Meaning of Nas is Like EZO by Nas

In the Nas song titled 'Nas is Like EZO', the artist delves into various themes that provide a thought-provoking and imaginative listening experience. The overall theme of the song explores the essence of identity and self-expression in the world of rap music. Nas is known for his introspective lyricism, and in this song, he masterfully combines his own experiences with creative storytelling to convey his unique perspective on the rap industry.One standout lyric in the song is "Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby's being born, Same time my man is murdered, the beginning and end." This lyric highlights the stark contrast between the joy and hope of new life and the tragic loss of a loved one. It represents the duality of existence, where moments of happiness coincide with moments of profound sadness. This theme permeates the song as Nas navigates the highs and lows of his own rap career.Another significant lyric is "EZO put it in your cell phone, E as in three for the Holy Trinity, Z in the 9 perfection from rhyme to delivery, God, O, 6 for I am human and my existence is to be flawed." This lyric showcases the complexity of Nas' identity and his spiritual connection to his craft. The use of the letters E, Z, and O represents his own personal trinity, suggesting a divine influence in his artistry. Additionally, the acknowledgment of his flaws as a human being highlights the vulnerability and authenticity he brings to his music.The line "I'm the rhyming Medina, Have you green like the reefer of the fever" takes the listener on a metaphorical journey. Nas likens himself to the city of Medina, a significant religious site in Islam, known for its historical and spiritual significance. By associating himself with Medina, Nas aligns his artistry with a place of reverence and importance. Furthermore, he uses the analogy of the "reefer of the fever" to describe the intoxicating effect his rhymes have on listeners. This lyric explores the power of music to transport and captivate, much like the feverish buzz of a reefer.Another intriguing lyric is "Skill made Chance my friend in this rap game, Like, Vic, Mensa as my nickname." Here, Nas recognizes the role skill plays in cultivating relationships within the rap industry. He compares his connection with Chance, a fellow rapper known for his unique style, to having a friendship based on a shared admiration for their craft. Likewise, Nas references Vic Mensa, a rapper who challenges conformity in his music, as his nickname. This lyric suggests that the bond between artists is not solely built on personal connections but also on the recognition and appreciation of each other's skills and artistic vision.The line "My mixtape don't go gold, I'll give the Kanye shrug" addresses the ever-changing nature of success in the music industry. Nas, known for his critically acclaimed albums, acknowledges that not every project will achieve commercial success. However, he remains unfazed by this, adopting the nonchalant attitude associated with Kanye West's infamous shrug. This lyric highlights the importance Nas places on artistic integrity, above any external validation or recognition.Finally, the lyric "One eight seven over the dispatch" introduces a darker element to the song. "One eight seven" is slang for murder, and "dispatch" refers to the emergency call center. This couplet juxtaposes violence with administrative procedures, highlighting the harsh realities that artists face in the rap industry. Nas acknowledges that there is a dark side to the pursuit of success, where some individuals are willing to resort to extreme measures to climb the ladder of fame.Through these standout lyrics, Nas explores the themes of duality, spirituality, identity, artistic integrity, and the darker side of the rap industry. Each lyric contributes to the overarching theme of self-expression and the complexities of being an artist in the rap game. Nas' introspective storytelling and imaginative wordplay make 'Nas is Like EZO' a captivating and thought-provoking song.