Meaning of Serious by Nas

The Nas song titled 'Serious' explores various themes through its striking and thought-provoking lyrics. The overall theme of the song can be seen as a declaration of strength, confidence, and resilience. It showcases the artists' refusal to be taken lightly or dismissed, accentuating their personas as formidable figures in the rap industry. Let's delve deeper into some of the standout lyrics and the unique themes they help develop.In the opening verse, AZ introduces himself with lines that highlight his self-assuredness and opulence. He raps, "Check my track record, respect is my black Lexus, expect me to act reckless, I'm rich and I'm ass naked." These lyrics depict the theme of extravagant success and unapologetic confidence. AZ presents himself as someone who has achieved great wealth and is willing to push boundaries without any regard for societal norms.Continuing with his verse, AZ mentions, "A mink with half leopard, my drinks and my glass separate, I roll and I'm half breathless, just stroll through my last message, like...niggas can't be serious." These lyrics can be seen as a commentary on the frivolity and superficiality of the industry. It suggests that despite the grandeur, people fail to take these artists seriously, perhaps due to their flamboyant lifestyles or perceived lack of depth. This highlights the theme of misjudgment and the need for others to recognize the artists' true abilities and seriousness.Nas enters the second verse, emphasizing his longevity and creative prowess. He raps, "No comp, whether it's freestyle or written down on papers, so far, I've been down from maybe a decade, I'm still the rawest, plus, suede, and Ferragamo's, custom-made jewelry's on us." Here, the theme of artistic dominance and success is reinforced. Nas asserts that he has remained a force to be reckoned with in the rap game for a significant period, and his fashion choices and expensive accessories further exemplify his elevated status.Another significant line in Nas' verse is, "Chill with them hard looks, I spark clips, if you Blood, or Muslim, 5 percent God, or Crip." These lyrics touch upon the theme of loyalty and the unyielding nature of the artists' alliances. Nas implies that he will go to great lengths to protect his own, regardless of their affiliations or backgrounds. It suggests a strong sense of brotherhood and unity within a sometimes divisive industry.Moving on to the final verse, Nas expresses defiance and resilience, stating, "The last of the fucking genre like...niggas can't be serious, still the grittiest, point blank period, flow tight as a midget's closet, as tight as a prison block is." These lyrics encapsulate the theme of unwavering determination and enduring strength. Nas asserts himself as an influential figure representing the closing chapter of a particular era, refusing to be silenced or disregarded. The comparison to a midget's closet and a prison block further emphasizes the tightness and tenacity of his craft, signifying his unwillingness to be limited or constrained.In conclusion, the song 'Serious' by Nas highlights various themes that collectively convey a message of authority, resilience, and the demand for recognition. Through standout lyrics, the artists explore notions of confidence, misjudgment, success, loyalty, and endurance. Each theme adds layers of depth and nuance, underscoring the importance of acknowledging their seriousness and talent. Ultimately, 'Serious' serves as a declaration from these rap icons that they cannot be taken lightly, urging listeners to recognize their undeniable impact on the genre.