Jay Elect. is a massive Micheal Jackson fan, with Thriller being deemed not only as Jackson’s best work, but as one the best albums of all time. This shows another side of the coin as Jackson., though known for his expensive looks (such as the gloves, and the iconic jacket from the Michael Jackson’s Thriller video), was far from just a display for material riches. The same holds true for Jay here, and undoubtedly for others such as Pharrell, who endorses BAPE.

From the get go it was clear the type of rapper and person Game was. To emphasize this he refers to Gangsta Gangsta by N.W.A, which was sampled in this song and aptly describes him.

Niggaz Wit Attitudes was founded in Game’s hometown of Compton, CA and initially consisted of Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and MC Ren. They all hailed from Compton, except for Ice Cube.

Refers to Martin Luther King Jr. and continues the tribute to black rights activists. Both King Jr. & Malcom X seemingly die naturally instead of being assassinated. (coincidentally at the same age of 39) Also speaks to there being the possibility of both men working together throughout their lives, and developing a deep friendship and mutual respect. The person who reads the Eulogy at the funeral is supposed to be someone especially close to the deceased. Which would be ironic because they were on opposite sides of the black rights spectrum.

W. E. B. Du Bois was an intellectual leader in the United States as sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, and editor. He was particularly noted for his fight against racism, and for his belief that the way for African-Americans to achieve equity in society was through earning liberal arts education, or in other words, equity through art and written works.

Lupe unleashes a slew of homonyms (revolving around the sounds of ‘rose’ and ‘soul’) and intricate wordplay here to create vivid imagery. He’s a rose amongst weeds, that rose and rolls along his chosen path with specific reasons in mind. Note that:

• Weeds choke roses, making it harder for them to rise. This shows adversity. The mentioning of a road also lets one imagine a rose in concrete.

• Also a subtle reference to a successful drug dealer who you could find rolling around the concrete jungle in a flashy car. Maybe a Rolls-Royce? He’s in it for the money and to provide for his family.

There is also a hint of being on a “primrose path” to hell, which jibes with the next line where he worries about his soul.

‘Roses and weeds’ ties in with the theme of growth and advancement. Until he leaves this earth and reaps what he has sown, leaving with just his soul, and until he leaves his family the profits from his activities, i.e. leaves his son the sum of what he sold – in deeds, i.e. property – so that he can enjoy a better lifestyle, he’ll be walking this path, in shoes that have soles. Incredible.