Meaning of “Almeda” by Solange Knowles (Ft. The-Dream and Playboi Carti)
Jessica Wood by SMF· Published · Updated
The title of this track is apparently a reference to the area of Houston, Texas where Solange Knowles grew up. And the primary purpose of the song is to serve as a shoutout to Black people in general. Thus Solange (alongside Carti in the chorus) uses the word “black” numerous times throughout as an adjective to describe traits that Black people possess in a positive light. For instance, she makes a comment alluding to the persistent faith of African-Americans. She also references physical characteristics of such people, such as the color of their skin and their preferred hairstyles.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();However, at other points the exact meaning of what she is trying to convey using “black” is unclear. This may be due to the fact that, as The-Dream insinuates in the refrain, this song is not to be taken seriously like that. But as aforementioned, the general vibe put forth is one of acknowledgment of the Black race.
Playboi begins his solo verse along these some lines also, of Black empowerment. However, it quickly transforms into a missive dedicated to his blingin’ jewelry. Yet he ends his verse by insinuating that his wealth has the potential to overpower him and questioning his own commitment to such, thus once again steering the song back along the line of being consciousness-driven instead of transforming it into something more mainstream.
In all, “Almeda” is a song whose primary focus is on Black empowerment. Among others, it praises the physical characteristics and culture of primarily African-Americans.
What is the meaning of “Florida Water” as used in the song?
Below is one of the most outstanding portions of the lyrics of “Almeda”:
“Black faith still can’t be washed away
Not even in that Florida water”
The Florida water Solange is referring to in the lyrics above is the famous Florida Water cologne, which is often regarded as the Eau de Cologne of America.
Besides being a cologne, many believe Florida Water to be a spiritually potent substance. It is for this reason it is commonly used for spiritual and religious stuff ranging from spiritual protection to blessing to healing. In the song, Solange apparently acknowledges the spiritual potency of Florida Water. She however, assures the world that regardless of how spiritually potent this substance is, it can never washed away “Black faith”. By “Black faith”, she is referring to the hope, strength and belief of the Black race in the face of struggles.
It is noteworthy to mention that during her appearance at the 2018 Met Gala, Solange brought along to the event a bottle of Florida water. It is still not exactly clear why she carried this “spiritual” water with her to the event.
Facts about “Almeda”
- “Almeda” was written by Solange and her collaborators: Playboi Carti and The-Dream.
- Solange co-produced this song with Pharrell Williams and and another producer named John Carroll Kirby.
- March 1, 2019 was the release date of “Almeda”.
- “Almeda” is the ninth track on Solange’s fourth studio album When I Get Home. With a length of 3:56, it is the longest track on the album.
- This song marked Solange’s first time working with Playboi Carti. However, this wasn’t the case for The-Dream. Solange and The-Dream had worked together a number of times before this song.
No. The album When I Get Home (which this track is on) was not preceded by any singles.
What is “Almeda”?
It is an area in Southwest Houston, in the U.S. State of Texas. FYI, Solange was also born in Houston, Texas.
