Meaning of What It Feels Like by JAY-Z

The song "What It Feels Like" by JAY-Z featuring Nipsey Hussle delves into the experiences and emotions associated with success, particularly within the context of street life and the music industry. The overarching theme of the song revolves around the juxtaposition of the highs and lows that come with achieving success. It explores the feelings, challenges, and sacrifices one encounters while navigating through this journey.Throughout the song, there are several standout lyrics that contribute to the development of different themes. One of these lyrics is "Street nigga, still I get checks, in spurts." This line highlights the duality of living a street life while also achieving financial success. It represents the constant tension between two contrasting worlds and brings forth the theme of the struggle for balance and stability.Another important lyric in the song is "All the weed good, all the pussy real tight, and the only rule, keep your dollar bills right." This line touches on the materialistic aspects of success, emphasizing the desire for luxury and indulgence. However, it also hints at the need to remain financially responsible and cautious, reminding us of the importance of managing wealth amidst the temptations that come with it. This lyric contributes to the theme of the ever-present responsibility and pressure that accompanies success.In Jay-Z's verse, he raps, "You let them crackers storm your Capitol, put their feet up on your desk, and yet you talkin' tough to me, I lost all my little respect." This lyric carries deep political and societal undertones, subtly commenting on the events of the storming of the U.S. Capitol and the hypocrisy of those in power. It touches on the theme of disillusionment with the system and speaks to the challenges faced by successful individuals who attempt to address social issues while overcoming their own battles.Jay-Z's line, "Real niggas is extinct, it ain't safe for me, my dawg. They killin' niggas in their own hoods, that make sense to you at all?" delves into the theme of the eroding sense of community and the loss of authenticity in our society. It confronts the harsh reality of violence within marginalized communities and questions the logic behind it. The lyric presents a deep reflection on the state of affairs and serves as a call for unity and change.Moreover, the line "Y'all know niggas can't swim, they fried Mike after he died. Y'all know niggas can't win, you never land, all jokes aside" references the tragic death of Michael Jackson and the struggles faced by black individuals in a society built against them. It portrays a sense of hopelessness and the constant struggle faced by black artists and individuals in their pursuit of success. This lyric connects to the theme of resilience in the face of systemic oppression and reminds listeners of the enduring strength of the black community.Overall, "What It Feels Like" offers a multifaceted exploration of the complexities of success and the paths individuals must navigate to achieve it. The song encompasses themes of duality, materialism, responsibility, disillusionment, authenticity, and systemic oppression. Through its thought-provoking lyrics and powerful delivery, the track encourages listeners to reflect on the highs and lows of their own journeys while seeking to create a better world for themselves and their communities.