This is a long answer, but I feel like I have to do rap justice.
You should listen to Eminem, K'naan, Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, and T.I.'s albums. They're REAL rappers--not like Soulja boy, Kanye, and Lil Wayne. Listen to their lyrics. Really listen. A good rapper will talk about their hardships, give social commentary, and avoid being fake. If rappers talk about how much of a "thug" they are or how much money they have, they're a blight to the art form of Rap. A lot of good rappers will talk about the fakeness of the industry and what "being married to Rap or Hip Hop" can take away from you.
IMO, what rap can do better than most forms of music is tell a story that you can relate to or empathize with BECAUSE rap should by definition have a focus on what's in the lyrics. It's a great vehicle for expressing oneself. The lyrics alone should be like poetry. I honestly believe that in 50-80 years, historians will look at rap lyrics for social commentary, and English teachers will analyze the song lyrics like poetry.
Beyond lyrics, once you listen to rap long enough you can appreciate different songs for their production value and rhythem/beats alone. Rap--like any other form of music--can help elicit emotional responses from you for whatever reason. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem has gotten me through breakups as well as my Grandmother's passing. And the guys at my University gym take turns hooking up their IPODs to the gym speakers and blasting rap songs, so that we can all get pumped for a good workout.
If you really want to get what rap is about, you should start by listening to these albums:
Recovery by Eminem (This is POWERFUL stuff man. In this album, he raps about how his career bleeds into his personal life. He's not sure if his talent is a gift or a curse)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recovery_%28Eminem_album%29
The Dusty Foot Philosopher by K'naan (He talks about his life in Somalia and all the hardship in the world--including heartbreak. He's also very hopeful. He has a Bob Marley thing about him)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dusty_Foot_Philosopher
Troubadour by K'naan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troubadour_%28K%27naan_album%29
The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Slim_Shady_LP
Lupe Fiasco's the Cool by Lupe Fiasco (Talks about the Rap industry. It has some philosophical/social commentary which is cool. Some of it may go over your head the first time)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupe_Fiasco%27s_The_Cool
Paper Trail by T.I. (Written right before he went to Prison. He raps about reaching a positive turning point in his life and his willingness to become a better man) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_Trail
Here are some songs you can listen to if you don't want to listen to a whole albums just yet.
Space Bound by Eminem
This shows the beginning, middle and, end of his relationship, or any relationship. It talks at first about how he fell in love. Then in the middle it talks about how how happy he is during it. And the end shows how hurt he is by her deserting him.
You're Never Over by Eminem
This talks about how he is moving beyond his loss. He's "rising from the ashes" and recovering. He'll never forget this person, but he's stronger for the experience and he's at the top of his game now. He's elevated beyond the problems and evils around him.
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