Words Of Wisdom

In 'Words Of Wisdom,' 2Pac delivers a powerful and unflinching critique of systemic racism and social injustice in America. The song opens with a stark depiction of the systematic elimination of Black youth in the ghettos, highlighting the alarming rate at which they are being wiped out. 2Pac's use of the term 'nigga' is redefined to mean 'Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished,' urging his community to reclaim the word and use it as a source of empowerment rather than a derogatory term.

The lyrics delve into the historical and ongoing oppression faced by Black Americans, from being made to feel inferior to being excluded from opportunities for better living. 2Pac criticizes the hypocrisy of American ideals, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Constitution, which he argues do not apply to Black people. He calls out the government's role in perpetuating the drug epidemic in Black communities, framing it as a war on unity and a means of control.

2Pac's message is one of resistance and education. He emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and education as tools to combat oppression and build a stronger, more unified community. He questions why figures like Malcolm X, who sought to educate and liberate Black people, are often omitted from history books, while Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of non-violence is more widely taught. The song concludes with a defiant declaration that the battle for equality is far from over, and that the oppressed will rise to challenge their oppressors. 'Words Of Wisdom' serves as a rallying cry for social justice, urging listeners to recognize and fight against the systemic forces that seek to keep them down.