Much like the name suggests, ‘Rapstrology’ celebrates the beautiful (and curiously slept-on) intersection between hip-hop and astrology. Whether exploring the Zodiac is a guilty pleasure hobby, something to roll one’s eyes at, or a swear-by daily guide to WTF is going on, this column aims to explore the roadmap that is astrology, through the context of hip hop, lyrics and current events.
As the earth wakes up from its winter hibernation, Taurus season has slowly and steadily began making its powerful presence known. Symbolized by the Bull, this earth sign commands attention simply by being. Taureans are known for being fiercely loyal, stubborn and independent; all traits that become that much stronger once their purpose becomes realized.
Ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and love, Taurus relishes in pleasure, often gravitating toward the finer things in life. Beginning at the end of April, it is no coincidence that Earth Day falls during Taurus season; calling attention to the importance of honoring, preserving and connecting with the planet we all share together. During this time of year, one may feel especially called to embrace the outside world and get in plenty of time with Mother Nature.
In addition to encouraging others to be present and explore their surroundings, Taureans are also driven by their desire to create empires of their own. Look no further than Master P, Dame Dash or Janet Jackson. Each is a pioneer in their own right, helping pave the way for others in their own respective lanes and leading by example. Their work ethics are also textbook inspiration, starting movements through determination, steadfastness and a little bit of occasional healthy arrogance. Master P began building a name for himself by investing a $10,000 inheritance — which was from a malpractice settlement after the death of his grandfather — into a record store that laid the foundation for his No Limit record label. Today, the veteran rapper is worth over $200 million; an impressive fortune that spans across real estate, publishing, fast food franchises, clothing and even gas stations. His investment company and subsequent success helped lay a blueprint that countless rappers have since followed, encouraging others to explore business ventures outside of making music alone.
Similarly, Damon Dash helped put Roc-A-Fella on the map alongside JAY-Z and Kareem “Biggs” Burke, earning millions while also making a cultural impact that continues to be felt over a decade after the influential music moguls parted ways. Tastemakers with a magnetic charisma, Taureans make for excellent leaders, i.e. activist Malcolm X.
Once a Taurus has their eyes fixated on a goal, they will do everything they can to reach it and surpass their own expectations along the way. From Meek Mill taking control of his own story and platform to advocate for criminal justice reform to Machine Gun Kelly sizing up his former idol Eminem, Taurus are blessed with an instinctual survival mode, ensuring they will stop at nothing to persevere against all odds. This sign is blunt, has noticeably large sexual appetites and can be a little power hungry.
Keeping their egos in check, lessening the importance placed on material objects and learning to embrace change are three integral challenges this sign must work to overcome. Once they find a routine that works for them and secure a highly craved stability that helps them stay grounded, it goes without saying that everyone can learn from the patience, resourcefulness and grace that dependable Taurus’ possess.
Now that we’ve covered the gist of this divine earthly sign, let’s take a look at some lyrical takeaways to keep in mind, and when the mood strikes, keep on repeat.
Song: “Hockey” – Rico Nasty
Lyrical Mantra: “Every time I post a picture, they make me the trending topic / They hate me and they love me and it ain’t no way to stop it / Some people say I’m ugly and some people say I’m gorgeous / I know that I am stubborn, ’cause my sign is a Taurus”
Taurean’ism: Rico Nasty exudes Taurean energy in the best way possible. Hilarious, raunchy and confident, the Maryland rapper is building a name for herself on a strong foundation of knowing exactly who she is, what she stands for and what she aims to accomplish along the way. While characteristically Taurus often don’t like to take risks, Rico’s ability to take control of her creativity and remain calm despite the chaos surrounding her fast-rising career allows her to thrive. This song speaks to her penchant for not caring what others may think of her, all while poking fun at knowing how as a Taurus, she is perfectly fine with not being everyone’s cup of whiskey.
Song: “Stuck In My Ways” – Meek Mill
Lyrical Mantra: “I ain’t gotta front, I get what I want / If shawty a baddie, I hit from the front / She got a fatty, I hit from the back / They should have never let me get a sack / Oh yeah / I’m living legend, I swerve in that Lambo like I’m in the pack / Oh yeah / I’m going hard for this paper, they hating, ain’t cuttin’ no slack (Get it back, get it back) / Stuck in my ways, chasing this paper, been up for some days”
Taurean’ism: From the song title itself to taking ownership of his legacy, this track shows how sticking to one’s vision has the potential to pay off in more ways than one. Meek Mill’s awareness of self — flaws and all — is one of his strongest suits as a rapper, especially one who holds himself to a standard of transparency in his lyrics. This man speaks his mind and even though it’s gotten him in trouble at times or inspired him to distance himself from social media, one has to respect how he’s put in the work to earn every reward he’s treated himself to. Watching Meek come into his own and become a voice of his generation has been nothing short of motivational and hard-pressed to ignore.
Song: “Rap Devil” – Machine Gun Kelly
Lyrical Mantra: “You the one always talkin’ ’bout the action / Text me the addy, I’m pullin’ up scrappin’ / And I’m by my fuckin’ self, what’s happenin’ / EST captain, salute me or shoot me / That’s what he’s gonna have to do to me / When he realizes there ain’t shit he could do to me / Everybody always hated me, this isn’t anything new to me / Yeah there’s a difference between us / I got all of my shit without Dre producin’ me (Ay!) / know you’re not used to me / Usually one of your disses should ruin me / But bitch I’m from Cleveland”
Taurean’ism: Machine Gun Kelly came in hot with his diss track against one of the most reputed and commercially successful rappers of all time: Eminem. While their beef was relatively short-lived, MGK let his inner bull take over, earning him new fans and causing a stir between different generations of rap fans. As he builds his empire to extend into the acting world, Machine Gun Kelly’s determination to be respected commands exactly that. He’s a force to be reckoned with and counting him out serves as fuel, as further exemplified by this track.
Song: “SICKO MODE” – Travis Scott
Lyrical Mantra: “Ain’t by the book, yeah, this how it look, yeah / ‘Bout a check, yeah (Check), just check the foots, yeah / Pass this to my daughter, I’ma show her what it took (Yeah) / Baby mama cover Forbes, got these other bitches shook / Yeah”
Taurean’ism: Like majority of Taurus’, Travis Scott has a penchant for luxury and a drive to keep leveling up. His Grammy-nominated track “SICKO MODE” became his first No. 1 single, as well as made history as the first hip hop song to spend at least 30 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. The Astroworld cut speaks to Taurus’ natural tendency to be simultaneously braggadocios and curiously low-key. Travis may be in the public eye now more than ever, but he hasn’t lost sight of what’s the most important to him: upholding a high artistic standard, providing for his family and giving back to his community.
Song: “If You Know, You Know” – Pusha T
Lyrical Mantra: “The company I keep is not corporate enough / Child Rebel Soldier, you ain’t orphan enough / A rapper turned trapper can’t morph into us / But a trapper turned rapper can morph into Puff”
Taurean’ism: Focused, strong and consistent; Pusha T has come into his element as someone who has worked to be put into a position to serve and inspire others. His career has weathered all sorts of storms over the years, making him a tried and true leader. With nearly two decades in the rap game, Pusha T has built a reputation for himself as a disruptor, leaning into his challenges instead of keeping a safe distance. From weaving wisdom into his bars to firing off one of the most-discussed diss tracks of all time against a powerhouse artist such as Drake; Pusha T is up for the challenge, whatever said challenge may be. Stay low and keep firing.
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