Hip-Hop: The Art of Storytelling
Hip-Hop will never die! That is the sentiment that I love to replay in my mind every day I listen to my favorite rap artists. Influential rap icons such as: Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Wale, and Nipsey Hussle are just a small handful of my Hip-Hop artist “go to” rappers. Without question it is the captivating lyricism, catchy rhyme schemes, and elaborate storytelling abilities of legendary artist. Many under-appreciate the poetic use of similes and metaphors that rappers utilized while expressing the chaotic reality that black people are subjected to in America every day. Today we’re going to dissect and interpret one of my favorite songs by artist Nipsey Hussle out of Compton, California titled “Blue Laces 2”. This beautiful display of storytelling, off his new album ‘Victory Lap’, consist of three verses in which Nipsey Hussle has three different stories to tell. I am going to breakdown and give my own personal interpretation of the impressive lyrics.
Verse 1:
Nipsey Hussle begins his first verse discussing the success he has obtained in the rap industry, becoming a well respected “rap mogul”. Then progressing the plot, Hussle describes the pressure that African American males face living in the hood daily. Pressures such as: Surviving in areas with gang activity, constant harassment by law enforcement, and betraying fellow brothers. Hussle tells the story of a young black gang banger that was “Burnin’ rubber, wearin’ cameras, they was undercovers. Under pressure, made statements, turned on they brothers. Never judge you, but the streets will never love you I wonder what it come to you in your brain for you to run to. Ones that hate us, handcuff us and mace u”. We see here in the story Hussle explaining the intricate and complex circumstance of surviving in the hood. With many members of the black community either subjected by generational gang banging or generational poverty, many are left with undesirable circumstances. These circumstances are further aggravated by the taboo presence of white supremacy in America. Unfortunately influencing members of the black community, when times are rough, to turn against their own communities. In order to gain acceptance from “white America”. In contrast, those who remain loyal to their affiliated gang are also subjected to the imperialistic plague of white supremacy. The systemic perpetuation of African Americans falling victim to generational gang culture has created a never-ending cycle of black communities self-annihilating each other.
Verse 2:
The second verse begins by Hussle telling the story of infinite struggles that successful black entrepreneurs and entertainers battle with in America. Hussle states, “They killed Dr. Sebi, he was teachin’ health. I f*** with Rick Ross ’cause he teachin’ wealth. Dropped out of school, I’ma teach myself. Made my first mil’ on my own, I don’t need your help”. This second tale that Nipsey Hussle describes is the economic struggle that he himself, and many members of the black community constantly battle and have overcome! Nipsey Hussle, a grade school dropout, has strategically utilized his music to send a powerful and uplifting message to fans while simultaneously having immense commercial and economic prosperity. Although Nipsey Hussle tells the story of his rise from poverty to wealth, he always remembers his humble beginnings as a dedicated gang banger out of South Central, Los Angeles.
Verse 3:
Verse three, my personal favorite, begins with Nipsey Hussle telling the final story in which he has a flashback and describes an incident from his challenging past. Hussle claims, “I flashback on that shootout at the beach, twenty deep. You tried to squeeze, your gun jammed and they released. Blood on your tee, how many stains? I see three”. This thrilling story gives me chills every time! Hussle vividly describes driving his homie to the hospital after they were involved in a shootout at a beach. While his homie rides in the car with three apparent gun wounds, Hussle speaks of “keeping cool” in order to support his brother. Stories such as these are the surreal, life endangering tales that black males unfortunately identify with. This is the reason I LOVE HIP-HOP! Rap provides young talented African Americans a healthy escape from horrific reality. By telling our stories with poetic passion, we have the power to spread culture and express ourselves.
Man… Gotta Love Hip-Hop!
