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When it comes to our environment, we aren’t likely to match it up with hip-hop.

But Green Culture has a voice in the genre way more than you may believe. With subtle hints about preserving the world and indulging in a vegan lifestyle (waves to Jay Z,) rappers could change the way we take care of the planet. Huge statement, right? Take a look at some environmental lyrics from your favorite rappers – and then some.

Snoop Lion

“Smoke The Weed” 

Sure the title is about another kind of green, but Snoop’s journey into reggae made him more aware of how we treat mother earth. On “Smoke The Weed” with Collie Buddz, he reminds listeners to love mother nature and be mindful of pollution. “Show respect don’t neglect mother nature/All the pollution in this world/Me just can’t stand it/ Global warming make the whole world panic/Take care of mother earth cause’a she be the planet”

Nasa

“Take Aim At Climate Change”

In 2009, NASA teamed up with AIM (Adapt, Innovate, Mitigate) to create a rap about one of the biggest obstacles in the environment: climate change. The jam follows the beat to Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love?” with tips about conservation and volunteering in the community, the song is a positive spin on hip-hop and the environment.

 

Nas

“Let Nas Down (Remix)” 

Nas drops a global warming line in his commendable remix to J. Cole’s “Let Nas Down.” Sure, he’s comparing it to Cole’s Cole World movement, but at least we know the issue is on his radar.

Mr. Eco

“Recycle Robot”

Mr. Eco, the recycling rapper, wants you to recycle by doing the recycle robot. Yes, this is a real thing. While it’s a light play on hip-hop, the environmental artist wants you to be part of the solution instead of the problem. By touring schools across the nation, Mr. Eco lets children have fun recycling in a creative way. He raps, “I’m programming the youth to not be aloof /Music sticks in their ear bluetooth /Green like Yoda, I am, cans into bins, I slam /Take a pic instagram of your recycling at home or at school/It’s clear how we do /Recycle like robot R2D.” Check out the jam below.

Kanye West

“Don’t Like (Remix)”

Who knew that most rappers were vegan? No matter the journey, being a vegan can be tricky when all of your friends eat meat. Kanye doesn’t seem to mind. The rapper drops a line about his meat-free lifestyle for the remix to Chief Keef’s “Don’t Like.”

Lil Peppi

“Melting Ice”

Kid rapper Lil Peppi cares about the world and wants you do the same. In 2009, the 12-year-old dropped “Melting Ice” about the dangers of glaciers melting. The cute rapper drops knowledge about how to research global warming and has encouraged other tweens to be more involved in saving the planet. Like he says, “There’s 24 hours in a day, so there’s 24 ways for us to make a change.” 

Beastie Boys

“The Grasshopper Unit”

The Beastie Boys were rapping about being vegans before it was cool. On the track “The Grasshopper Unit,” Buddhists Mike D and the late Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch  mention their vegan lifestyle and also drop a little knowledge on shark fins.

Diddy

“The Future”

Like most of us, Diddy wants the future to be promising and filled with energy efficient supplies like solar-powered roofs. It may look cool, but at least we know he wants to be environmental!

Mac Miller featuring ScHoolboy Q 

“Gees” 

Mac Miller wants you to hang with him, but you have to take your vitamins and remember to recycle. We don’t mind doing that.

Rich Gang

“Burn This House Down”

Birdman’s Rich Gang crew doesn’t strike us as the most environmental bunch, but in “Burn This House Down,” Detail wants to live out in the world without material things or even clothes. It’s cool to explore nature, but we don’t condone arson.

VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

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