Hurt Me Soul
Encyclopedia
"Hurt Me Soul" is a satirical
song written by rapper Lupe Fiasco
. The Needlz
-produced track was released in September 2006 on his debut album Food & Liquor
. "Hurt Me Soul" is considered by many hip-hop enthusiasts as one of the greatest hip-hop tracks of 2006. Before the opening verse, you can hear Lupe say "Astaghfirullah"
.In the opening verse, Lupe first acknowledges his own hypocritical
tendencies during his younger years, and even more so the over-bearing presence of hypocrisy in the modern rap scene. Afterward, he makes reference to the fact that contemporary rap music is being flooded with the glorification or subliminal promotion of misogyny
, drug-dealing, materialism
and violence
. However, this kind of rap music can be metaphorically viewed as the world in general, for these vices still continue to exist universally, even in societies where rap is absent. Despite his evidently strong opposition for such distasteful music, Lupe contradicts himself by questioning whether or not hip-hop should be criticized for such things. In doing so, he explains how rap legends such as 2Pac, Nas
, and Jay-Z
(who are frequent sources for such glorifications) rap about these subjects as they are in reality "coming true", despite the vulgarity of it all.
As the track arrives at the last verse, Lupe lists a lengthy catalog of what he believes corrupts the world. Consequently, in the three uniquely different hooks
, Lupe speaks as a representative for numerous anonymous people suffering from this corruption, still bearing the general theme that virtually everyone on earth is susceptible to misfortune. He mourns for the world as a result, hence the title "Hurt Me Soul." This title involves a slight play on words of the common phrase: it "hurts me so". Lupe exchanges the last word "so" for the word "soul", perhaps suggesting that the pain he feels for the world is much deeper and profound than any common source of pain.
Satire
Satire is primarily a literary genre or form, although in practice it can also be found in the graphic and performing arts. In satire, vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, and society itself, into improvement...
song written by rapper Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco
Wasalu Muhammad Jaco , better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco , is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, Lupe is the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food...
. The Needlz
Needlz
Khari Cain, better known by his stage name Needlz, is an American record producer, Grammy Award Winning, engineer and composer.-Life and career:...
-produced track was released in September 2006 on his debut album Food & Liquor
Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, commonly referred to as Food & Liquor, is the debut studio album by American recording artist Lupe Fiasco, released on September 19, 2006, on 1st & 15th Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The album features production from The Neptunes, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, Craig...
. "Hurt Me Soul" is considered by many hip-hop enthusiasts as one of the greatest hip-hop tracks of 2006. Before the opening verse, you can hear Lupe say "Astaghfirullah"
Istighfar
Istighfar , is the act of seeking forgiveness from God . It is one of the essential parts of worship in Islam. This act is generally done by repeating the Arabic words astaghfirullah, meaning "I seek forgiveness from Allah"...
.In the opening verse, Lupe first acknowledges his own hypocritical
Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is the state of pretending to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually have. Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a kind of lie....
tendencies during his younger years, and even more so the over-bearing presence of hypocrisy in the modern rap scene. Afterward, he makes reference to the fact that contemporary rap music is being flooded with the glorification or subliminal promotion of misogyny
Misogyny
Misogyny is the hatred or dislike of women or girls. Philogyny, meaning fondness, love or admiration towards women, is the antonym of misogyny. The term misandry is the term for men that is parallel to misogyny...
, drug-dealing, materialism
Materialism
In philosophy, the theory of materialism holds that the only thing that exists is matter; that all things are composed of material and all phenomena are the result of material interactions. In other words, matter is the only substance...
and violence
Violence
Violence is the use of physical force to apply a state to others contrary to their wishes. violence, while often a stand-alone issue, is often the culmination of other kinds of conflict, e.g...
. However, this kind of rap music can be metaphorically viewed as the world in general, for these vices still continue to exist universally, even in societies where rap is absent. Despite his evidently strong opposition for such distasteful music, Lupe contradicts himself by questioning whether or not hip-hop should be criticized for such things. In doing so, he explains how rap legends such as 2Pac, Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, and Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
(who are frequent sources for such glorifications) rap about these subjects as they are in reality "coming true", despite the vulgarity of it all.
As the track arrives at the last verse, Lupe lists a lengthy catalog of what he believes corrupts the world. Consequently, in the three uniquely different hooks
Hook (music)
A hook is a musical idea, often a short riff, passage, or phrase, that is used in popular music to make a song appealing and to "catch the ear of the listener". The term generally applies to popular music, especially rock music, hip hop, dance music, and pop. In these genres, the hook is often...
, Lupe speaks as a representative for numerous anonymous people suffering from this corruption, still bearing the general theme that virtually everyone on earth is susceptible to misfortune. He mourns for the world as a result, hence the title "Hurt Me Soul." This title involves a slight play on words of the common phrase: it "hurts me so". Lupe exchanges the last word "so" for the word "soul", perhaps suggesting that the pain he feels for the world is much deeper and profound than any common source of pain.