Released: 2020
In “Wishing For A Hero,” Chicago rapper Polo G unleashes a thought-provoking critique of systemic racism, economic inequality, and the struggles of growing up in the inner-city life. The track is a tribute to Tupac Shakur’s 1998 hit “Changes” and serves as social commentary detailing the experiences of young Black individuals in America.
When Polo G raps, “Well respected in this hip-hop, lil’ Polo be spittin’ facts / A lot of rappers doin’ way more stuntin’ than givin’ back,” he’s critiquing the culture of flash and materialism in hip-hop, asserting his own authenticity in comparison. He carries on to address racial inequalities with lines like, “You ain’t my color, then you don’t know the struggle of livin’ black.”
He discusses aggressive police tactics and the troubling cycle of violence in his community: “Cops kill us and we protest, what type of shit is that? / Man, if the police shoot at one of my brothers, I’m blickin’ back / We hate each other, so we just wanna score and go tit-for-tat.” ‘Blickin’ back’ refers to retaliating, and ‘tit-for-tat’ alludes to the cycle of reprisal in gang-related violence.
The infamous term ‘trap’ comes up when he says, “It’s hard to get a job, so we hustle and flip a pack / It’s all a set-up, no wonder why they call this bitch a trap.” Here, ‘trap’ refers to the cycle of poverty and crime that many disadvantaged communities find hard to break free from. Polo G sees it as a setup – a system designed to keep certain communities down.
He raps about his ambition to overcome his circumstances and pays homage to influential Black figures like Jay-Z and Martin Luther King Jr. in lines like “Profit with a billion-dollar mind like I’m Jay-Z / They killed Martin for dreamin’ and now I can’t sleep.” He highlights how his environment and experiences have shaped him, while expressing hope for better days.
In the powerful refrain, “That’s just the way it is /Some things’ll never change,” Polo G uses BJ the Chicago Kid’s soulful vocals to echo Tupac’s original lament about societal issues.
At the end, “You finally made it, big brother / You’re the G.O.A.T.” suggests a measure of success achieved, despite the odds. ‘G.O.A.T.’ stands for ‘Greatest of All Time,’ indicating a level of respect and admiration.
Overall, Polo G’s “Wishing For A Hero” is more than just a song; it’s a rallying cry for change and a tribute to those who continue to fight against societal injustices.
