This week I will be looking at Mos Def’s song titled “Mr. Nigga” that appeared on Mos Def’s 1999 album Black on Both Sides. I recently began listening to the album in attempts of learning more about earlier hip hop, and quickly realized that it is full of socially conscious lyrics. Many of the songs touch on topics that are still prevalent 18 years later. This song really stood out for me because it talks about how “successful” African Americans are still perceived as threatening in the eyes of many including law enforcement. The song’s title is meant to reflect how some people perceive blacks under the surface.
The song begins with the hook that is sung by Mos Def and Q-Tip. The hook talks about how successful African Americans are looked at oddly when they enter high class establishments. Most of the wealthy in this country are white which means that many of the higher class establishments have a customer base of predominantly whites. When Blacks enter these elite circles they are not often met with the most gracious welcome.
The Mos Def’s first verse begins by talking about how he achieved success before he reached the age of 30 which is very rare. He also talks about how he could now buy expensive designer clothes and pay to do whatever he wanted. He says that despite his money and fame he still was not respected by law enforcement. One line reads “‘We got a problem officer?’ Damn straight, its called race.” This line really speaks to the troubles that many black and brown communities face. There is a distrust of law enforcement that is prominent in many black and brown communities and it does not matter your economic status. Many communities of color feel targeted by the police and Mos Def is speaking to his experiences of feeling targeted.
In the second verse Mos Def begins by talking about the usage of the word N word by whites. He says that though they may not say it loud and in public settings, they may say it under their breath or amongst close friends. He then talks about how even if they may not say the word, there are many who are racist deep down and it is not hard to pick up on microaggressions. He then goes on to tell a story of his experience traveling in first class. He boarded the plane and sat in his first class seat, but was soon asked to show his ticket to prove he belonged there. After showing his ticket she quickly apologized and later even asked him for his autograph which is pretty ironic. He also talks about how when he travels he is constantly searched in greater detail due to his darker complexion. Customs officials assume that he is transporting drugs and will commonly arrest him and subject him to various tests.
In the last verse Mos Def points out the double standards that exist within our culture. He criticizes the justice system for the mass incarceration of colored people. He talks about how blacks and whites are not given the same treatment under the law which we see to this day. He then goes on to say that he just happened to be lucky with his talents which led to his fortune. Many of America’s elite have money that goes back to slavery as opposed to the money he earned himself. He ends the song by saying that he will use his money to provide for his family but he know at the end of the day he’ll still be looked down on for his complexion.
I think it is amazing that 18 years later this song is still so relevant. As much as we like to think things have changed, we see that communities of color are still fighting the same old societal stereotypes.