Meaning of "Young Boy" by Clipse

The lyrics of "Young Boy" delve into the formative experiences and influences that shaped the artists of Clipse. Pharell's opening verse suggests that his mother instilled a sense of self-defense and not tolerating mistreatment. This could be seen as a reflection of the rough environment that the artists grew up in, where standing up for oneself was necessary for survival. Malice's verse takes a darker turn as he recalls witnessing drug activity in his household from a young age. The mention of "raw" suggests that he saw drugs being handled or processed, an unsettling sight for a child. This exposure to the drug trade seems to have become normalized within the family, as he speaks of a "history of hustlers" through generations. The presence of this lifestyle in his upbringing may have contributed to the path he eventually chose.

Pusha T's verse continues the theme of parental influence, mentioning his father's presence. While his father is presented as a hustler, Pusha T's focus shifts to the impact of cartoons on his youth, particularly identifying with characters like Yosemite Sam who were armed and in control. This suggests that the media he consumed also played a role in shaping his mindset and aspirations. He then discusses the material wealth that came with his involvement in drug dealing, such as expensive cars and attention from others. The mention of 25 cent frozen cups implies that even the smallest indulgences were significant and meaningful to him.

Malice's second verse references his grandmother, who he compares to the character Madame Queen from the film "Hoodlum." He praises her for spoiling her grandkids while also revealing that she carried guns, possibly as a means of self-defense in her environment. This portrayal of his grandmother is intriguing as it shows the complexities and duality of individuals in challenging environments. The final verse by Pusha T describes his high school experience as a hustler and how his reputation preceded him. He implies that his involvement in the street life augmented his status and attractiveness to others.

Overall, the lyrics of "Young Boy" echo the theme of the artists' upbringing in a rough environment and the influences that shaped their lives. They reflect on parental teachings, exposure to drug activity, and the impact of media and material wealth. The lyrics humanize the artists and offer insight into the factors that led them to pursue the path they did.