JAMESWATTS

Area code 973 is a North American area code for Northern New Jersey that covers portions of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Union Counties. James Watts himself is from Essex county.

Again, a juxtaposition; at times, he is conscious, referencing the Nas song “Black Girl Lost”, a cautionary tale about a girl caught up in the street life to show this. However, he claims that there is another side to him who just likes to party and have fun.

Again, an illustration how his style is a juxtaposition between two seemingly different things.

Here, he is claiming that he is partially influenced by rapper Nas, but also influenced by academics and philosophers such as Noam Chomsky.

Even though he grew up with people who went on to be convicted killers, he chose the path of higher education. Those other individuals looked to get first degree murder charges downgraded, while James finished two college degrees after graduating high school.

James is claiming that his style is somewhere between urban and high brow.

The “W” is a sports term for when a team achieves a win. James Watts is pondering how can a win be special if the “world ain’t enough”, meaning if he will never be satisfied.

Also, this is a play on the spelling of the word “world” — if the entire word “W-O-R-L-D” is insignificant, one letter “W” doesn’t mean anything.

First a football reference, then a basketball one; these are both times when the game comes down to the wire, and Watts sees himself as a performer who works best when the stakes are high.

The lyricist compares himself to an addict, with his vice being music.

Another reference to the fact that James Watts is a rapper and a producer; he claims that he likes it this way, because he is able to create music without relying on outside collaborators.

He is self-motivated and finds inspiration from within — he acts as his own muse.