I was a fan of rap. A huge one. I am not anymore, but I think you are underestimating the intelligence of rappers. For one, they play to a common denominator a lot of times -- meaning that songs that are too cerebral, go over the heads of the intended audience. There have been some excellent "smart" rap songs, but most rap songs are simply intended as light weight entertainment, not trips into deep thought.

I'll agree that references to the GF and Scarface have become dated and cliche, but I'll stick to my theory of blacks having a lot in common with the characters in those movies.