed: The Truth Behind Hip Hop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy9MjIOdjFw
(begin at 0:55)
The remix version of “Lucifer” made by DJ Dangermouse was the song that was played backwards. The hidden message said “six, six, six” (which is the “devils numbers), “murder, muder Jesus”. Jay-Z is also called HOV, or Jay Hova God. His connection with God shows that he wants people to think that he is God and that he is on the same level as God. Then there is the message in “Lucifer”. He believes that Jesus should be murdered so that he can take his spot. Like "Hidden Persuaders", this subliminal caused great controversy, especially in churches.

Album covers are also subliminal. 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” has 50 Cent as the focus with red in the background. There is a glass in front of the picture that has been shot at with a bullet and right in the middle of the bullet hole there is a cross. Is it saying that God means nothing to us? Or is it saying that the cross can protect us? It all depends on how you view it. Another album that is looked at as subliminal is DMX’s “Flesh of My Flesh Blood of My Blood”. On this cover, DMX is standing with his body covered in blood. But if you look closely, the “M” from the “DMX” gives the effect that he has horns on top of his head just like a devil. The devil-look can be looked at by DMX being a devil himself.


Going back to Jay-Z, he owns the clothing brand Rocawear. There has been controversy that the Rocawear logo is “satanic”.

Here is the link to Rocawear logo is Satanic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mjQA9pLeBw
The logo is compared to the virgo sign which represents the virgin daughter of the Greek God Zeus who was the most idolized God. The triangle hand gesture that Jay-Z uses is also compared to the Eye of Providence. It represents the eye of God which watches over us.