Released: 2018
“Hussle & Motivate” by Nipsey Hussle is a quintessential anthem that celebrates the hustle culture while offering a glimpse into his relentless ambition and self-made success. This track intricately weaves themes of motivation, perseverance, and triumph over adversity, showcasing Nipsey’s role as a leader and mentor within his community.
The song opens with the hook, which captures the essence of the track: “Pull up in motorcades, I got a show today, this all I’m tryna do, hustle and motivate.” This line sets the tone by emphasizing Nipsey’s dedication to hustling as a means to motivate not just himself but those around him. The imagery of “motorcades” suggests a regal procession, a testament to his hard-earned success and public presence.
As Nipsey dives into the first verse, he makes a direct nod to Jay-Z with the line “hustle the Hova way,” connecting his grind to the blueprint laid out by one of hip-hop’s biggest moguls. Nipsey underscores the respect he commands as a leader with the line “They think I know the way ’cause I took control of things,” showcasing his ability to guide others by his example.
The phrase “ballin’ the solo way” further illuminates Nipsey’s independent path, highlighting his self-sufficient nature. He references his humble beginnings with “Slauson Ave. soldier raised,” alluding to the tough neighborhood in South Los Angeles where he grew up, and he vividly recounts those formative days.
As the verse progresses, Nipsey employs powerful imagery and language like “take you across the tracks, make you explode a face” to signify the raw challenges and initiations he and his peers faced growing up. This stark language paints a picture of the trials that molded him, which he overcame to become “official,” implying recognized status and authority.
The chorus emphasizes the drive behind Nipsey’s hustle: providing for his family. “My mama need rent, ma need rent,” is not just a personal plea but a universal one, reflecting the foundational motive of providing and ensuring security for loved ones. This motif of personal responsibility reinforces why he cannot afford to “do this shit for nothing.”
In the second verse, Nipsey reflects on his journey, “back in this bitch like I never left,” asserting his perseverance and continuous drive. His line “through the ups and downs, like it’s all just another test” communicates his resilience and mindset of viewing challenges as growth opportunities.
Nipsey continues to draw parallels to strategic thinking with “playin’ no games if it wasn’t chess,” showcasing his deliberate approach to life’s challenges. He touches upon the pressure and stress of his circumstances, “heavily pressured and under stressed,” yet emphasizes how these conditions were foundational to his grit and success.
The idea of “fuck livin’ basic, I’m takin’ risks” underlines a recurring theme in Nipsey’s music—the necessity of risk-taking in the pursuit of greater goals. This attitude is an encouragement for listeners to embrace uncertainty as a part of the journey towards prosperity.
In the final chorus and outro, the repetition of “Hustle and motivate” reinforces the central theme of the track. This mantra-like repetition encapsulates Nipsey’s message of relentless perseverance and inspiring those who listen. “Victory Lap” at the end of the song subtly nods to his broader album, underscoring his celebrated career trajectory and culminating achievements. This track not only highlights Nipsey’s life story but stands as a motivational anthem for listeners to carve their path with determination.
