The Spiritual Significance of “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” by A$AP Rocky (featuring Skepta)
Amidst the glitz and glamour of hip hop, it can be easy to overlook the spiritual elements that underlie many of the genre’s most powerful tracks. “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” by A$AP Rocky (featuring Skepta) is one such track – and one that offers a wealth of meaning and significance for those who take the time to delve into it. In this article, we’ll explore the themes and symbolism present in “Praise the Lord,” and examine what makes this song such an important addition to the hip hop canon.
The Origins of “Praise the Lord”
“Praise the Lord” was released as a single in May 2018, as part of A$AP Rocky’s album Testing. The track features British rapper Skepta, and was produced by Hector Delgado and DJ Khalil. Upon its release, “Praise the Lord” was praised for its innovative blend of hip hop and grime, as well as its distinctive video which featured Rocky and Skepta wandering the streets of London.
Spiritual Themes in “Praise the Lord”
Despite its catchy beats and slick production, “Praise the Lord” is a song that is suffused with spiritual themes and symbolism. At its core, the song is about a search for transcendence and meaning in a world that can often seem chaotic and meaningless. The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase “Praise the Lord,” can be seen as a call to a higher power, or a recognition of the sacred amidst the profane.
In addition to its religious overtones, “Praise the Lord” contains a number of allusions to the culture and history of the African diaspora. For example, the line “My diversity ain’t limited to what I’ve done” can be interpreted as a reference to the rich and varied cultural heritage of black people across the globe. Similarly, the repeated ad-lib “Skepta” can be seen as a nod to the Nigerian roots of the grime genre.
The Significance of the Video
One of the most striking elements of “Praise the Lord” is its video, which was directed by Dexter Navy. The video features Rocky and Skepta wandering the streets of London, surrounded by a cast of characters who embody the city’s diverse and vibrant culture. The video also contains numerous allusions to art and history, including a shot of Rocky standing in front of a mural of Vincent van Gogh.
Taken together, these elements create a sense of unity and inclusiveness – a recognition that we are all part of a larger whole, and that our differences only serve to enrich us. As Rocky himself has said, “I feel like I’ve always been a global artist. I appreciate all cultures. Music is the one universal language.”
The Legacy of “Praise the Lord”
Since its release, “Praise the Lord” has become one of the most celebrated tracks of Rocky’s career, and has solidified his status as one of hip hop’s most innovative and forward-thinking artists. The track has been praised for its daring blend of genres, as well as its commitment to exploring spiritual themes in a non-preachy way.
Moreover, “Praise the Lord” has helped to cement the growing collaboration between American and British hip hop – a trend that has been gathering momentum in recent years, as artists from both sides of the Atlantic seek to work together and share their unique perspectives and styles.
As Skepta himself has said, “I think me and Rocky together is amazing for the culture. We’re both from two different worlds, and we’re bringing our worlds together. It’s bigger than just music.”
Conclusion
“Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” is a song that is packed with meaning and significance for those who take the time to explore it. From its religious allusions to its celebration of cultural diversity, “Praise the Lord” is a track that speaks to the power of hip hop to unite people and break down barriers.
As we continue to grapple with the complexities of our world – from political divisions to social unrest – it is songs like “Praise the Lord” that remind us of the power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect us. And for that, we can all truly say – “Praise the Lord.”
