Song Meaning

Nipsey Hussle's "Blueprint," featuring Bino Rideaux and Dave East, isn't just a song; it's a testament to the transformative power of vision, resilience, and staying true to one's roots. The track's central theme revolves around the idea of creating a path to success from the very bottom, even when the odds are stacked against you. Nipsey's opening lines immediately set the tone, highlighting his rise from the streets to a position of influence and wealth. The line "Easy to spot me like Lil Yachty" juxtaposes his own hard-earned visibility with the more flamboyant, instantly recognizable style of a younger artist, indirectly underscoring the grit behind his success. This isn't about overnight fame; it's about building something lasting. The repeated lines "They don't know the block like we do" emphasize the shared experiences and understanding that bind those who have navigated the same challenging environments. It's a declaration of authenticity, a reminder that true understanding comes from lived experience. Nipsey’s verse is a masterclass in concise storytelling. He paints a vivid picture of his past, referencing specific locations ("63rd, Between Brynhurst and Vic") to ground his narrative in reality. The mention of "burgundy your curb" hints at the violence and territorialism that were once part of his life. But the verse isn't just about recounting hardship; it's about the internal transformation that comes from it. The lines "When you seen so much death you start dealing with Christ / If you ever make it out you give 'em different advice" speak to a profound shift in perspective, a realization that survival carries a responsibility to guide others. His verse illustrates the duality of loving passionately while resisting destructive pride, a constant negotiation between vulnerability and self-preservation. The "blueprint" isn't just a set of instructions; it's a mindset. Dave East's verse serves as a powerful extension of Nipsey's themes. He details the harsh realities of his upbringing, where survival often meant resorting to desperate measures. Lines like "We ain't have no cable but with cane was able / To buy my momma groceries before she made the table" offer a stark glimpse into the sacrifices made to survive. The line "You can smell the murder while the kids playin'" captures the unsettling juxtaposition of innocence and violence that defined his environment. East emphasizes the constant threat of danger and the emotional toll it takes. Ultimately, "Blueprint" functions as both a reflection on the past and a declaration of future intent. The song's meaning resides in its raw honesty, its unwavering commitment to authenticity, and its powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a guide for navigating the complexities of life, staying true to oneself, and building a legacy that lasts.

Bino Rideaux & Dave East - Rap, New York Rap

Blueprint

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[Intro: Nipsey Hussle] Easy to spot me like Lil Yachty Red ambient light luminate the big body Bro, hand me a sprite, nah, fuck it, alkaline me Had to rise from the grave but ain't a nigga out climb me Take it to trial and beat all charges Pull up in 'Rarri and ball hard Watching me take this shit way farther Now they can tell I was way smarter [Chorus: Bino Rideaux & Nipsey Hussle] 'Cause you came from hood things This life it got good things about it too And now we push Blue Wraith Got the whole hood sayin' I'm proud of you And you can't stop Oh no, you ain't stop no, oh no, you ain't stop no All that pressure but it can't defeat you They don't know the block like we do (Whoa, yeah) They don't know the block like we do (Been too many years out here nigga, seven days a week) They don't know the block like we do (Police raids, the shootouts, the wars, the hatred) They don't know the block like we do (Ten toes down nigga, we got this) [Verse 1: Nipsey Hussle] Yeah, look Authentic ain't the word I'm on 63rd Between Brynhurst and Vic where all them killers were Burgundy your curb, burgundy your curb Hit the gas and swerve, hit the gas and swerve When it's time to purge I can send the word but I don't send em I go wit 'em cause I risk adverse And this shit realer than life when you raised so fucked up you start feeling this right When you seen so much death you start dealing with Christ If you ever make it out you give 'em different advice Put my truth in this music hope I'm givin' 'em light Just another flawed human trying to get this shit right Love a strong passion but resist it with pride Too much honor in my heart to let that mickey shit fly 750 LI, count another hunnid thou' while I ride Stonewashed "Fear of God" like peanut butter on rye Real shit a nigga touchin' the sky every day I wake up I refine You see me drinking alkaline By any means I gave you a design I even titled it and put it on my corner to shine Keep shit going every morning I try Long as it's late model foreign I'm fine Lot of pain don't expect me to cry Lot of fails still expect me to try I'm from the gang they expect me to die [Chorus: Bino Rideaux & Nipsey Hussle] Cause you came from hood things This life it got good things about it too And now we push Blue Wraith Got the whole hood sayin' I'm proud of you And you can't stop Oh no you ain't stop no, oh no you ain't stop no All that pressure but it can't defeat you (That's us) They don't know the block like we do They don't know the block like we do (Westside) They don't know the block like we do (Yeah) They don't know the block like we do (Hussle) [Verse 2: Dave East] We ain't have no cable but with cane was able To buy my momma groceries before she made the table I seen niggas die over a conversation Young with a gun speedin' through life with no kinds of patience You can smell the murder while the kids playin' Enemies on top of enemies the pigs hate us New nina open your chest up like Vick's Vapor Ballin' in New York they confusin' me with a Knick's player Burgundy your block, burgundy your block Was servin' smokers in the spot 'til cuzzo served a cop He ain't look like no police he bought it by the piece His daughter I call her my niece so she gon' always eat I'm focused like Mohammed with a speed bag Ski masks, you ain't seeing faces when we need that Arm and Hammer powder in my finger nails Got more stripes than a Adidas sale I seen a jail Was eating tuna as a I read my mail Everywhere I go now they feel me like they reading braille I might be a demon I seen shit I never need to tell Two guns up, Lennox to King Park, two thumbs up Beans and Bleek, Who want what? We was off surviving off of samples Homies dying lit the block up like a blunt with the candle So fuck your code of ethics we just showin' progression All that tough shit out your window the minute you show your weapon Harlem [Chorus: Bino Rideaux] Cause you came from hood things This life it got good things about it too And now we push Blue Wraith Got the whole hood sayin' I'm proud of you And you can't stop Oh no you can't stop no, oh no you can't stop no All that pressure but it can't defeat you They don't know the block like we do They don't know the block like we do They don't know the block like we do They don't know the block like we do

Credits

Writers: Dave East
Bino Rideaux
Nipsey Hussle
DJ Fu

Blueprint

Blueprint

Lyrics

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Credits