Meaning of Hip Hop by Meek Mill

The Meek Mill song titled 'Hip Hop' delves into the rapper's personal experiences and struggles growing up in Philadelphia. The overall theme of the song revolves around the harsh realities of street life and the resilience required to navigate through it. Meek Mill highlights the challenges he faced, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the willingness to rise above difficult circumstances.One standout lyric in the song is, "I remember it was no lights, mattress on the floor, a thousand roaches, four mice." This lyric paints a vivid picture of Meek Mill's humble beginnings and the harsh living conditions he endured. The theme that emerges from this lyric is the resilience and determination needed to overcome poverty and create a better life for oneself.Meek Mill further explores the consequences of street life in the lyric, "Niggas sold white just to live the Lo Life, Ralph Lauren, I was sinning." Here, the theme of sacrificing one's morals for material gain is brought to the forefront. It highlights the desperation that drives individuals to engage in illegal activities in order to escape poverty. The lyrics shed light on the harsh reality of a community where survival often takes precedence over ethical choices.Another powerful lyric that evokes a strong theme is, "And it was like New Jersey Drive, the way we throw them johnnies, the way we stole them cars, slide through like a bowling ball." This lyric speaks to the theme of rebellion against a system that seems designed to keep individuals trapped. The reference to the movie 'New Jersey Drive' and the act of stealing cars allude to the defiance and desire for escape that can consume those living in disadvantaged communities.The song also touches on themes of friendship and loyalty, as seen in the lyrics, "My homie got colder, she even sold a Nintendo, I'm thinking like hol' up. I done seen my homie mommy turn into a zombie." These lines reveal the painful reality of losing touch with childhood friends and witnessing the destructive paths they may take. The theme of loyalty contrasts with the harshness of street life, emphasizing the need for genuine connections and moral support.Meek Mill brings attention to the dangers and violence prevalent in his neighborhood with lyrics like, "Fuck what niggas tell us, I see 'em and know they jealous, stepping in my Margielas, this nina like my umbrella. Ballin' like I'm Melo, and kinging like I'm Coretta." Here, the theme of self-confidence and the ability to rise above negativity and animosity is highlighted. Meek Mill seeks to inspire others to maintain their strength and self-belief even in the face of adversity.Overall, 'Hip Hop' explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, rebellion, friendship, and self-confidence. Meek Mill's personal experiences serve as a way to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals trapped in disadvantaged circumstances. However, he ultimately delivers a message of hope and determination, urging listeners to rise above their circumstances and strive for a better future. The song's powerful lyrics and underlying themes make it an introspective and thought-provoking piece of art.