Meaning of "Wake Up" by Missy Elliott
The lyrics of "Wake Up" convey a message of awakening and self-realization within the hip hop community. Missy Elliott starts by challenging drug dealers who prey on black communities, emphasizing the need for change and redemption. She calls out the superficiality and fake personas prevalent in the industry, urging individuals to address their personal issues before the community breaks apart. Through her confident and assertive delivery, she portrays herself as a full creative force in the industry, untouched by imitations or non-authentic acts. Missy Elliott asserts her leadership by referring to herself as a top leader and expresses a deep love for music as the first love of black people. She reminds listeners that it is time for black people in all areas to unite and carry the torch forward.
In the chorus, Missy Elliott assures listeners that it is okay if they don't possess certain materialistic markers of success. She emphasizes that legal money, modest fashion choices, and absence of luxury items should not be sources of shame or insecurity. By highlighting the importance of being comfortable with oneself and not succumbing to societal pressures, she challenges the notion of materialism as a measure of worth.
In verse two, Missy Elliott criticizes the done turncoats who pretend to be something they are not. She urges them to confront their issues and reconcile before the hip hop community breaks apart. She mentions her love for designer brand Jacob, but acknowledges that material possessions cannot fix personal problems. She celebrates her own success by mentioning her access to cable television and ability to make money. Missy Elliott affirms that hip hop music has been her lifeline and likens it to Kobe and Shaq, who were integral to the Lakers basketball team's success.
Jay-Z's verse adds to the theme of awakening by expressing his own desires and struggles. He mentions wanting rims and a booming sound system, symbols of material success. However, he reveals that he doesn't even have a home and lives in his car. This juxtaposition highlights the difficulties and sacrifices made in pursuit of material wealth. He reflects on his own introspection, wanting to feel himself both physically and emotionally, using a play on words with the artist Tweet. Jay-Z acknowledges his own past mistakes and how he has evolved, noting that his peers now have to live vicariously through his success from prison. He ends on a note of self-awareness, recognizing that his path should not be emulated by others.
Overall, "Wake Up" is a call to action for the hip hop community to address societal issues, reject materialism as a measure of success, and prioritize self-reflection and personal growth. It promotes unity and self-empowerment within the genre.
