No matter how you feel about the ongoing issues prevalent in the United States society, there's no denying that artists are becoming more vocal about their own experiences with social issues. In his latest installment of his on-going musical series "Mean Mondays," R-Mean comes through with an evocative take on the controversial topic of police brutality. As an Armenian-American and visible minority, there's no doubt that Mean has faced some personal experience with racism, and if this track is any indicator, perhaps some of the injustice came from officers of the law. Either way, R-Mean is intent on shedding some light on something he feels passionate about.
The mournful subject matter is reflected in the Pharomazan produced instrumental, which employs minor-key piano chords and arpeggios, hard hitting drum and bass lines, and ample space for Mean to spit fire and brimstone. The rapper showcases a deft gift for storytelling, filling his open letter with anecdotes and instances from his personal life, and hitting law enforcement with some tough questions and pointed criticism: "Is it cause inside you insecure and need some help? Is you overcompensating for your little self? Is you? Cause I understand you got a job that's hard sometimes but I don't understand why you think that you God sometimes," raps Mean, finishing off his first verse with a poignant closing line.
It might be a little too political for some listeners, but "Officer Officer" remains a solid addition to Mean's ever-expanding series. With racial tension in America at an all-time high, it's unclear whether or not tracks like these will serve to unite or divide. Either way, they remain an important vessel through which artists can vent, and luckily, R-Mean's pen game is as eloquent as ever.
Quotable Lyrics
Is it cause inside you insecure and need some help?
Is you overcompensating for your little self? Is you?
Cause I understand you got a job that's hard sometimes
But I don't understand why you think that you God sometimes
