Meaning of Street Dreams (Remix) by Nas

In Nas' song "Street Dreams (Remix)", the rapper delves into the harsh realities and struggles of life in the streets. The overall theme of the song revolves around the pursuit of dreams and the challenges faced while trying to overcome the obstacles that come with living in a disadvantaged environment. Nas paints a vivid picture of the city streets, capturing the essence of the struggle, survival, and resilience of individuals trapped in this environment.One standout lyric in the song is "Low profile, rap style slick as Nu Nile", where Nas reflects on the dual nature of street life and the music industry. This lyric highlights the idea of maintaining a slick and polished facade in both realms, navigating through challenges with finesse. This can be seen as a metaphor for the pressures of presenting a certain image and achieving success, regardless of the circumstances.Another notable lyric is "My mind is guessin' — is livin' and dyin' a lesson? But not to be obliged with the mirage of cars. Take me off track from what the Gods focus on hard". This particular line touches on the internal conflict an individual faces when trying to find purpose and meaning in life. Nas questions whether life and death hold any valuable lessons, while also emphasizing the need to stay focused on the path chosen by a higher power.Nas also explores the concept of dreams versus reality with the line "Shorty thinks it's time to make your plans change. All that runnin' 'round, tryin' to chase what's already here, been there, it's goin' nowhere." Here, he addresses the tendency to get caught up in chasing material wealth and instant gratification, ultimately straying from the true path to success. This lyric highlights the importance of staying grounded and maintaining perspective on what truly matters in the pursuit of dreams.Furthermore, Nas touches on the influence of external factors that shape the lives of those living in the streets. The lyric "Blasphemy, using Nas' name in vain. Some claim supreme being, yet they lied in His name" conveys the idea of false prophets and individuals who exploit religion for personal gain. This lyric highlights the corruption and manipulation prevalent in these communities, where even trust in religious figures can be shattered.Ultimately, the song "Street Dreams (Remix)" by Nas takes the listener on a journey through the realities of urban life, shedding light on the struggles faced within disadvantaged communities. It explores themes of self-reflection, the pursuit of dreams, the dangers of materialism, and the complex interplay between faith and skepticism. Through his thought-provoking lyrics, Nas encourages listeners to remain true to themselves in the face of adversity, reminding us all that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope for brighter days.