R-Mean has been consistently putting out a new single for thirty-four weeks now, and while the best fourteen cuts can be found on his Mean Mondays Mixtape Vol 1, the scope of his endeavor is at once ambitious and respectable. The Armenian emcee has shown a high degree of versatility, with introspective tracks, bangers, uplifting anthems and political reflections. Now, R-Mean delivers "Sacrifices," which leans toward the more introspective category. As expected from the title, the song deals with many of the personal sacrifices R-Mean has made on the road to success in the hip-hop game.
And while he still has a way to go in terms of commercial ubiquity, R-Mean has made enough of an impression to do right by his family. And yet, as is so often the case, the dichotomy of material gain and emotional connection find themselves at odds. R-Mean pulls at the heartstrings as he reflects on buying his mother a Beamer, only to have her complain she never gets to see her son. He makes sure his brother's children are well taken care of financially, yet the moments he spends with them are fleeting. Even the repeated refrain - "I hope I make it before my mama die" - has a morose finality to it that really makes you question the true priorities. What good is making it if they never get to see each other?
The struggles don't always extend to family. The homies get the short end of the straw, and when they're off frolicking in the clubs, R-Mean is putting in work at the studio till the dead hours of night. Driving home blunted, Mean is isolated with his own thoughts, reflecting on all the sacrifice required to gain success. Check out the Ty Rose produced track now, and hopefully make your Monday a little more memorable.
Quotable Lyrics
Just bought my mama a Beamer though,
She complaining I never see her though
Told my brother I ain't got time to see your kids
Deposits in they accounts and give they cheeks a kiss