Meaning of "Hip Hop My Friend" by Pep Love

The lyrics of "Hip Hop My Friend" convey Pep Love's deep attachment and loyalty to hip-hop. The song begins with a description of the artist's passion for music and their commitment to putting their heart and soul into their art. They express their love for the baselines and guitar rifts that define hip-hop and acknowledge the challenges of navigating the music industry, which can be filled with sharks and a vast sea of competition.

Pep Love then reminisces about discovering hip-hop at a young age, even before experiencing other typical childhood activities. They highlight their instant connection and obsession with the art form, which eventually led to a love for writing rhymes and performing on stage. The artist emphasizes their dedication to hip-hop, studying the genre in great detail, and appreciating how it brought people together and fostered creativity.

The lyrics also explore the evolution of hip-hop and its commercialization. Pep Love reflects on a time when hip-hop was more about artistic expression and connecting with the community rather than chasing fame and fortune. They criticize the current state of the industry, with corporations investing in hip-hop only when it's profitable, and they express a sense of alienation and frustration for waving the flag for the hip-hop culture while others treat it as a passing trend.

The song also addresses the socio-economic conditions that hip-hop emerged from, with the artist mentioning the lack of resources and opportunities in their community. They highlight how hip-hop provided a voice and sense of identity for those who lacked education, healthcare, and welfare support. However, they acknowledge the changing landscape of their community due to gentrification and the struggle to preserve the authentic essence of hip-hop in the face of commercialization.

In the final verses, Pep Love affirms their commitment to hip-hop despite the challenges. They emphasize the need to bring back the true essence of the art form. Reflecting on the current state of mainstream pop radio, where artists are encouraged to dumb down their lyrics, Pep Love remains dedicated to the depth and thoughtfulness of hip-hop. They affirm their loyalty to their peers in the hip-hop community and pledge to keep the spirit of hip-hop alive.