Meaning of What U Kno by Lil Wayne

In Lil Wayne's song titled "What U Kno," the overall theme centers around the rapper's resilience, success, and his unique experiences as a New Orleans gangsta. The song delves into Wayne's journey after the storm that devastated his home and the subsequent rebuilding process, ultimately showcasing his triumph over adversity. Throughout the lyrics, there are several standout lines that help develop various unexpected and imaginative themes while still connecting to the overarching theme of the song.One of the standout lyrics in the song is "I'm back on defense, back in the zone, I eat rappers and go in my yard and bury they bones." At first glance, this line seems to highlight Wayne's dominance in the rap game and his ability to overcome his competitors. However, when explored thematically, it represents Wayne's voracious hunger for success and his relentless drive to surpass his own achievements. By devouring other rappers and burying their bones in his yard, Wayne symbolizes his ambition to leave a lasting legacy in the music industry, ultimately supplanting his adversaries.Another intriguing lyric in the song is "My pockets on Raven-Symone, that's fat—what you know 'bout that? Huh?" This line brings forth multiple imaginative themes. With "Raven-Symone" being a reference to the actress and singer known for her role on "That's So Raven," the lyric explores the idea of financial abundance and success. The theme developed here revolves around wealth and affluence as symbols of achievement and status. Wayne positions himself as someone who has reached the pinnacle of success, flaunting his prosperity and inviting listeners to ponder their own experiences with financial prosperity or aspirations.Furthermore, the line "Zig-zaggin' through that traffic like Emmitt, I tell them niggas, 'Hurry and buy!'" presents another intriguing theme. Wayne compares his swift movements through the busy traffic to the legendary NFL player Emmitt Smith's agility on the field. This line metaphorically represents Wayne's ability to navigate through life's obstacles, whether they are literal or metaphorical traffic. It speaks to his quick thinking, adaptability, and determination to always be one step ahead. The theme of resilience and astuteness is prominent here, suggesting that with the right mindset and strategy, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve success.In addition, the lyric "And if you dry-snitch, you get buried alive" unveils a darker theme within the song. Dry-snitching refers to the act of secretly informing on someone without directly confronting them. This line explores the consequences of betrayal and treachery. Wayne suggests that betraying his trust or attempting to expose his secrets will result in severe circumstances, symbolized by being buried alive. This theme delves into the notions of loyalty, trust, and the consequences faced when those boundaries are crossed, cautioning listeners against disloyalty.Finally, the line "I keep a bad bitch skatin' like New-New (Gangsta—)" introduces the theme of empowerment and female autonomy. Wayne's reference to the character New-New from the film "ATL" and her skating ability conveys the idea of women having agency and strength. By associating his "bad bitch" with New-New, Wayne highlights the importance of independent and confident women who are not reliant on anyone. This theme celebrates female empowerment, defying traditional gender norms, and embracing the power and influence that women hold.Overall, while Lil Wayne's "What U Kno" primarily focuses on his resilience and success as a New Orleans gangsta, it delves into various additional imaginative themes. From wealth and affluence to resilience, loyalty, female empowerment, and more, the song's lyrics demonstrate the richness and complexity of Wayne's experiences and perspectives. Through exploring these unexpected themes, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, emphasizing the importance of determination, loyalty, and embracing individuality in the pursuit of success.