A reference to the myth of William Tell, wherein he was asked to prove his archery skills by shooting an apple of his son’s head.

The hook is recycled verbatim from “Run This Town” (see here for a breakdown)

James Arthur Baldwin was an American writer and social critic during the civil rights movement who expressed a view of protesting that was between Malcolm X’s forceful approach with Martin Luther King Jr’s peaceful approach. This shows a development in Lupe’s philosophical stance on violence as a revolutionary tactic, as contrasted by his earlier statement “my problem is I’m peaceful” in “Words I Never Said”

GBE doesn’t waste time talking shit. When they see their enemy, guns get to clapping, aka “Shoot first and ask and ask questions later.”

Terminators (as seen in the famous film series) are singularly focused and dedicated to the task with which they are programmed. Monáe is firmly focused in her musical mindset/direction

Ms Monae frequently refers to androids in her work; this is in keeping with her regular themes.

Mayweather reminds herself not to feel anything or show any emotion while leaving her previous life behind. She must be emotionally cold in order to survive the coming events.

Monáe gives a cue (and a shoutout) to her longtime guitarist Kellindo Parker (pictured below).

Mayweather is willing to search all four corners of the world to find a place where love is free and welcome.

Mayweather doesn’t know where she’ll go from here, but even though the way forward is dangerous and uncertain, she believes that she can find a place where she is loved and accepted for who she is

As Mayweather leaves Metropolis she can see the city bathed in moonlight, a world filled with hatred and corruption, death and violence.