The song “mathematics” by Mos Def is similar to most songs in rap, as it contains a variety of samples. According to whosampled.com, the song possesses a whopping 9 samples of previous songs. The song uses many of these samples to convey or further express the meaning of the lyrics in “mathematics”. For example, the line, “It’s 10 P.M. , where your seeds at? What’s the Deal?” alludes to the Wu-Tang Clan line, “It’s 10 o’clock, ho, where the fuck’s your seed at?” The reference could even be traced further back to a popular 1980’s public service announcement that asked, “It’s 10 P.M., do you know where your children are?” The reference is significant as it reinforces the idea that the streets aren’t safe, which is a large part of Mos Def’s social commentary on the difficulty of inner city life. This sample is also fits in very well with the previous line, “eight-year old’s getting found with 9 mils.” The first line paints a gruesome picture of the problems facing adolescents and the second line follows it by possibly making the listener think of the dangers their own children might be facing. The reference adds even further to the personal element as many listeners at the time of the song’s release were probably familiar with the 1980’s service announcement. The song also refers to the line”6 million ways to die” from the song “Serial Killa” by Snoop Dogg.  Mos Def expands on the line, writing, “Yo it’s 6 million ways to die, from the seven deadly thrills.” I believe this reference in combination with the reference to the seven deadly sins shows Mos Def’s perception of the dangers of  crime, and its strong temptations. This reference is also well placed as it surrounds lines of the song which talk about “MC’s murdered” and “Three strikes”(a term that describes 3 criminal offences that result in life in prison). Overall, the song “mathematics” is packed with social commentary, and the song uses samples to help support Mos Def’s perspective.

Sources

Shmoop Editorial Team. “Mathematics Lyrics.” Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.