1. JUNKY- Saturation II

Merlyn Wood, Interview with Pigeons and Planes I just wanna feel like I did the right program. I just want to appeal to my dad and my cousins (again) When I cut that feel, I do nothing but diplomas.

The vocalist Merlyn Wood was enrolled in a college for architecture when he realized that music was his actual passion. This line exemplifies the many expectations that are forced on teenagers to focus their efforts on academics that promise a "better future" rather than something that is not on the path to the American Dream.

"I could have been selling coke, I could have been… I dunno. Like, I could have been carrying a briefcase. But instead, I'm here rapping. I'm fulfilling my dream, and that's a personal choice I made. You can do all of the above, you can sell coke or become a businessman, that's your choice. I'm putting it on the table kind of like College Dropout, you can stay in school or be a dropout." – Merlyn Wood, Interview with Pigeons and Planes

2. JUNKY- Saturation II

Matt Champion: I hate these shady folk that want a ladylike but don't treat lady right, but they be sayin' like "just the tip" ... Respect my mother, 'spect my sister, 'spect these women, boy

A common aspect of rap culture is the blatant practice of misogyny and rape culture. Matt Champion expresses his strong hate for men who prey on and disrespect women in the group's song Junky. This lyric coincides with many acts in the movement to not only make men and women equal but expresses how inhuman it is to sexually assault or disrespect women in any way.

With movements such as #MeToo and the Women's March recently becoming a large topic in society, lyrics like these, in rap music especially, help aid these issues as it educates their audience and raises awareness.

3. TEETH- Saturation II

Ameer Vann: They told me I'm a nigga, well now I know I am. I got my finger on the trigger, I'm a project baby. A free lunch felon, and I'm hungry every minute

These lyrics said by member Ameer Vann express his role as an environmental outlier in a white-dominated world and his new acceptance of the slur "n*gger." This acceptance is a turning point in his life and leads him to turn to the very thing that his oppressors expected of him: violence. Many minorities are faced with the rage comes from within when they are discriminated, and many who are not given the opportunity to distance themselves from this, turn to violence. This creates a cycle of violence and misunderstanding on both sides of the fence when it comes to racism between the white and black community.

White people will continue to criticize and stereotype black people, rather than providing them with the means to overcome their troubles. This will drive some black people to a life of violence and crime in order to survive. Lastly, that will give white people more of a reason to stereotype black people. It all comes full circle. This lyric, although it may be only three sentences, symbolizes thousands of young black men in America.

4. BOYS - Saturation

Dom McLennon: Last year I was suicidal. Took those thoughts and tried to kill it. Used to avoid, used to being paranoid

Rapper Dom McLennon talks about his past depression in the SATURATION I song "Boys." The rapper often shares his experiences with mental health and self-harm throughout his music. He has also written and shared an open letter to self- harm after meeting a fan who commended him for his efforts through his music. This lyric talks about his suicidal thoughts and how he tried to get rid of them by avoiding his feelings that made him paranoid.

His words do not only show his pain, but it shows his growth as a person. People with mental health issues can hear this line and relate to him, but they can also see how far he has come as a person because, despite his depression and anxiety, he was able to become a successful individual. The more that artists talk about mental illness, the more it becomes mainstream, raises awareness and helps victims of mental illness.

I guess the reason I'm writing this letter is because if you ever do get the chance to stumble upon this, I want you to know what I wish somebody told me when I was going through my deepest darkest times with body dysmorphia and self-harm.You are loved.You are not alone. - Dom McLennon

5. ZIPPER- Saturatution III

Joba: I'm rolling down hills in a suit through the mud. Throw my dress shoes in a fire with the woods. Sit back and relax with the fumes of, everything I hate in the world

Vocalist Joba uses an analogy to express that he is willing to give up the work life to pursue something more fulfilling. His acts of making his suit dirty by rolling down a muddy hill and burning dress shoes are symbols for resisting the stereotypical, 8 hour day of slaving over a desk. He craves an unorthodox lifestyle.