"Ni--as in Paris" (CD Single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Rap titans brag about money, girls, fame in explicit tune.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that "Ni--as in Paris" is an explicit rap tune, with tons of profanity ("f--k," "s--t," the "N" word) and mentions of drinking, drugs, and casual sexual encounters. The song is also extremely heavy on the swagger, with much of the point being for Kanye West and Jay-Z to brag about how many brand-name items they have or famous people they know. The track is OK for older teens but isn't intended for kids and tweens.

  • The song is about bragging about how much money and fame you have and how many girls and material things you get.
  • The song emphasizes materialism, substance use, and casual sexual behavior.
  • Not applicable.
  • Some semi-steamy lyrics, like: "Come and meet me in the bathroom stall / And show me why you deserve to have it all."
     
  • Plenty of "motherf--ker," "s--t," "bitch," and the "N" word. 
  • Gucci, Louis Vuitton, New Jersey Nets, Michael Jackson, Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, Maison Martin Margiela.
  • Talk of getting "faded" by consuming alcohol for "six days" and a line about "what's drugs, my dealer?"

What's the story?

"NI--AS IN PARIS" is a single from the record Watch the Throne -- the first full-length album collaboration between rap titans Jay-Z and Kanye West. The single is a straight-up brag fest, with each artist taking turns talking about all the material things he has, "bitches" he has scored, and partying he has done.


Is it any good?

 

With an audio sample of Will Ferrell and Jon Heder from the movie Blades of Glory and an ironic synth beat, this single has a solidly tongue-in-cheek sound. Powerful deliveries from both Jay-Z and Kanye demonstrate once again why both of these artists are at the top of the rap game. Too bad the track is too mature for kids.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why two famous rappers would make this explicit and boastful song. What's the purpose? What else could they have rapped about?

  • Rap collaborations are a major trend; why do you think that is? Why might one rapper team up with another?


This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Teen, 17 years old
December 27, 2011
 
Good song just be mature
great song 14 and up

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2012
 
Extremely Catchy!
I loooveee this song! (especially the blades of glory parts. Its my favorite movie!!) I know all the words! hehe!

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
March 10, 2012
 
its ok, i guess
its actually a pretty good song, the language is not continuous and unnecessary and the beat is nice

Flag as inappropriate 
Adult
March 4, 2012
 
Its Ok
Jay Z and Kanye sing about f**king people; that is the word they use. Also 4 uses of n**ga, 4 uses of b*tch, several uses of f**k, and s**t.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Artists:Jay-Z, Kanye West
Type:Single
Release date:November 12, 2011
Label:Roc-A-Fella
Genre:Rap
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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