Meaning of City on Lock by Nas

In the song "City on Lock" by Nas featuring Hit-Boy and Dom Kennedy, the overall theme is one of empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity. The song showcases the strength and determination of the artists as they navigate through the challenges of life and strive to make a mark in their city. Through their dynamic and confident verses, Nas, Hit-Boy, and Dom Kennedy depict a sense of being chosen, with their money, success, and influence holding the city at their fingertips.One standout lyric in the song is when Hit-Boy raps, "Think I’ve been in a maze, fifteen minutes of fame, I’ll put niggas on game, living up to my name." This lyric speaks to the idea of navigating the complexities of the music industry, where fame can be fleeting. Hit-Boy acknowledges the transient nature of fame but asserts that he will use his platform to elevate and educate others. This theme of using one's success to empower others is a recurring motif throughout the song.Another powerful line comes from Nas, who confidently raps, "Got the city on lockdown, nobody move a muscle, nigga, we true to the hustle." This lyric exemplifies the resilience and determination of the artists as they assert their dominance in the city. It also symbolizes the idea of taking control and exerting influence over the environment. The notion of a city on lockdown suggests that the artists have a stronghold over their surroundings and are focused on their hustle without distractions.Dom Kennedy adds his unique perspective to the song with the line, "See, my mama told me, 'Don’t let these girls get you in trouble, blood, sweat, tears to the struggle.'" This lyric delves into the importance of staying grounded and focused despite potential distractions. It highlights the struggles and sacrifices made by the artists to reach their level of success. The line also touches on the theme of staying true to oneself and avoiding pitfalls along the path to achievement.In another compelling line, Dom Kennedy raps, "Black-owned stores, sage and cinnamon, credit card purchases, the minimum, new raw denim." This lyric touches on the theme of financial empowerment within the Black community. It represents a push for economic independence and the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses. The mention of "sage and cinnamon" may allude to the practice of cleansing and manifesting positive energy, symbolizing a desire for growth and prosperity in various aspects of life.Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of mentorship and uplifting the next generation. Nas, Hit-Boy, and Dom Kennedy consistently project a sense of responsibility towards helping others succeed. This can be seen in lyrics such as "I ain't believe in you niggas, I’m a real big tipper, my diamonds on glitter, I’m just with real niggas." Here, they express their preference for genuine individuals and the importance of surrounding themselves with like-minded and supportive people.In summary, "City on Lock" is an anthem of empowerment and resilience. Each lyric contributes to building unexpected and imaginative themes, reinforcing the overarching message of strength and determination in the face of adversity. Whether it's navigating the music industry, asserting dominance over their environment, staying grounded amidst distractions, supporting Black-owned businesses, or uplifting the next generation, this song exemplifies the power and influence that comes with being chosen and true to one's hustle.