At least two artists share the name Mac:

1) A rapper from New Orlean… Read Full Bio ↴At least two artists share the name Mac:

1) A rapper from New Orleans.
2) MAC was a short-lived 1980s Finnish rock group consisting of future Dingo members Neumann, Pepe Laaksonen, Jari-Pekka Laaksonen and Jarkko Eve. The group released only two singles in 1981 before splitting up in 1982. After Dingo split up in 1986, three of the four MAC members continued to form just as short-lived a group S.E.X. in 1987.

1) Mac is a rapper from New Orleans' third ward who was one of the most critically acclaimed artists on Master P's No Limit Records. In 2001 he was convicted of manslaughter charges even though he maintains his claim of innocence. He is currently serving a 30 year prison term.

He released his first album under the name Lil' Mac in 1989 at the age of 12, the "Lyrical Midget," receiving production from the then unknown producer Mannie Fresh. Mac would later join the Psychoward, a New Orleans group consisting (at the time) of more than 25 MCs. Psychoward is known (especially in the city) for having a sound that separates itself from the usual Bounce music and gangster/hustler lyrics that typifies most of the New Orleans rap scene, rather focusing on lyricism and a sound which could be described as a New Orleans Wu-Tang Clan. This made them favorites of local "hip hop heads" who often prefer this style to other local acts.

Mac's own debut on No Limit came with Shell Shocked, an album considered by many to be one of No Limit's best. Mac gained a reputation as one of the south's best lyricists. His lyrics display the somber realism and maturity that is a mainstay in much of Southern Rap as well as the lyrical dexterity of his East Coast counterparts. This album also followed the typical No Limit album formula: the deep, introspective tracks mixed in with up-tempo tracks, and a heavy presence of guest features from No Limit labelmates. His next album, World War III, came on the "downslope" of No Limit's fame. It came after Beats By the Pound, No Limit's in-house production team who are often credited with making No Limit the empire it was, left the label over purported money disputes, along with much of No Limit's roster. This may have been a blessing in disguise though, as Mac's lyrical skill was allowed to shine through on production more suited to his style. This album is also more introspective than his previous effort.

Empire
Mac Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

New York, open your eyes to me
Let me be what I want to be
Tell me, tell me it's not too late

Big Apple, takin' a bite of me
Whole world movin' below my feet
Not like, not like we do in L.A.

New York, make me a part of you
Straight, straight through the heart of you
Tell me, tell me it's not too late

Flying high on the empire state
Flying high on the empire state

New York, watch me burn ya down
Straight, straight through the heart of town
Tell me, tell me I'm not too late

Big Apple, takin' a bite of me
Whole world movin' below my feet
Not like, not like we do in L.A

Flying high on the empire state
Flying high on the empire state

Overall Meaning

The song "Empire" by Mac is an ode to the city of New York and a nostalgic longing to be a part of it. The first verse opens with a plea to the city to accept the singer for who they want to be, rather than who they are perceived to be. The second verse highlights the contrast between New York and Los Angeles, with New York being portrayed as a place of opportunity and excitement.

The chorus, "Flying high on the empire state," describes the singer's feeling of being on top of the world while in New York, specifically on top of the Empire State Building. The bridge of the song takes a darker turn, as the singer declares their intention to "burn down" the city and become a part of it in a more destructive way.

Overall, "Empire" is a song that romanticizes the city of New York and the possibilities that it presents, while also acknowledging the darker side of city life.

Line by Line Meaning

New York, open your eyes to me
I want New York to acknowledge me and see who I truly am

Let me be what I want to be
I want the freedom to be myself, to follow my dreams, and to pursue my passions

Tell me, tell me it's not too late
I'm hoping that it's not too late for me to achieve my goals and live the life I want

Big Apple, takin' a bite of me
New York City is overwhelming, but I can handle it

Whole world movin' below my feet
I feel like everything and everyone is moving forward without me, but I'm determined to keep up

Not like, not like we do in L.A.
New York is different from Los Angeles, but I prefer the energy and the pace here

New York, make me a part of you
I want to become a part of the city, to be accepted and embraced by its culture and people

Straight, straight through the heart of you
I want to be deeply connected to New York, to understand its essence and its history

Flying high on the empire state
I'm reaching for my dreams and aspirations, with the iconic Empire State Building as my symbol of achievement

Flying high on the empire state
I'm determined to succeed and soar to new heights, like the Empire State Building

New York, watch me burn ya down
I'm not afraid to take on New York and make it my own

Straight, straight through the heart of town
I want to dive deep into New York's culture, neighborhoods, and people, and truly experience the city

Tell me, tell me I'm not too late
I need reassurance that it's not too late for me to succeed, to change, and to find my place in the world

Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lindsey Buckingham, Richard Dashut

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS