Canal St. (feat. Bones)

A$AP Rocky's 'Canal St. (feat. Bones)' delves deep into the gritty realities of street life and the relentless hustle required to survive and thrive in such an environment. The song opens with Rocky reflecting on his past struggles and the daily grind of hustling. He recounts his experiences of being doubted by older peers and his determination to prove them wrong. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his journey from the bottom, dealing with the harsh realities of the streets, to achieving success and wealth. The metaphor of 'trapping' is used to describe the hustle, emphasizing the constant pressure and danger that come with it.

Rocky also touches on the theme of authenticity, calling out those who claim to be part of the street life but lack the real experience and credibility. This is highlighted in the repeated lines, 'You say you got 'em guns, but I've never seen you bang / You say you get 'em drugs, but I've never seen you sling.' This critique of false bravado and inauthenticity is a recurring theme in the song, as Rocky contrasts his genuine experiences with the superficial claims of others.

The song also explores the transformation that comes with success. Rocky describes his rise from 'roaches on my bump' to living a life of luxury, with references to expensive brands and international travel. Despite his success, he remains connected to his roots, as seen in the line 'Hit Canal Street, real as a gold medallion.' This juxtaposition of past and present highlights the duality of his identity and the ongoing influence of his upbringing on his current life. The song's raw and unfiltered lyrics, combined with its hard-hitting beat, create a powerful narrative of struggle, authenticity, and transformation in the world of street hustling.