Purple

Nas's song "Purple" delves deep into the harsh realities of urban life, particularly focusing on the cyclical nature of violence, incarceration, and survival in the streets. The song opens with Nas asserting his dominance and reflecting on the injustices within the legal system, referencing the case of Shyne and P. Diddy. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the struggles faced by those in his community, where life is likened to a jungle, and survival is a daily battle. The imagery of ghosts haunting the block symbolizes the lingering presence of those who have passed, and the cycle of young men stepping into the shoes of fallen comrades highlights the perpetuation of violence and hardship.

Nas critiques the mentality that glorifies drama and betrayal, pointing out the destructive consequences of such behavior. He paints a vivid picture of a world where trust is scarce, and loyalty is often a facade. The line "Everybody's under six feet of ground but you" underscores the high mortality rate among those involved in street life, while the protagonist remains standing, albeit scarred by the experiences. The hood's love is juxtaposed with the underlying hatred and envy, as people secretly wish for the protagonist's downfall. This duality reflects the complex emotions and relationships within the community.

The song also addresses the younger generation, who are often misguided and trapped in a cycle of crime and incarceration. Nas laments the lack of positive role models and the prevalence of violence, as seen in the imagery of young soldiers with "meat hanging out" of them. The reference to "The Color Purple" and its characters, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah, and Danny Glover, serves as a metaphor for the escape from the harsh realities through substance use. The state of mind being "purple" signifies a haze induced by drugs, a temporary respite from the chaos. Nas's introspective lyrics and vivid storytelling provide a poignant commentary on the struggles of urban life and the coping mechanisms people adopt to survive.