Ken Kaneki

Nekfeu's song 'Ken Kaneki' delves into themes of transformation, struggle, and resilience, drawing inspiration from the character Ken Kaneki from the anime 'Tokyo Ghoul.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of personal and societal challenges, reflecting on the pressures and injustices faced by individuals in a complex world. The song opens with a depiction of a family in crisis, questioning whether the blame lies with the police or a flawed system that surveils and oppresses. This sets the stage for a broader commentary on societal issues and the personal battles that arise from them.

The chorus emphasizes the transformation of 'Petit Ken,' a metaphor for the artist's own journey. The repeated line 'Petit Ken a bien changé, brûlant, brûlant' signifies a burning change, a metamorphosis from innocence to a hardened, yet still unsettled, state. This transformation is not just physical but also emotional and psychological, as the character navigates through danger and loss. The reference to 'brûlant' (burning) suggests a passionate, intense change, while 'pas encore bien rangé' (not yet well settled) indicates an ongoing struggle for stability and peace.

Nekfeu also touches on themes of loyalty and ambition, expressing a desire for genuine connections and success that benefits his family. The lyrics mention the artist's disdain for superficial relationships and materialism, instead highlighting the importance of authenticity and hard work. The metaphor of 'croquer la pomme' (biting the apple) and rebuilding like the 'premiers hommes' (first men) suggests a fall and subsequent rise, a cycle of destruction and creation that mirrors the human experience. The song's references to popular culture, such as 'Gogeta' from Dragon Ball and 'Simba' from The Lion King, further enrich the narrative, drawing parallels between the artist's journey and these iconic characters' stories of growth and self-discovery.