someone above mentioned the word maturity, and I think that's the key element here. Once rap moves beyond coming up, the drug grind, etc, then you have the opportunity for mature subject content, like exploring the human condition and examining the greater world around you.

To me, Oddisee is a good example of an artist who does this; in "Different Now," he talks about the different desires and expectations that come along with growing up fully, and how your mind state changes even over a short time span.

I think songs like these are important; I honestly don't think I can listen to "N*ggas in PAris" when I'm 40 years old. Is balling hard really what I want to think about and listen to?

"Different Now"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX-ECeV9rF0&feature=fvst