Meaning of Brunch On Sundays by Nas

The Nas song titled 'Brunch On Sundays' is a vibrant and catchy track that explores themes of leisure, luxury, and celebration. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of indulgence and extravagance during brunch gatherings on Sundays. While at first glance, the song may seem to revolve around the hedonistic pleasures of brunch, a closer analysis reveals deeper and unexpected themes embedded within the lyrics.One standout lyric in the song is "Girls twerkin' on the tables, they just havin' fun, leave them girls alone, you the owner, what you on?" This lyric presents a theme of empowerment and agency for women. It emphasizes the importance of allowing women to freely express themselves and enjoy their time without judgment or interference. It challenges societal expectations and emphasizes the need for inclusivity and acceptance in leisure spaces.Another notable lyric is "Shorty was a AKA, best friend was a Delta, bringin' up her student loans, I told her that I felt her." This lyric delves into the financial struggles faced by many young individuals, particularly women of color in sororities. It highlights the burdens of student loans while also illustrating the sense of community and support found within these organizations. By acknowledging these experiences, the song subtly touches upon the importance of financial literacy and offers a message of empathy and understanding.In the verse that follows, Nas raps, "Flyest women on the yard, now they work for Delta." Here, the lyrics tell a story of achieving success and breaking barriers. It signifies the journey of ambitious women who start from "the yard," a term often used to refer to college campuses, and go on to build successful careers, represented here by working for Delta airlines. This lyric celebrates the accomplishments of women and encourages listeners to aspire to greatness, regardless of their background.Moving forward, Nas states, "That's a black business, I handle my Black business. Stay out of Black woman business 'less you invested in it." This line highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting Black-owned businesses. It calls for allyship and stresses the significance of authentic engagement rather than mere observation. By specifically emphasizing the need to invest in and contribute to Black women's businesses, the lyrics address the intersectional challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs and encourage economic empowerment within the community.As the song progresses, Nas skillfully integrates references to popular culture and classics. One such instance is the line, "Still a playa baby, I know you seen 'The Mack.'" This clever reference alludes to the 1973 blaxploitation film 'The Mack,' which portrays the life of a pimp turned community leader. The lyric showcases Nas' knowledge and appreciation of Black cinema while subtly commenting on societal stereotypes. It challenges preconceived notions and suggests that individuals can reinvent themselves and transcend societal expectations.Overall, 'Brunch On Sundays' serves as a poetic celebration of leisure, indulgence, and success. However, its significance goes beyond surface-level extravagance. It incorporates themes such as empowerment, financial struggle, breaking barriers, Black entrepreneurship, and reinvention. These unexpected and imaginative themes intertwine and complement the overarching theme of the song, reinforcing the importance of embracing life's pleasures while recognizing and addressing deeper societal issues.