Released: 1998 • Features: Stephen Stills
“He Got Game” from Public Enemy drops some deep wisdom on us, using the metaphor of the ‘game’ to comment on the state of society, racial discrimination, and the struggle for mental liberation. Centered around revolution and self-evolution, the track is both a critique of the societal injustices and an invocation for individuals to take control of their destinies.
In the opening lines, “If man is the father, the son is the center of the earth in the middle of the universe,” Public Enemy asserts the significance of human life, all while questioning the sense of rehearsed verses in the world of hip-hop, pointing towards authenticity being at the root of significant artistry. The phrase “Amongst the fiends, controlled by the screens” is a critique of media influence in our lives, shaping our perceptions and inciting fear.
“My wandering, got my ass wondering / Where Christ is in all this crisis,” the song addresses the chaos prevalent in society, and the challenge of finding peace and righteousness amidst it. The line “Check the papers while I bet on Isis” is likely a reference to the Egyptian goddess Isis, symbolizing wisdom and health, rather than the terrorist group, given the song came out in 1998.
The chorus poses deep philosophical questions: “What is game, who got game, where’s the game in life?” The ‘game’ stands as a metaphor for the struggles, hustles, and facades people put up within society. It emphasizes the importance not merely of playing the game but understanding its implications and meaning.
The line “Thought of reperations got ’em playin’ wit the population,” speaks to the issue of reparations for the racial discriminatory acts from the past, an issue that’s been talked about but never fully addressed.
“One out of one million residents / Being dissident, who ain’t kissin’ it? / The politics of chains and whips / Got the sick missin’ chips and all the championships” poignantly highlights the systemic inequalities prevalent in society rooted in political and economic structures.
The repeated line: “It might feel good, it might sound a lil’ somethin’ / But fuck the game if it ain’t sayin’ nuttin'” embodies Public Enemy’s ethos of hip-hop as a tool for social commentary and resistance, pushing back against music that prioritizes sound and style over substantive content.
The closing verse: “These are some serious times that we livin’ in G / And our new world order is about to begin” is a call to action, urging listeners to awaken, understand the times they live in, and equip themselves for the future. It speaks to recognizing our divine origin and the potential within us to shape and influence the future.
In summary, “He Got Game” uses the language and imagery of hip-hop to express poignant social critique while also empowering its listeners to rise above systemic barriers and realize their potential. It’s a testament to Public Enemy’s enduring legacy as powerful social commentators within the hip hop genre.
