Author: Amanda London

Ian Brown / Noel Gallagher

June 19, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 19, 2020

“Keep What Ya Got” by Ian Brown (ft. Noel Gallagher)

Ian Brown’s “Keep What Ya Got” is highly-metaphorical, even philosophical and some would argue religious, in its approach. As such, there have been various theories put forth concerning its meaning. And ultimately, the concept which it...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 19, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 19, 2020

“Suicidal Thoughts” by The Notorious B.I.G.

If you’re one of the people who subscribe to the idea of “Ready to Die” being a concept album, then “Suicidal Thoughts”, its final (non-bonus) song, would mark the story’s conclusion. And the setting of the lyrics...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 18, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 18, 2020

“Gimme the Loot” by The Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie Smalls grew up in an environment where violent robberies – like stickups, chain and earring snatchings – were common occurrences. And it is such a reality he is speaking to on this song. More specifically...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 18, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 18, 2020

“Just Playing (Dreams)” by The Notorious B.I.G.

The full subtitle of this song, as illustrated in the chorus, is “dreams of f*****g a R&B b***h”. And accordingly the lyrics center on Notorious’s fantasies of sleeping with a number of popular female singers...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 18, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 18, 2020

“Who Shot Ya?” by The Notorious B.I.G.

The lyrics of this hip hop classic primarily detail ways in which The Notorious B.I.G. deals with his enemies via the usage of gun violence. Such subject matter was actually one of the main themes of...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 17, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 17, 2020

“Unbelievable” by The Notorious B.I.G.

Biggie’s “Unbelievable” can be said to be both braggadocious and autobiographical in nature. That is to say on one hand Biggie is bragging about his lyrical skill, bravado and success. And on the other he is...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 17, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 17, 2020

“Ready to Die” by The Notorious B.I.G.

The way the lyrics of this song read is as if the rapper is “ready to die” in the name of a couple of different (though you could say related) causes. One would be due...

Culture Club

June 17, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 17, 2020

Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” Lyrics Meaning

This song is based on the singer lamenting the way he is being mistreated by his lover.  According to Boy George, the lyrics are based on a relationship he had with a fellow singer by the...

Faith Evans / The Notorious B.I.G.

June 17, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 17, 2020

“One More Chance / Stay With Me (Remix)” by The Notorious B.I.G. (ft. Faith Evans)

As we have pointed out before, The Notorious B.I.G. was instrumental in establishing the rags-to-riches’ trope which is now a mainstay in hip-hop. And this particular track can also be said to have been key...

The Notorious B.I.G.

June 16, 2020

 by Amanda London · Published June 16, 2020

“Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.

This track has been accurately described as a rags-to-riches’ tale relayed by The Notorious B.I.G. The rapper depicts himself as someone who used to be “dead broke” and has come from an economically-challenged upbringing. But now in the...