According to Cube the lack of message in rap began in the early 90's and hasn't improve much."I think it's always going to have the potential to have something to say," said Cube. "It's really up to the artists. The 'something to say" has been really kind of drained out of hip-hop. It started to lose its steam in about '93 and escapism rap became the top dog.

"When I say 'escapism rap,' I mean talking about weed, getting high, cars, women, jewelry, money -- a whole bunch of excess. Don't worry about your real problems, just go to the strip club and smoke them away.