Tap (feat. Meek Mill)
NAV
Navigating the Streets: Power and Survival in 'Tap'
NAV's song 'Tap' featuring Meek Mill delves into the gritty realities of street life, power dynamics, and survival. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the environment NAV and Meek Mill come from, where danger is omnipresent, and loyalty is paramount. The opening lines set the tone, describing the trap, a term often used to refer to a place where drugs are sold, and the inherent risks associated with it. The mention of firearms like the Glock and Draco highlights the constant threat of violence, while the reference to eating eggrolls on the corner adds a touch of everyday life amidst the chaos.
The song also explores themes of wealth and status. NAV boasts about his financial success, with lines like 'I got bands, for real' and 'Diamonds on me they dance, for real.' This flaunting of wealth is a common motif in hip-hop, symbolizing not just material success but also a hard-earned escape from poverty. The mention of 'bad bitch, Puerto Rican, look like J-Lo' and 'new bad bitch, got some work done on her butt' reflects the objectification and commodification of women, a controversial yet prevalent theme in the genre.
Meek Mill's verse adds another layer to the narrative, touching on the criminal justice system and its impact on the community. The line 'They got my brother locked inside a cage, take them shackles off his feet, he ain't a slave' speaks to the systemic issues and the fight for freedom and dignity. The song's recurring hook, 'Tap, tap, tap, tap,' serves as a metaphor for the quick, decisive actions required to survive and thrive in such an environment. The repeated references to 'whack' and 'slap' underscore the consequences of crossing lines and the swift retribution that follows.
Overall, 'Tap' is a raw and unfiltered look at the struggles and triumphs of life in the streets, blending themes of violence, wealth, loyalty, and systemic oppression into a compelling narrative.