What's the deal with this overuse of '
conscious' to refer to, like, anyone in hip-hop to the left of the Cash Money Millionaires? It's a big thing these days. Among other things, are its origins traceable? I don't recall a lot of talk about 'conscious'-ness during the braids, beads, medallions d.a.i.s.y. age, for example, but it could just be that I wasn't paying attention. Is the standard for political/social/cultural awareness so low that simple sentience makes for a compelling metaphor? Looking at the laughable numerology, absurd religious beliefs and arcane conspiracy theories espoused by some of your conscious MCs, this seems like a possibility. The popularity of the metaphor also suggests the way that conscious types are sometimes thoroughly dismissive of others outside their circle of belief.
Incidentally, that VW commercial with a montage of squarish items, followed by the Beetle-porn money shot? I love it. Update: Another conscious-rapper list here.