Meaning of Been That by Meek Mill

The Meek Mill song, "Been That," carries a powerful message about staying true to oneself and remaining authentic despite the trappings of fame, money, and material possessions. In this blog article, we will explore the various standout lyrics from the song and the imaginative themes they help develop, all while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a genuine identity.The overall theme of "Been That" revolves around Meek Mill's assertion that he has always been the same person, regardless of his rise to fame and fortune. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes this point, with Meek stating, "I been that nigga 'fore the money and the fame / I been that nigga 'fore the diamonds and the chain." It highlights the fact that his true character precedes any external markers of success.One standout lyric that helps develop this theme is found in the first verse: "I been that nigga on the corner, nappy braids and selling hard / Now I pull up on 'em bitches, got them texting 'Oh my God'." This line captures Meek Mill's transformation from a humble beginning to achieving a level of success that garners attention. The theme here is one of authenticity despite societal perceptions and stereotypes. Meek Mill's message suggests that, no matter how others may perceive him now, his true self remains unchanged.Another compelling lyric is, "My niggas my hitters, we finna get richer / I'm talking about bigger and bigger." This line speaks to the importance of surrounding oneself with loyal friends and allies who share the same ambitions. The theme that emerges here is one of unity and camaraderie, as well as the common desire to succeed. Meek Mill emphasizes the notion that achieving greater heights is possible as long as one remains grounded and stays connected to their roots.One particularly imaginative theme is found in the second verse, where Rick Ross collaborates with Meek Mill: "Blew a half a kilo on my Cuban link to watch it swing / No shirt, baking soda standing at the sink / Swerving in my Wraith, I should just pull up at the church." These lyrics evoke a sense of luxury and extravagance, but the underlying theme speaks to the idea of preserving and celebrating individuality. The image of watching the swinging Cuban link represents a reminder that even amidst material wealth, it is essential to remain rooted in personal identity. The mention of the church suggests that one's character and values should not be compromised despite any external successes.The final chorus reinforces the overarching theme of the song: "I been that nigga 'fore the money and the fame / I been that nigga 'fore the diamonds and the chain." In doing so, Meek Mill reminds his listeners of the importance of authenticity and staying true to one's core values.In conclusion, "Been That" is a song that advocates for remaining true to oneself despite the trappings of success. Through various standout lyrics, Meek Mill explores themes of authenticity, loyalty, personal growth, and individuality. The song serves as a powerful reminder that fame and material wealth should not define one's identity and that maintaining genuine character should always be a priority. So, let Meek Mill's message resonate within you and strive to be that person who was there "before" the world took notice.