The song "Brushstrokes" by Apollo Brown & Joell Ortiz reflects on the changing landscape of art and music in contemporary times. The lyrics lament the lack of passion and care in today's music industry. The artists reminisce about a time when making music was seen as an artistic process similar to painting on a canvas. The metaphor of "taking a stroke of the brush" implies the meticulous and deliberate nature of creating music or art. It suggests that in the past, artists put considerable thought and effort into their craft, resulting in creations that would stand the test of time. The reference to the Mona Lisa emphasizes the desire to create something timeless and iconic, comparable to Leonardo da Vinci's renowned masterpiece. The overall meaning of the song is the longing for the return of a more artistic and sincere approach to music-making. The artists express a yearning for the days when musicians poured their souls into their work, resulting in music that resonated deeply with listeners. In essence, "Brushstrokes" serves as a critique of the current state of the music industry, highlighting the importance of artistic integrity, passion, and longevity in the creation of meaningful music.
