Meaning of The New Message by Akon
In Akon's song titled "The New Message," the overall theme seems to revolve around the struggles and frustrations of being a real rapper on the West Coast. The song explores the challenges faced by artists trying to make it big in the industry while staying true to themselves and their roots. It touches upon the lack of representation for real rap and the influence of fakeness, liars, and haters within the music industry. While the song may appear to be a straightforward critique of the state of West Coast rap, there are multiple standout lyrics that contribute to the development of unexpected and imaginative themes.One of the standout lyrics in the song is, "Caught speed up in Cali' like they all that." This line alludes to the prevalence of artists who come to California seeking fame and success but fail to acknowledge the contribution and influence of the West Coast. It suggests a theme of appropriation and the struggle of maintaining the authenticity of West Coast rap when overshadowed by outsiders who try to imitate the culture without truly understanding it. This theme highlights the importance of staying true to one's roots and representing the West Coast accurately.Another significant lyric is, "Can't get no love on TV, or the Radio Station." This line speaks to the lack of support and recognition real rap artists face from mainstream media platforms. It suggests a theme of marginalization and the difficulty of breaking through in an industry that often prioritizes popularity over talent and substance. This theme examines the power dynamics within the music industry and questions the values it upholds. It also emphasizes the importance of independent platforms in promoting and amplifying underground and real rap artists.The lyric, "A nigga tried to troop, so when I ride on you, Man, only God knows what I'm gonna do," introduces a theme of resilience and the fight against adversity. It portrays the struggle and determination of real rap artists to overcome obstacles and make their voices heard. This theme delves into the mindset of artists who refuse to be silenced, even in the face of challenges and discrimination. It highlights the power of music as a form of resistance and self-expression.The phrase, "Devils gettin' mad, Radio and TV got niggas doin' too much, just tryin' to be Rap ??," introduces a theme of artistic integrity and the fear of compromise. It sheds light on the pressure artists face to conform to industry expectations and trends, sacrificing their authenticity in the process. This theme explores the tension between staying true to oneself and succumbing to the demands of the mainstream music industry. It raises questions about the impact of commercialization on artistic expression and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.Overall, "The New Message" portrays the frustration and hardships faced by real rap artists on the West Coast. It examines themes of appropriation, marginalization, resilience, artistic integrity, and the struggle against adversity. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, the song sheds light on the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a music industry that often values popularity over substance. It serves as a reminder for artists to stay true to themselves and their roots, while also calling for a reevaluation of the values and systems that govern the music industry.