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A look underneath hip-hop and rap lyrics to reveal the meaning of the words behind the rhymes and uncover the stories being told.

Nas

Meaning of the song ‘N.Y. State of Mind’ by ‘Nas’

Released: 1994 Straight from the get-go, “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas lays bare the unsettling realities of life in the inner-city neighborhoods of New York. Nas delivers a raw, unfiltered account of his surroundings, using his words…
Mos Def

Meaning of the song ‘Sunshine’ by ‘Mos Def’

Released: 2004 “Sunshine” by Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey, is a powerful track that paints a vivid picture of his life, career, and purpose, brimming with empowering messages about self-assertiveness and community solidarity. The song touches…
Mos Def

Meaning of the song ‘UMI Says’ by ‘Mos Def’

Released: 1999 “UMI Says” by Mos Def is a powerful expression of black consciousness and self-determination. At its core, the song is about embracing the power within to influence the world and being reminded of life’s fragility and…
Mos Def

Meaning of the song ‘Hip Hop’ by ‘Mos Def’

Released: 1999 “Hip Hop” is a powerful track by Mos Def, where he presents an intricate analysis of the hip-hop culture, industry, and its socio-political implications. He is formulating a commentary on hip-hop’s evolution, its impact on society,…
Mos Def

Meaning of the song ‘Mathematics’ by ‘Mos Def’

Released: 1999 In “Mathematics,” Mos Def brings a cold, calculated approach to showcasing the social, economic, and political problems plaguing urban African American communities. Every bar of this rap classic is a statistical incision into the grim reality…
Moneybagg Yo

Meaning of the song ‘Me Vs Me’ by ‘Moneybagg Yo’

Released: 2020 “Me Vs Me” by Moneybagg Yo is a bold statement of self-confidence and self-assertion. This track reflects a paramount theme seen throughout hip-hop: battling one’s darker tendencies while maintaining loyalty and authenticity. Let’s dive into the…
Moneybagg Yo

Meaning of ‘Keep It Low’ by ‘Moneybagg Yo’ feat. Future

Released: 2023 • Features: Future “Keep It Low” by Moneybagg Yo, featuring Future, is an exploration of the enthralling yet complex experiences of the modern hip-hop lifestyle. Brimming with themes of wealth, power, toxic relationships, and street credibility, the song…
Moneybagg Yo

Meaning of the song ‘Time Today’ by ‘Moneybagg Yo’

Released: 2021 “Time Today” by Moneybagg Yo is a boldly assertive track where the artist lays bare his defiance, wealth, and independent spirit. The song captures the essence of his hard-earned success, flaunting the fruits of his triumph…
Missy Elliott

Meaning of the song ‘Work It’ by ‘Missy Elliott’

Released: 2002 “Work It” by Missy Elliott is an iconic hip-hop track that blends sensuality, assertiveness, and wit in a powerful lyrical composition. Emphasizing the artist’s confident sexuality and assertive approach to life, the track offers an empowering…
Miguel

Meaning of ‘Sky Walker’ by ‘Miguel’ feat. Travis Scott

Released: 2017 • Features: Travis Scott “Sky Walker” by Miguel featuring Travis Scott is an anthem to living life to the fullest, unbothered by the haters and focused on positivity. The song encapsulates a carefree, seize-the-day mentality while nodding to…
MF DOOM

Meaning of the song ‘Hoe Cakes’ by ‘MF DOOM’

Released: 2004 Stepping up to the plate, we’re here to tackle ‘Hoe Cakes’ by the one and only arch-villain of hip-hop, MF DOOM. In essence, this standout track from the ‘MM..FOOD?’ album is a slick, tongue-in-cheek ode to…
MF DOOM

Meaning of the song ‘One Beer’ by ‘MF DOOM’

Released: 2004 Aight, let’s vibe off with “One Beer” by MF DOOM. In essence, this joint brushes on the cutthroat nature of the rap scene, DOOM’s lyrical craftsmanship, and a critique on material culture in hip-hop. Your boy…
Megan Thee Stallion

Meaning of the song ‘Her’ by ‘Megan Thee Stallion’

Released: 2022 In “Her”, Megan Thee Stallion delivers a high octane, fierce affirmation of her selfhood. The track is an empowered declaration of her unique identity, sexual prowess, and financial success, juxtaposed against the haters and the status…
Megan Thee Stallion

Meaning of the song ‘Savage’ by ‘Megan Thee Stallion’

Released: 2020 At its core, “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion is a fierce anthem of self-affirmation and female power. The song rides roughshod over the traditionally male-dominated nature of hip-hop as Megan lyrically flaunts her independence, her sensuality,…
Method Man

Meaning of ‘Da Rockwilder’ by ‘Method Man’ feat. Redman

Released: 1999 • Features: Redman Alright, we’re about to bounce through the grime-dripped, boom-bap turbulence of Method Man and Redman’s joint “Da Rockwilder.” This track is a testament to the potent, bravado-filled, and lyrically adept partnership of these two rap…
Meek Mill

Meaning of ‘Giving Chanel’ by ‘Meek Mill’ feat. Future

Released: 2024 • Features: Future “Giving Chanel” by Meek Mill featuring Future paints a vivid picture of the two artists’ hard-fought journeys from the streets to the stratosphere of fame and success, showcasing their wealth and luxury as badges of…
Mc Shan

Meaning of the song ‘The Bridge’ by ‘Mc Shan’

Released: 1987 “The Bridge” by MC Shan, produced by Marley Marl, is a ballad to Queensbridge, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, projecting its significance in the start of the hip-hop movement. An anthem of pride and allegiance,…
MC Hammer

Meaning of the song ‘Pray’ by ‘MC Hammer’

Released: 1990 “Pray” by MC Hammer is a rhythmic sermon, a call to prayer as a solution to life’s hardships and a means to achieve personal ambition. Through his lyrics, Hammer motivates listeners to believe in prayer as…
Mac Miller

Meaning of the song ‘Self Care’ by ‘Mac Miller’

Released: 2018 “Self Care” by Mac Miller is a self-reflective journey through the struggles of life, the search for personal growth, and the importance of self care amidst chaos and adversity. With a vibe that bounces between melancholy…
Lupe Fiasco

Meaning of the song ‘The Show Goes On’ by ‘Lupe Fiasco’

Released: 2011 In “The Show Goes On” Lupe Fiasco weaves a narrative of resilience and defiant determination. The song, a triumphant anthem disguised as a criticism on societal hardships and adversity, spotlights the satisfying struggle of persistently chasing…
Ludacris

Meaning of ‘Stand Up’ by ‘Ludacris’ feat. Shawnna

Released: 2003 • Features: Shawnna Ludacris’ “Stand Up” featuring Shawnna is a high-energy track that explores the archetypal club night experience in hip-hop culture. Infused with charisma, bravura, and plenty of energy, the song portrays Ludacris’ commanding influence and the…
Logic

Meaning of the song ‘Perfect’ by ‘Logic’

Released: 2020 Ready or not, we’re diving deep into “Perfect” – a powerful track by Logic that’ll send any hip-hop aficionado into a frenzy. This joint is all about Logic’s rise from rags to riches, his struggle with…
Logic

Meaning of ‘Homicide’ by ‘Logic’ feat. Eminem

Released: 2019 • Features: Eminem “Homicide” by Logic featuring Eminem is a ferocious diss track aimed at the perceived weaknesses in the hip-hop industry. It calls out rappers for their lack of authenticity and creativity, effectively setting fire to the…
Lil Tjay

Meaning of the song ‘Sex Sounds’ by ‘Lil Tjay’

Released: 2019 “Sex Sounds” by Lil Tjay is an unabashed portrayal of intimate experiences tinged with a desire for companionship. The song sheds light on the artist’s exploration of physical love and emotional needs, reflecting both the raw…
Lil Tjay

Meaning of the song ‘F.N’ by ‘Lil Tjay’

Released: 2019 “F.N” by Lil Tjay explores the themes of betrayal, loyalty, hardship, and survival in the treacherous streets. The rapper uses assertive, bold language paint a vivid picture of his life experiences, highlighting the struggle between maintaining…