"Ruff Sketches" is a song by Jay Electronica that delves into his personal journey and the influences that have shaped him. The lyrics highlight the importance of faith, family, and the struggles he has faced along the way. The first verse acknowledges the impact of prayers from others and the love and care of his mother and grandmother. His grandmother, Dorothy Flowers, is specifically mentioned for her dedication to reading from the "Book of Psalms" and offering emotional support. She emphasizes the significance of trials and how they can test one's limits but also lead to growth. Jay Electronica then references his emergence from darkness, comparing it to Jesus emerging from the tomb and his own personal transformation. He describes his development as a wildflower, symbolizing both beauty and a long period of grooming. The mentioning of light and dark representing the two sides of the moon further emphasizes this theme. The line about Musa and Harun refers to the biblical story of Moses and Aaron, who spent 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. This alludes to Jay Electronica's own journey and the challenges he has faced. The song also includes references to his musical influences and aspirations. He mentions being underestimated, possibly referring to critics who didn't believe in his talent. The line "little planet platoon" could reference a group or media organization that overlooked him. However, he dismisses those who doubted him, stating that it only takes a short amount of time (8 mins and 21 seconds) for his talent, like sunlight, to shine and gain recognition. There is also a nod to his Islamic faith with the use of "Alhamdulillah," an Arabic phrase meaning "Praise be to God." He acknowledges the significance of those who came before him and attributes his success to God. The final lines of the song show Jay Electronica's confidence in his lyrical abilities, claiming that no other artist or group can match their skill. He merges his own identity, represented by his universal flag, with his Aziatic Nation group to create a powerful and unique presence in the music industry. Overall, "Ruff Sketches" explores Jay Electronica's personal journey, his faith, and the influences that have shaped him as an artist.
