Meaning of Take It In Blood by Nas

Nas, often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, has never shied away from addressing social issues and personal experiences in his music. One of his most captivating songs, "Take It In Blood," delves into the gritty realities of life in the South Bronx while simultaneously exploring themes of identity, struggle, and resilience.The song's overall theme revolves around the idea of making the best out of a challenging environment and how the circumstances we are born into shape our lives. Nas opens the song with the line, "Wanted to be a Latin king but had Roman features," which immediately sets the stage for a narrative that explores the struggles of identity and belonging. It is an unexpected line that highlights the complex nature of one's cultural identity and the hardships faced when trying to fit into predefined molds.Several standout lyrics in the song help further develop these themes. Nas raps, "I am New York built, I am South Bronx strong, Talent drove me crazy, I am the black swan." Here, Nas underscores his resilience and unyielding determination to succeed despite the odds stacked against him. He embraces his roots, acknowledging the strength he gains from his upbringing while also recognizing the unconventional path he has chosen.The following line - "Hip-hop Junkie in need of an intervention, Best from New York, and they always fail to mention" - reveals a poignant observation about the underappreciation and undervaluing of true artistry. Nas recognizes the immense talent within himself and his fellow artists from New York, yet their contributions often go unnoticed or overlooked. This lyric serves as a commentary on the music industry's focus on commercial success rather than genuine artistic expression.Another lyrical gem in the song comes in the form of, "Raised to rob and steal, never to beg and borrow, So I prayed every night for better luck tomorrow." In this line, Nas highlights the struggle of growing up in an environment where survival often requires resorting to criminal activities. However, he also shows a glimmer of hope and a desire for a brighter future through prayer. This juxtaposition suggests that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always a sliver of light and an opportunity for redemption.Throughout "Take It In Blood," Nas maintains a sense of resilience and defiance, refusing to succumb to the hardships surrounding him. He asserts his individuality and refuses to conform to societal expectations. Nas cleverly demonstrates this in the line, "That boy you hyping up, knows I am Lui Kang, Chuck Norris his ass when he steps to my lane." By comparing himself to two legendary martial arts icons, he asserts his prowess and the ability to defend himself against any opposition that comes his way.The song's overarching theme of overcoming adversity and finding strength in one's identity is further emphasized in the final verse. Nas proclaims, "Never understanding, please try to explain, Drunk driving through life, swerving lanes, God's soldier waiting on orders to crash the plane." Here, Nas depicts himself as a soldier in the midst of a chaotic battlefield, navigating life's challenges with a sense of purpose. He fully embraces the uncertainties and risks, knowing that even in the face of potential destruction, he will remain resilient and true to himself.In "Take It In Blood," Nas showcases his lyrical prowess and examines themes of identity, struggle, and resilience. This introspective journey through the realities of the South Bronx offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals attempting to overcome societal expectations while staying true to themselves. Nas' ability to intertwine personal experiences with broader social commentary makes this song a powerful testament to the human spirit's indomitable strength.