Yes, another song from “Watch the Throne”. I can’t help what I like. I can’t help get’s me “goin”.

This song is hot. You can try and deny it if you want. But you’d just be lying to yourself. I’ll be honest I was on my old “I just like the beat” bull- for awhile on this one. Add to that I was a little partial just because the song references Paris, and I feel some type of “extra” way about Paris because I’ve been there.

The more I listened to the song, the more I listened to the lyrics and loved it even more. Yeah, there’s a lot of trash talkin’ goin’ on…plus a little show boatin’ and gloating’. But okay, that’s bound to happen when you have two artists on an album that make more than your whole family combined. Lol! IJS! I’m not mad at them.

I am always impressed with the sincere lyrical mastery. Jay-Z and Kanye really did some amazing lyrical work on this album. On this song here are 3 lines that stuck with me (in order):

1. “Y’all don’t know that don’t sh*t phase me.”

2. “We ain't even 'pose to be here."

3. “If you escaped what I escaped you’d be in Paris getting f*d up too.”

Here’s why.

ONE I truly don’t let anything phase me. I’m like a Timex watch. I take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. I can’t think of too many things that keep be down besides a recently surgically repaired ankle tendon, and that was just physically. People’s nastiness, hardships, career detours, etc. have not stopped me, and I won’t let them start now. I have too much to offer and experience to let anything stand in my way; my feelings included. When I here Jay say this lyric, I hear: Y’all should know better. Y’all can keep trying. Y’all ain’t gonnna stop me from doing me and enjoying my life how I want. {tongue out}

TWO When I think about it, there are many people that don’t think I should be where I am. I won’t bring in to account the racist and prejudiced folk who wish ill upon Black people. (Even though I laugh at them too.) For now, let’s just think on the haters who cannot fathom how I’ve accomplished so much while being a single mother who was once on welfare. There are tons of people who feel like I should not be able to sit amongst those that I do just off of that. But I’m here! {tongue out} When I look around and see how I’ve been favored I get a little excited. Yes, I even smirk and stick my tongue out (at the haters).

THREE Look here! If you escaped my trauma and drama you’d be smiling and partying right along with me. No one knows my story better than Jesus and I. When I look back over it all I am grateful. That gratitude allows me to be excited for myself, and I express my excitement in a multitude of ways. For example: There was a time that I could only shop from thrift stores and the clearance rack. Now that I am where I am financially I can occasionally romp through Lululemon and buy a few things without batting an eye. This brings me joy. I’m not trying to show off or “stunt”. It’s a way for me to treat myself because I am so blessed. But whatever the method of expressing my excitement may be, don’t be mad! It came with a fight, and I’m allowed to turn up however much I want.

When you put it all together “Ni**as in Paris” is a feel good, be proud and happy for your glow-up song…with a few nuggets of gold. Say what you want. But we all should feel good about our glow-ups, and feel free to show it!

4.6.2018