Released: 2018 • Features: SZA
Aight fam, let’s dig into “Redemption” by Jay Rock and SZA. This joint right here? It’s all about introspection, regrets, and getting that second chance to right your wrongs. The hook features a soulful cry for redemption, backed by verses peppered with confessions and calls for divine intervention, all centered around Jay Rock’s near-fatal motorcycle accident.
Verse one transports us to Jay’s brush with death, where he speaks on his motorcycle crash, “Broken bones, internal bleedin’, stretched on the table”. This ain’t just about physical pain though, it’s about the realization of mortality and the regret for unchecked behavior. He talks about those who’d show false love at his funeral, “some of them showin’ up just to post a picture.” That’s a callout to all them fake friends, exploiting his death for social media likes.
Moving on, “I know saints, I know sinners, I know bosses / I know pain, I know wins, I know losses” – Jay’s paid his dues, he’s seen both sides of the coin and knows life’s highs and lows. He’s sensitive about loyalty, imploring folks not to cross him. He’s looking for redemption, yearning for that divine intervention to cleanse his past.
On verse two, Jay details relationship regrets, wishing he’d made better choices. He talks about losing out on real love by chasing “lil’ hoes”, leading to a fallout with his woman. The line “You checked my phone and I checked you ’bout it / We never talked it over, instead we just sexted ’bout it,” shows the avoidance of dealing with issues in a mature manner and consequent fallout.
With “I should’ve gave you more trust, more love, no lies, more us / ‘Cause when my motorcycle crashed and everyone left / You was that angel at surgery sayin’ I ain’t done yet, real shit,”he recognises the solid presence of his woman during his hard times, further reinforcing his desire for redemption.
Finally, SZA lends her ethereal notes to enhance the melancholic tone of “Redemption”, asking to be shown the “real you, the real truth”. These words are a plea for transparency, a yearning for authentic connection.
“Redemption” is a poignant self-evaluation, expressing regret and an urge to reset. Jay Rock shows growth through his vulnerability, reminding us that everyone craves forgiveness and redemption, whether from others, from God or even from oneself. Now that’s some real talk.
