Southside feat. Ashanti

Lloyd's song 'Southside' featuring Ashanti is a heartfelt narrative about young love facing societal and familial obstacles. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple determined to be together despite the disapproval of the girl's father. Lloyd's character is portrayed as a young man from the 'southside,' a place that might be stereotypically viewed as rough or undesirable. He reassures his love interest that despite his appearance and background, his intentions are pure and genuine. This is evident in lines like 'Tell ya daddy stop his hating / Cuz I be wearing braids and rockin jerseys daily / But that don't mean I'm thuggin though.'

Ashanti's verses add depth to the narrative by expressing her unwavering support and understanding of Lloyd's character. She believes that if her father truly knew Lloyd, he would see the good in him. This sentiment is captured in the lines, 'But I know that if he knew ya / He would understand ya / Know that you're my man and you would never hurt me no.' The chorus, 'Meet me on the southside / Get you home by midnight / Make sure that your daddy just don't know,' highlights their secretive yet passionate relationship, emphasizing their need to hide their love from disapproving eyes.

The song also touches on themes of loyalty and resilience. Lloyd and Ashanti's characters are willing to go against the world to be together, as seen in the lines, 'Girl I'll know that we can make it / Cause we won't let him break it / I don't care who's with him / It's you and me against the world.' The southside, often depicted as a tough neighborhood, becomes a symbol of their love's strength and resilience. The song's setting in Atlanta, Georgia, adds a cultural layer, reflecting the southern roots and the unique challenges and beauty of love in such an environment.