Hip Hop Is Dead

Nas's song "Hip Hop Is Dead" is a poignant critique of the state of hip hop music and culture. The repeated refrain "Hip hop is dead" sets a somber tone, suggesting that the genre has lost its original essence and authenticity. Nas laments the commercialization and superficiality that have infiltrated hip hop, contrasting it with the raw, unfiltered expression that characterized its early days. The hook, with its violent imagery of "murdering the DJ," symbolizes a desire to eradicate the current state of hip hop and return to its roots.

In the first verse, Nas paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of street life, where violence, drugs, and fast living are prevalent. He reflects on his own journey and the impact he has had on the genre, noting how he helped shape and grow hip hop. The mention of "Brazilian dimes" and "Hennesy and the ganja" highlights the hedonistic lifestyle often glorified in modern hip hop, which Nas views as a departure from the genre's original purpose.

The second verse delves deeper into the influences on Nas's music, from criminal activities to the struggles of life in the projects. He criticizes the superficiality and lack of substance in contemporary hip hop, comparing it to "legitimized crap." Nas also touches on the cultural shifts within the genre, such as the transition from turntables to mp3s and the commercialization of hip hop through endorsements and advertisements. The verse ends with a declaration of loyalty to hip hop, despite its current state, likening it to a marriage that he is committed to for life.

In the final verse, Nas reminisces about the early days of hip hop, when it was more about artistic expression than business. He mourns the loss of authenticity and the rise of commercialism, symbolized by the shift from "gold cables to Jacobs" and "plain facials to Botox and face lifts." The verse concludes with a sense of community and solidarity, as Nas acknowledges the support of his fans and peers who have gathered to pay their respects to the genre they love. The song as a whole serves as a eulogy for hip hop, a call to remember its roots and strive to preserve its true essence.