What Would Meek Do? by Pusha T Lyrics Meaning – Dissecting the Layers of Hip-Hop Tenacity and Socio-Political Commentary
Lyrics
How do you respond?
I’m top five and all of them Dylan
I am the hope, the dope dealers won
Price and the quote, the dope dealers want
Feds takin’ pictures like it’s GQ (GQ)
This Avianne collarbone is see-through
Angel on my shoulder, “What should we do?”
Devil on the other, “What would Meek do?”
Pop a wheelie, tell the judge to Akinyele
Middle fingers out the Ghost, screamin’ “Makaveli” (come with me)
Hail Mary, the scale fairy
Two sides to every coin, so we bail ready (bail ready)
How do you respond?
I let the monies and the fools talk
I let the jewels and the hues talk
Watch face came with a fuse box (fuse box)
Chanel’s on ya bitch
The coupe is 320, the roof’s hit or miss
Murder on the highway, the news is at six
See I did it my way, the proof’s in the bricks (woo)
Yeugh, smell it through the Tupperware (Tupperware)
Two can get you four like a double dare
I’m the king of the oven-ware (oven-ware)
You can piece the whole puzzle here
Niggas talkin’ shit, Ye
How do you respond?
Poop, scoop
Whoop, whoopty-whoop
Am I too complex for ComplexCon?
Everything Ye say cause a new debate
“You see, he been out of touch, he cannot relate
His hallway too long, bitch too bad
Gotta surrogate his kid, get two dads”
I be thinkin’, what would 2Pac do?
You be thinkin’ what New Kids on the Block do
If you ain’t drivin’ while Black, do they stop you?
Will MAGA hats let me slide like a drive-thru?
That phone call from Ricky still hazy
When heaven got an angel named Avery
You gotta watch who you callin’ crazy
Yeezy, the newest billion-dollar baby
It won’t feel right ’til I feel like Phil Knight
Goin’ for six rings like what Phil told Mike
Seven pill nights, who know what that feel like?
No more hidin’ the scars, I show ’em like Seal, right?
How do you respond?
In an industry where lyrical prowess intertwines with the socio-political fabric of the times, Pusha T’s ‘What Would Meek Do?’ emerges as a striking commentary that blends the personal with the cultural. From its arresting title to the dense verses laden with references that require unpacking, this track is about more than just bravado—it is a mirror reflecting the complexities within the world of hip-hop and society at large.
Pusha T, known for his cutthroat lyricism and incisive narratives, uses ‘What Would Meek Do?’ as a vehicle to navigate the tumultuous landscape of fame, justice, and identity. In this song, featured in his critically acclaimed album ‘Daytona,’ Push collaborates with Kanye West to explore themes that ring perennially relevant to both icons, and the hip-hop community.
The Dylan Claim: Dissecting Bravado in Bars
Opening with a self-assured declaration, ‘I’m top five and all of them Dylan,’ Pusha T immediately sets a tone of unapologetic confidence. The reference to Dylan is a nod to an iconic Dave Chappelle skit, potentially signifying that he views himself not only as a leader in the rap game but also as unabashedly influential and bold in his artistry.
Examining the crux of this claim, one realizes it is not just about ego. It’s a stance, a defiant rally against any notion of mediocrity, placing Push at the pinnacle of lyrical craftsmanship. There’s a defiance there, echoing the soul of hip-hop where competitive spirit fuels the fire of creativity.
The Angel and the Devil: Pusha’s Conscience in a Quest for Authenticity
The stark imagery of an angel and devil on one’s shoulders grapples with morality, a common motif in hip-hop’s storytelling arsenal. Pusha T amplifies this concept with the line, ‘Angel on my shoulder, “What should we do?” Devil on the other, “What would Meek do?”‘ This is a direct reference to rapper Meek Mill and his well-publicized legal battles, symbolizing a larger struggle between right and wrong within the system.
Meek Mill’s experience acts as a canvas upon which Pusha T paints his own narrative—the bike wheelies and brazen defiance against the law not only reference Meek’s penchant for dirt bikes but also represent resilience and resistance against oppressive structures.
Layered Metaphors and Cocaine Laced Lines
The duality of Pusha T’s life as a former drug dealer turned rapper is regular fodder for his lyrics. Terms like ‘scale fairy’ and ‘proof’s in the bricks’ can be dissected as evidence of his past dealings, but also the tangible proof of his success in the rap game, built upon the foundation of his previous life.
These bars serve as reminders of the paths traveled by many to achieve the American Dream, convoluted with moral ambiguity and the often illicit stepping stones that some take to reach their lofty platforms.
The Hidden Meaning: Yeezy’s Billion-Dollar Rhymes
Kanye West’s verse cannot be overlooked when deciphering the song’s hidden meanings. ‘Ye addresses his public image, the backlash faced over his comments, and the scrutiny of his mental health. The clever play ‘Whoop, whoopty-whoop’ mocks his detractors, turning criticism into a part of his artistic expression.
West’s references to personal events, such as the haunting phone call or his description as a ‘billion-dollar baby,’ adds layers of introspection and personal trials in the face of public perception, blending the personal pains and triumphs with his artistic persona.
Memorable Lines and Societal Punches
‘If you ain’t drivin’ while Black, do they stop you?’ is one of the powerful rhetorical questions Kanye drops to address racial profiling. It’s a pointed reminder that success does not shield one from societal prejudices and that fame often coexists with a parallel narrative experienced by the Black community.
Lines such as these do not just resonate within the track’s beats, they resound as a crescendo of the larger conversation happening across the nation. Pusha T and Kanye West use their platform to punctuate the ongoing dialogue concerning race, wealth, justice, and authenticity in America.
