Released: 2019
NAV and The Weeknd’s track “Price on My Head” from NAV’s album “Bad Habits” explores themes of paranoia, betrayal, and the struggles of living with the pressures of fame. Both artists reflect on their own personal experiences with adversaries who wish them harm, feeling hunted in the cutthroat environment of their success. It’s a testament to the heavy toll of living under constant threat while trying to maintain a life in the spotlight.
The hook of the song immediately sets a tense atmosphere with the lines “Price on my head, got a price on my head / Night when I rest, with a knife by my bed.” This stark imagery introduces the theme of paranoia and danger, suggesting that both NAV and The Weeknd feel they have targets on their backs. They describe an existence where sleeping peacefully is impossible due to the fear of betrayal or harm.
NAV starts off the verse with vivid depictions of entering his hometown, “I pull up to my town with a price on my head,” suggesting that even familiar places aren’t safe anymore. He talks about his resolve not to hide from his adversaries or apologize for his success, drawing a comparison to the visionary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, implying that he’s similarly ahead in his own craft.
As NAV continues, he describes cutting off untrustworthy people in his life. “I cut off all my side hoes, in du Cap with a dime though,” reveals an effort to simplify and protect his life. The mention of ‘du Cap’ likely refers to Cape Town, hinting at international success. NAV then juxtaposes insomnia and anxiety against a backdrop of luxury, where despite having it all, inner peace is elusive.
There’s a mix of pride and fatigue in NAV’s lyrics as he contrasts his lifestyle against those who oppose him. The line “All my boys livin’ debt free, it’s a squad like Wesley” is a nod to actor Wesley Snipes, renowned for his role in “Blade” where the protagonist fights enemies ruthlessly. It’s a subtle suggestion that NAV’s circle is resilient and prosperous.
The Weeknd’s contribution continues the theme, articulating the existential dread that accompanies success. Lines like “They tried to get me and they missed” point to real or perceived threats. The allusion to narcotics, “My shooter a codeine addict,” underscores a world where even trusted individuals are flawed and driven by vice, adding to the volatility and unpredictability of life at the top.
The Weeknd reminisces about his roots, providing insight into his resilience, “Growin’ up, my mama beat my ass then cleaned my mouth with soap.” Despite harsh beginnings, he’s reached a place of luxury as indicated by “Now she showin’ up to work in a Balenciaga coat,” showing the dichotomy between past and present.
He speaks candidly about material wealth and the costs of maintaining it. The mention of “Put a brown kid in the Southside” emphasizes identity and the influence of environment on his journey. The Southside is often synonymous with urban struggles, but he reflects on transcending that through “racks” or money, which both bind him to his past and fuel his current life.
Both NAV and The Weeknd underline that living with constant danger is both a physical and mental struggle. References to drugs, sleep deprivation, and living with fear illustrate how success does not equate to safety or happiness. It’s a critique of the glamorous life where beneath the surface lies a web of threats.
In the broader context, “Price on My Head” captures a familiar narrative in hip-hop: the tension between wealth and vulnerability. Both artists weave their experiences into a common story of surviving in an unforgiving world. They not only reveal their insecurities and triumphs but also serve as a reminder of the high stakes and hidden perils within the industry.
