"Katrina The Levees Broke" is a song by Jay Electronica that addresses the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The lyrics depict the struggles and injustices faced by the Black community in the aftermath of the disaster. The song begins with a conversation between Jay Electronica and his friend Reem, who hasn't seen him since Hurricane Katrina hit. He mentions how Lil Mikey is in jail for illegal activities, highlighting the desperation and crime that arose due to the lack of resources and opportunities. Jay Electronica then discusses the corruption and misallocation of funds intended for disaster relief. He suggests that people used the money to buy weapons instead of rebuilding, as the police were becoming more aggressive in their efforts to “clean up” the city. He highlights the disproportionate impact on the Black community, citing news reports of a grandmother and her family being displaced from their home of sixty years. Instead of adequate assistance, they are given inadequate resources like powdered milk and tissues to cope with their situation. Jay Electronica goes on to describe the dire living conditions faced by many, with people living in tents outside city hall or in trailers and cardboard boxes. He criticizes the closure of public housing projects, as it only benefits corrupt contractors and insurance companies that took advantage of the disaster. The lyrics also touch upon Jay Electronica's personal experiences with police harassment and racial profiling following the hurricane. He recounts being arrested multiple times for minor offenses like losing his ID, despite seeking guidance from a pastor. He expresses frustration at being treated as a criminal simply because of his race and heritage. The song suggests a sense of anger, disillusionment, and hopelessness felt by many Black residents in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. It sheds light on the systemic racism and neglect that exacerbated the suffering endured by the community.
