Meaning of 16 by Meek Mill

The song "16" by Meek Mill featuring Tracy T is a track that delves into the journey from humble beginnings to success through the lens of the music industry. The overall theme of the song can be interpreted as the transformation and growth that occurs when one starts with very little and works their way up to achieving their dreams.One standout lyric in the song is "Started with 16, nigga, Now I've got a hundred P's, nigga" which speaks to the significant progress made by the artists. This lyric not only highlights the financial success they have achieved but also represents the abundance of opportunities that have come their way. The theme here is growth and abundance, as they started with a small number but now have multiplied their success exponentially.Another notable lyric is "Migo came and drop the ton, bitch, Made the profit, gave it to my mom." This line emphasizes the importance of family and giving back to those who have supported you along the way. The theme of gratitude is developed here, as the artist acknowledges the role his mother played in his success and repays her generosity with his newfound wealth. The idea of success not just benefiting oneself but also contributing to the happiness of loved ones is a significant theme in the song.Moving on to the verse by Tracy T, the lyrics "Lot of twenties, lot of fifties, lot of hundreds, lot of guns" paint a picture of a lifestyle where success brings both material wealth and a sense of power. The theme here could be seen as the allure of luxury and the status it affords. It explores how success, particularly in the music industry, often comes with the opportunity to indulge in extravagant possessions and how these possessions can symbolize power and dominance.The line "Leanin' off that pro-meth, Hundred bands ain't no sweat" adds a layer of darkness to the lyrics. It introduces the themes of substance abuse and the potential dangers that can coexist with success. The lyric suggests that even with the money and success, there are vices that can still plague an individual's life. It serves as a reminder that despite reaching a certain level of success, personal struggles and demons can still persist.Tracy T's verse also includes the lyric "Same bitches that ain’t laugh when I told a joke, Now I can talk a hundred thousand out they pussy ho." This line tackles the theme of validation and the power dynamic that often comes with success. It suggests that those who initially disregarded the artist are now drawn to him due to his success, symbolized by the ability to "talk a hundred thousand" out of someone. The theme of empowerment emerges as the artist now holds authority and control over those who once dismissed him.Overall, the song "16" presents a multifaceted exploration of the journey from start to success. It touches upon themes of growth, abundance, gratitude, power, substance abuse, and validation. Through its vivid lyrics and storytelling, the song allows listeners to dive into the complex emotions and experiences that accompany the pursuit of dreams in the entertainment industry.