"Light a L" is a song by Joell Ortiz that reflects on his upbringing and experiences growing up in Cooper Projects, Brooklyn. The lyrics describe the challenges and hardships faced in his neighborhood, where violence and poverty were prevalent. The song begins with Ortiz expressing that people don't truly know him, but he feels the need to share his story. He talks about being a minority from the corner, trying to make money to support his children, and being surrounded by people involved in illegal activities. He mentions the police violence and the struggles of his community. Ortiz reminisces about going to the Deuce (42nd Street in Manhattan) with his friends and trying to impress women. He also references the movie "Paid in Full" and the rapper Cam'ron, drawing a parallel between their street experiences. The chorus reflects on the importance of freestyling and the power of music to alleviate the struggles of life. Ortiz mentions getting disciplined for staying out all night, but it didn't deter his passion for music. As the song continues, Ortiz describes the summer days in his neighborhood, with intense heat and fights. He references a girl named Leisha, who stood up for herself and had a fierce attitude. He mentions specific local landmarks, such as the Johnny pump (fire hydrant) and the roof where he would find solace. Ortiz emphasizes his background as a project (public housing) kid and the camaraderie he formed with his friends, taking pictures and standing in the hallway of their building. He also reflects on the loss of friends, lighting candles in their memory. The lyrics touch on the difficulties faced by the community, including poverty, waiting for assistance, and being confined indoors due to the dangers outside. The song ends with a mention of Dutch paper (a type of rolling paper), elevators, nosy neighbors, and the chaos of barking dogs. Ortiz concludes by expressing gratitude to his upbringing and the people in Cooper Projects for shaping him into the person he is today. Overall, "Light a L" serves as a reflection of Ortiz's experiences and a tribute to his community. It highlights the struggles and resilience of individuals living in impoverished neighborhoods, while also emphasizing the importance of music as a means of expression and escape.
