Lloyd is one of the lesser known names in the hip hop industry. This could be partly because he was overshadowed by other big boys on his own label when he signed in 2003. It was Murder Inc. who signed Lloyd and helped him release his debut album Southside. The album also featured a well-known rapper named Ashanti. Before signing with Murder Inc., Lloyd Polite Jr. was a member of boy band N-Toon. However, the group broke up and the members went their separate ways in 2001.
During his solo career, Lloyd worked with gaming legends like Lil Wayne and Ludacris. His song "Tru" was released in 2016 after properly establishing himself in the industry. It was released as part of his eponymous extended play "Tru". The song is about Lloyd's personal struggles and heartaches that broke him.
What does the title mean?
The song title might be short but it's quite shocking considering the lyrics of the song. The title of the song consists of one word: Tru. The word "True" is repeated over and over in the song's chorus to let listeners know that this is the real Lloyd. He wants everyone to accept him for who he is as he talks about the beatings he has endured in his life. Aside from that, this title can also be interpreted to mean that it could be an affirmation of what is happening in the song. Llyod could have named this song "Tru" because he wants his audience to know that everything he says in this song is absolutely true.
What does the introduction mean?
"I've lost everything, my friends, my loved ones
But in life there is always a chance to grow.
Of struggle, of pain, of reality
That's my story, Lloyd."
Before we start analyzing the lyrics to this song, it's important to remember that it came out in 2016, nearly 13 years after Llyod began his solo journey in the industry. So it's more of a summary of what has happened in your life up to this point. In the song's introduction, it is made clear that it is intended to tell a story. He tells his audience that he lost everything he cared about: his friends and loved ones. One important thing to note here is that what he wanted most for himself wasn't something materialistic like money or fame, but the people who were close to him. In the second and third lines, however, he instills hope in the listener. He's sure there's always a way to grow through pain and struggle. He, like almost every other hip-hop artist, believes that true credibility and growth comes from "real," a term very important to hip-hop culture.
Verse 1 - What does that mean?
"Hello world, yes I know it's been a while
I thought I'd drop by to let you know what's up now
No album lately so I'm a bit up and down
I still cared for my mother and her in some way.
He disappeared from the scene, leaving my old team behind.
I had to find a new approach to an old dream.
And it's not about shooting my old team
I just want you to see"
The song begins with Llyod addressing the fact that he hasn't been in the game for a while. Lloyd took a three-year hiatus before this song came out in 2016. He mentioned in an interview with Genius that it was a break from recording his own music. Although he participated in collaborations with other artists such as Childish Gambino. Lloyd also addresses the fact that his financial situation has had some ups and downs from not releasing new music. Of course, since Lloyd isn't a big name, his income depends on his ability to produce new music. He mentions in this verse how he took care of his mother again and left the game for a while. By his old crew he means people like Irv Gotti and everyone from Murder Inc. He wanted a fresh start and a break from life. Towards the end of the verse he adds that he does not look down on anyone and that he left for his own personal reasons. He wants to unveil his own story after being out of the game for so long.
What does the chorus mean?
This is me, so please accept me for who I am.
And please accept me for what I do
I just do everything I can
'Cause everything I wanna be is true
So please accept me for who I am
And please accept me for what I do
Because without you I don't exist
And all I wanna be is true"
In the chorus, Lloyd speaks to everyone who believed in him, from his friends and family to his devoted fans. He asks her to accept him for who he is. This song is kind of an emotional outburst for him. Most hip hop artists tend to have a tough personality. So it's a big deal to release a song that portrays Lloyd as emotionally vulnerable. Lloyd's longing to be true to himself is very evident in the chorus and there's real emotion in his voice as he sings it.
Verse 2 - What does this mean?
"Sorry if I've ever disappointed you
But there's so much happening that it's hard to talk about
So many lawsuits, my attorney said, don't talk about it
I just had to breathe, keep it cool 'til I can get out
I came home and helped my sister raise a child
It hurt me a bit because I could have had mine now
I lost my baby, dammit, it's really coming home now
I just had to learn"
In the second verse, Lloyd tells more about his life. He acknowledges the fact that he may have let some people down and apologizes for it. Aside from that, he tells us about their trials and the constant chaos his life has become. He deals with it by breathing and taking things one at a time. The issue of raising children is also addressed. Lloyd says he helped his sister raise their son. And that got him thinking about his own son who couldn't make it into this world. The woman who was pregnant with Lloyd's child decided to abort the child. Lloyd was against it, but he had to respect his decision. That pain at the loss of his son never left him and is revealed in this song that carries him to this day. Also, Lloyd himself didn't have a father around. So it only makes sense that he would want to raise his son and be a father that couldn't be for him. This contextual detail from her childhood adds to the emotion behind this song.
What does the bridge mean?
“I look up to heaven Lord, why am I crying?
When no one is looking, that pain is to blame
Also caused by the shame of this fame that has been bestowed upon me
My pride doesn't let me hide my true feelings
'Cause I can only be real
'Cause I can only be real"
At the bridge of the song we realize that Lloyd is really vulnerable. He often looks at the sky and cries. In his interview, he talked about how he was always crying inside because he had no support. His father didn't teach him how to deal with pain since he was never around. He had to harden himself and endure everything alone. He also mentions how tough he has to be because of his fame and identity as a hip hop figure. However, he realizes that it can only be real. He too must show this side of himself to the world.
Diploma
All in all it's an incredible song that tells the pain and struggles of a very important figure in hip hop. Lloyd really breaks taboos by opening up about his desire to conceive his child by miscarrying. Most hip-hop artists don't address such emotionally deep and uplifting themes. Lloyd is one of the few who have shown the courage to do so.