Conscious hip-hop is a subgenre of hip-hop music that focuses on social issues, political themes, and personal experiences. Artists in this genre often use their lyrics to raise awareness about topics such as racism, poverty, and inequality, aiming to inspire listeners to think critically about the world around them. This style of hip-hop emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s with artists like A Tribe Called Quest and Public Enemy. Conscious hip-hop encourages self-reflection and promotes positive change, contrasting with more commercial forms of hip-hop that may prioritize materialism and entertainment.