"The Blinding" is a song by Jay Electronica featuring Jay-Z and Travis Scott. In this song, Jay Electronica tells a fictional story about a young child who is the offspring of a lion, symbolizing strength and power. This child is taken away from his homeland of Zion and kept in captivity. Jay-Z joins in and asserts his authority in the music industry by mentioning that he named his son "Sir," implying his status as a respected figure in the industry. He warns others to be careful when speaking about his kingdom and threatens to send them somewhere unfamiliar if they forget where he comes from. Jay Electronica continues the narrative by referencing the return of the Mahdi, a religious figure in Islam, and the lost and found tribe of Shabazz, which is often associated with black nationalism. He compares himself to Tupac Shakur, a legendary rapper known for his boundary-pushing and controversial behavior. The chorus by Travis Scott adds to the theme of being overwhelmed or blinded by the spotlight, comparing it to the brightness of stars and the sun. Jay-Z's verse touches on the constant flow of creativity and inspiration, comparing it to the traditional Russian dolls called Babushka. He also mentions rolling up Kush, a type of marijuana, while working in the studio. Jay Electronica expresses his struggle to live up to expectations and meet deadlines in the music industry. He mentions his dedication to his craft, staying up late nights, and his sister's financial needs. Despite feeling the pressure, he continues to create and uses the Arabic phrase "Bismillah" (meaning "in the name of God") as a reflection of his faith. Overall, "The Blinding" showcases themes of power, creativity, and the struggles faced by artists in the music industry.
