The transition of hip-hop from the social commentary of Grandmaster Flash’s "The Message" to the more aggressive 1990s era is framed as a response to ignored pleas for help. Tupac’s metaphors about "singing to get in" versus "picking the lock" illustrate the frustration of the "third wave" of protesters. The hosts suggest the deterioration of rap's message was a planned effort to feed the commercialized prison system.

