Meaning of Canal St. REMIX by A$AP Rocky

In the A$AP Rocky song titled 'Canal St. REMIX', the overall theme revolves around the concept of identity, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of success. The song explores the protagonist's journey through the hardships of life and his determination to overcome them.One standout line from the song is, "I'm just a kettle from the ghetto with no pot to piss in, so who am I to call it black?" This lyric reflects on the protagonist's humble beginnings and the challenges he faced while growing up. It suggests that despite his disadvantaged background, he refuses to let it define him. The theme developed here is the transformative power of self-perception and the ability to overcome societal limitations.Another significant lyric in the song is, "Rap game like the crack game, swear it's all the same, whippin' soda through the pot, watch it bubble." This lyric establishes a metaphorical connection between the rap industry and the drug trade, highlighting the parallels and similarities between the two. It explores the notion that success in the music industry, like the drug trade, requires hustle, skill, and the ability to navigate and manipulate the system. The theme developed here is the blurred line between legality and illegality in the pursuit of success.The chorus lyrics, "You say you got them guns, but I've never seen you bang, you say you got them drugs, but I've never seen you slang," introduce a critique of superficiality and image-based personas prevalent in the rap industry. It questions the authenticity and credibility of individuals who claim to have achieved a certain level of success but lack the evidence to support their claims. This theme explores the concept of authenticity and the importance of substance over appearance.In the verse, "Mind is out in orbits, plus my ego got endorsements, heard the people want that raw shit, but y'all be talkin' bullshit," the protagonist embraces his uniqueness and refusal to conform to societal expectations. It suggests that true success lies in staying true to oneself and delivering genuine content rather than following trends and engaging in empty discourse. The theme developed here is the power of individuality and the rejection of conformity.Lastly, the verse, "Lemme help you out, yeah, yeah, play that again, play that again," contrasts with the previous themes, focusing on the protagonist's desire to uplift and assist others. It reflects on the idea that success should not be solely self-serving but also about empowering and supporting those around you. The theme developed here is the belief in the importance of community and the significance of giving back.Overall, 'Canal St. REMIX' is a multi-layered song with themes that encompass identity, struggle, authenticity, individuality, and community. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, the song challenges societal norms and offers a glimpse into the complexities of the rap industry while emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and uplifting others.