Song meaning of B.o.B 2009 XXL Freestyle by XXL (Ft. B.o.B)

In the song "B.o.B 2009 XXL Freestyle" by XXL featuring B.o.B, the lyrics delve into the state of hip-hop during that time. The verse begins by addressing the prevalent belief that hip-hop was dead, but the artist refutes this notion, asserting that the genre was still alive and kicking. The reason behind the misconception was that many artists were not making money, leading to the assumption that hip-hop was in decline.

The lyrics suggest that the lack of financial success stemmed from artists being afraid to be authentic and genuine in their music. Instead, they chose to fake their way through their songs, prioritizing commercial success over artistic integrity. This shift from realness to pretense transforms the act of rapping into mere acting, where artists portray a character rather than expressing their true selves.

The artist acknowledges that the industry is often seen as entertainment, and hip-hop is considered a game. Even the artist himself admits to playing this game to some extent. However, the lyrics raise a thought-provoking question about what happens when the rules of the game change. When the landscape of hip-hop evolves, artists will be forced to confront the consequences of their inauthenticity. They will have to explain themselves to their fans and justify their lack of genuine expression.

Overall, "B.o.B 2009 XXL Freestyle" offers a critical perspective on the state of hip-hop at the time, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself and the potential repercussions of prioritizing commercial success over artistic integrity.