The song "NYC" by Gaël Faye explores the artist's experiences and emotions while being in New York City. The lyrics depict a contrast between the vibrant colors and empty streets, reflecting the city's verticality and the strain it puts on his neck. Gaël Faye expresses his struggles to find inspiration while writing in his notebook and his desire to escape the chaos of urban life for the beaches of Nosy Be. He observes the city's skyline and the reflections in the river, reminiscing about his upbringing in a chaotic environment. The artist carries a constant anger within him since his teenage years, with time passing by and changes occurring in his life. The lyrics also mention the protagonist's hands in his pockets and his head under his hood, possibly symbolizing a feeling of protection or anonymity in the busy city streets. Gaël Faye describes his brain working diligently, with his rhymes stored in his bag, comparing the city to a fruit, a daring challenge, or a movie. He also mentions his ego escaping through the city's smoking sewer grates. The artist listens repeatedly to his bootlegs and asks his friend to pass him the bottle, possibly alluding to the desire to escape from reality and find solace in music and alcohol. He refers to the night carrying a Wu-Tang vibe, possibly symbolizing the influence of hip-hop culture and the group Wu-Tang Clan on his music and mindset. The song shifts focus to being inside a taxi in NYC, surrounded by skyscrapers, a forest of summits, and an infinite number of lights. Gaël Faye compares these towering structures to menacing abysses and billions of galaxies, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the city. He mentions a character named Baron Minuit, who leads him into a thickening night. The lyrics touch upon the coldness of autopsy rooms, the comfort of peaceful suburbs, homeless individuals pushing their shopping carts, and the alleys of Little Italy. The artist mentions a body beaten by the police and a sleep similar to death. Ultimately, NYC emerges from his mind as a relentless city, full of contrasts and complexities.
