In Jay Electronica's song "Prelude To A Freestyle," the artist reflects on his rise to fame and addresses various themes and issues. The lyrics begin by describing Jay's arrival in the music industry like "baby Superman to a farm on Kansas," referencing the iconic superhero's origin story. The line "Now the world wanna see my story all on camera" suggests that Jay Electronica's life and experiences are now under public scrutiny due to his fame. This is referred to as "Magic" as he is seen as a captivating and mesmerizing figure by some people. At the same time, the line "That's tragic. Billy Shakespeare was in his grave doin backspins" implies that this attention and glorification can be seen as exaggerated and unfortunate. The verse continues by mentioning the power of Jay's lyrics, symbolized by the need for napkins by the ladies who are overwhelmed by their intensity. The lyrics then criticize other rappers who are described as mediocre and lacking class. The line "Black on black anti-semite rap wazyap" condemns promoting negativity and hatred in rap music. The phrase "I'm out that nolia, So niggas'll surely clap if I ask em" suggests that Jay Electronica is from New Orleans and has the ability to command respect and loyalty from others. The lyrics also emphasize his prowess in rap battles and confrontations. Jay then asserts his superiority over other artists, highlighting their lack of originality and style compared to him. He mentions his collaborations with various musicians such as J. Cole, Jay-Z, and Jay Electronica, showcasing his mutual respect and admiration for fellow artists. The song briefly references global events like uprisings in Egypt, symbolizing the power and influence of black people. Jay expresses his hope that listeners understand and appreciate his message, even if it may take time for some to fully comprehend it. The lyrics also mention biblical references, such as Moses parting the waters with his staff, suggesting Jay's ability to showcase his own power and authority through his music. Jay Electronica then speaks on the importance of deep, meaningful lyrics, contrasting them with shallow and superficial content found in other artists' music. He criticizes those who only focus on wordplay without having substance or depth. The song concludes with a call to question mainstream news and encourages listeners to seek their own truth. The line "The Asiatic Blackman conveniently rude" may refer to the stereotype of black people being seen as aggressive or confrontational. In summary, "Prelude To A Freestyle" reflects on Jay Electronica's rise to fame, critiques the music industry and other artists, and touches on various themes such as power, identity, and societal issues.
