Meaning of Give It Up Fast by Nas

In Nas's song titled "Give It Up Fast," the overall theme revolves around the gritty world of street life, where survival often depends on maintaining a tough and ruthless demeanor. The song features Nas alongside the rap duo Mobb Deep, and together they bring a compelling narrative that delves into the underworld of drugs, violence, and betrayal. The lyrics depict a vivid picture of this environment, highlighting the tensions and power dynamics that arise within these circumstances.One standout lyric in the song is, "Now it's time to floss, eye for an eye, what's mine is yours." This lyric suggests the importance of maintaining a dominant and fearless presence when navigating through the street life. It reflects the concept of reciprocity, where loyalty and trust are essential to survival. The themes derived from this lyric include the unyielding pursuit of power and the need to establish a strong network of trusted allies.Another striking lyric is, "The world is yours, written all over the blimps." This line alludes to the famous phrase from Nas's own track, "The World Is Yours." Here, it serves as a reminder that success in this ruthless world is attainable, but it requires seizing opportunities and exerting dominance. It evokes the theme of ambition and the insatiable desire to conquer the world, even in an adverse environment.One unexpected theme that can be deduced from the lyrics is the exploration of gender dynamics within the street life. The line, "And yo, the bitches, like Gee Money said to his man, will ride the dick like a horse with the cowboy brand," reflects the objectification of women in this world and their role as both a commodity and a symbol of power. This theme speaks to the harsh reality faced by women in these environments and raises questions about agency, exploitation, and control.Additionally, the contrasting verses of Havoc and Big Noyd introduce themes of betrayal and retribution. Havoc's verse portrays the need to remain vigilant against enemies, even within one's own circle. The idea of loyalty being tested and the consequences of betrayal becomes evident. Conversely, Big Noyd's verse showcases the protagonist taking matters into his own hands, avenging the attempted sabotage by a would-be adversary. This theme of justice and retribution emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reputation and holding individuals accountable within this hardened world.The chorus of the song, performed by Havoc, further strengthens the themes of power and control. The lyrics, "Give it up fast, quick, and not slow," signify the urgency and ruthlessness required to navigate the streets successfully. This theme revolves around the notion of seizing opportunities swiftly and decisively, leaving no room for hesitation or vulnerability.In conclusion, Nas's song "Give It Up Fast" takes listeners on a vivid and uncompromising journey through the underbelly of street life. The themes explored within the song touch upon the pursuit of power, loyalty, betrayal, retribution, and gender dynamics. Through imaginative and unexpected references, Nas and Mobb Deep paint a powerful portrait of a world where survival demands resilience, cunning, and an unwavering determination to rise above the chaos and carve out one's place in the hierarchy of the streets.