Cream

The song 'Cream' by The Notorious B.I.G. and featuring various artists, including Funkmaster Flex, Styles, Jadakiss, and Shiek, delves into the gritty and often dangerous realities of street life and the pursuit of success. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harsh environment in which these artists grew up, where survival often meant engaging in illegal activities and navigating a world filled with violence and betrayal.

The opening lines by Funkmaster Flex set the stage for a raw and unfiltered narrative, giving a shout-out to Bad Boy Records and its prominent figures. Styles' verse emphasizes loyalty to his friends over romantic relationships and highlights the constant threat of violence and the need to stay ahead in the game. His mention of 'coke sniffin bit*hes' and 'cartels bringin in they coke' underscores the prevalence of drug trafficking and its impact on their lives. The reference to 'fatality' and 'makin way over they salary' suggests that the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure can be deadly.

Notorious B.I.G.'s verse continues this theme, with a focus on the relentless pursuit of wealth and power. His lines about 'pop the gat, aim squeeze precisely' and 'where that coke at?' reflect the constant pressure to maintain control and assert dominance. The mention of 'stripes in New York like Yankee uniforms' symbolizes their earned respect and fear in the streets. B.I.G.'s transformation from poverty ('eatin no frills cereals with food stamps') to luxury ('Armani materials, coppin Rembrandts') illustrates the stark contrast between their past struggles and their current success.

Jadakiss and Shiek's verses further explore the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the desire for a better life. Jadakiss speaks of having people who would 'spray for me' and 'honeys that pay for me,' indicating a network of support and the benefits of their success. Shiek's lines about 'talkin to me doin shit for you, try God' and 'fuck police talk black I'm the SHIT in New York' highlight the defiance and resilience required to thrive in their environment. The song concludes with a sense of triumph and the realization that their hard work and perseverance have paid off, despite the many obstacles they faced.