Unequivocally–Hiss by Megan the Stallion has been the talk of the town (social media). While I have no stake in the rap beef or stan wars particularly, I am infinitely biased toward the HBCU graduate Megan. Yes, I am going to champion her and say her name.

But I would be remised if I did not tell you all that she wrote Hiss just for me! For that, Megan, I thank you. There is nothing more beautiful to the ears than a lil’ nasty cussin’ as our Southern matriarchs would say–coupled with a bussin’ beat and some amazing play on soliloquies, euphemisms, similes, hyperboles, onomatopoeia, and other literary devices. Two claps and a strike (Rattler) for the English 1101 and 1102 skills at use!

Any who, what delighted me most beyond subliminal and passive-aggressive leave-it-out-there-in-the-air punches, was the therapy behind the song. It is no secret that Megan had a tumultuous year or two (or three). In Cobra, the previous single, we vividly hear her read herself and address her lived experiences. Then comes Hiss–speaking truth to power during a moment in time when people who inflicted or contributed to her pain had an opportunity to open an envelope that was not addressed. Like many Black women, she published this song to liberate herself and speak her reality. For some listeners like me, who are not solely interested in popular culture antics, she told my story too (or at least my feelings and thoughts).

The beauty of working in public service and leading social organizations is the ability to be polished like a pearl in an oyster shell and tried through the fire like Daenerys Targaryen during Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre.  Bureaucracy teaches pageantry. As Phylicia Rashad once said “Sit up straight. Rise. Greet me.” One must always maintain their poise, tone, and grace, and showcase whole intentional emotional intelligence. Even Jackie Kennedy symbolized grace under fire amidst her husband being accused of having an affair with one of Hollywood’s elite during their marriage as well as publicly mourning him after his assassination.

These are the things that filter through my thoughts during conflict or conversation… Keep it together. And then at times, I hear Professor X speaking to Jean Grey (Phoenix) saying “Unleash your power, Jean! Let go!”

Slander happens, libel exists, salacious lies come about, and hideous gossip may happen. But separating personal indulgences from duty must take precedence. Like Megan, I too understand that. Hiss presented a vicarious response to our development in a social world where jealousy thrives and general human relations where everyone will not like your gift-making room for you. The difference between us is that her platform’s culture is a proponent of storytelling, often by any means necessary. Whereas mine is one structured towards living enshrined standards and decorum. In that, I must curtsy out of respect and celebration of Hiss for being all things that I cannot exist as, say, or do because of tradition.

However, Megan the Stallion, wrote this to remind me that it is perfectly “ok” to get it off your chest and Ariana Grande followed up with “say it with your chest.” From The Crown, we learn to not address all things. Some things you must speak about in support of the Commonwealth’s morale. And from public relations, we take that all things should not be addressed because silence is the best answer. There still comes a time for your well-being that you must get it out.

Megan, like a snake, has shed her skin and is on the hunt. Like a caterpillar, I am embracing exiting my cocoon once transformed into a butterfly. Until then, Hiss is a sensational and symbolic lick back for the silence endured from self-inflected wounds that folks refuse to lick and heal from like a dog would a cut. The value of the song is centered on expression and release. Using artistry and passion can heal. For me, that is writing. It’s creating. It’s speaking prophetic life through words and prayer. All linking back to language and our use of it.

So exactly what are you trying to say? I am simply saying that Megan said it for me. Yep. Everything she said. You just cannot say that I said it.

Megan, Megan, Megan ­– thank you for connecting and meticulously using each word to fight an unseen battle to your eye connected to others’ barriers. For this, we thank you!

Image: YouTube