Meaning of What We Do / Still Ballin’ (Nitty Remix) [Mixed] by JAY-Z

The overall theme of Jay-Z's song "What We Do / Still Ballin’ (Nitty Remix)" is a reflection on the struggles and experiences of living a life on the streets and the determination to stay true to oneself in the face of adversity. It portrays the persona of an individual who has been through hardships, faced violence, and found solace in the streets and the code of loyalty that it represents.One standout lyric that helps develop the theme is: "Now ever since a nigga was a seed, only thing promised to me was the penitentiary, still ballin'." This line highlights the harsh reality and lack of opportunities that the persona has faced from a young age. It conveys the notion that a life of crime and hardship was seemingly predetermined for him. The theme developed here is one of inevitability and the struggles faced by those born into disadvantaged circumstances.Another compelling lyric is: "Blame it on my mama, I'm a thug nigga, up before the sunrise, quicker than the drug dealers." This line provides insight into the persona's upbringing and the influence of their environment. It suggests that the persona's mother may have played a role in shaping their identity as a "thug," while also emphasizing their ability to adapt and survive in a dangerous world. The theme developed here is the complexity of nurture versus nature and the impact of external factors on shaping one's identity.The lyric "Ain't nobody love me as a broke nigga, finger on the trigger, Lord, forgive me if I smoke niggas" speaks to the persona's feelings of loneliness, desperation, and the willingness to resort to violence for survival. It highlights the harsh reality that in a world where material wealth is glorified, the persona feels unloved and unprotected unless they are wealthy and powerful. The theme developed here delves into the idea of societal pressures and the lengths one might go to fit in or survive in a hostile environment.The line "Did I cry? Hell nah, nigga, tears shed, for all my homies in the pen', many peers dead, nigga" touches on the emotional toll of a life filled with violence and loss. It illustrates the stoicism and resilience of the persona, who has witnessed the deaths of friends and loved ones but refuses to let their emotions show. The theme developed here is the internal struggle between vulnerability and the need to maintain a tough exterior in order to survive and protect oneself.Through these selected lyrics, "What We Do / Still Ballin’ (Nitty Remix)" explores the overarching theme of resilience in the face of adversity. It conveys the challenges faced by those living in disadvantaged circumstances, the impact of upbringing and environment on shaping identity, and the emotional toll of a life filled with violence and loss. Ultimately, the song serves as a reflection on the struggles of street life and the determination to stay true to oneself amidst the chaos of the world.