Meaning of One Mic, One Gun by Nas

In Nas and 21 Savage's collaborative track "One Mic, One Gun," the artists delve into a variety of complex themes that explore the intersection of artistry, legacy, and integrity. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the state of the music industry and the resilience required to navigate its highs and lows. Through their poignant lyrics, Nas and 21 Savage bring forth unexpected and imaginative themes that ultimately tie back to the overarching message of the song.One standout lyric that captures the essence of the track is when 21 Savage proclaims, "They sayin’ that Black music dyin’, I'm sayin’ they wipin' us out." This line speaks to the systemic erasure and commodification of Black art in the industry. By highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and representation, this lyric delves into the theme of cultural appropriation and the need for authentic voices to be heard.Furthermore, Nas and 21 Savage draw attention to the dichotomy between integrity and popularity in the rap industry. In the line, "Rappers bandwagon tryna get some likes, I do it for the fam', never for the hype," 21 Savage exposes the superficial motivations that often drive artists to compromise their artistic vision in pursuit of fame and success. This lyric touches upon the theme of artistic authenticity and the importance of staying true to one's roots, regardless of outside pressures.The artists also delve into the concept of resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. Nas reflects on the challenges he has faced throughout his career with the line, "I shook up the town, I shook up the city, I shook up the state, I'm one of them ones, on my second run, I'm on a new wave." Here, Nas acknowledges the trials he has endured and credits his perseverance for his continued success. This lyric explores the theme of growth and adaptation, emphasizing the importance of evolving with the times while maintaining a distinct artistic identity.Building upon the idea of resilience, 21 Savage's verse adds a layer of depth to the song with lyrics such as, "Bullet wounds and jail cells couldn't stop me, this my destiny." This line conveys a sense of determination and unwavering self-belief, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, true artists are bound by an undeniable destiny that cannot be thwarted. This theme of unwavering determination speaks to the power of artistic expression and its ability to transcend hardships and societal constraints.Throughout "One Mic, One Gun," Nas and 21 Savage use their platform to shed light on the challenges faced by artists, particularly those who belong to marginalized communities. With vivid and thought-provoking lyrics, they tackle themes such as cultural appropriation, artistic integrity, resilience, and destiny. The song serves as a call to arms for artists to stay true to themselves, regardless of the pressures they face, while also reminding listeners of the ongoing fight for representation and recognition in the music industry.