The common misconception surrounding this song is that it's theme is centered upon Jay-Z dusting off a haters comments by 'brushing his shoulders off'. Even our great 44th President of these United States has fallen prey to this false interpretation during his campaign:
However, what Jay-Z's infamous song is about is not the bravado and general flossin' that many take it to be, instead Jay-Z is speaking of finding his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the sacrament of Baptism which was his coronation into the Christian world. Therefore, 'Dirt Off Your Shoulder' is one of the greatest religious pieces ever written as it speaks directly to the power of baptism to cleanse an individual of original sin, the proverbial 'dirt' that remains on everyone's shoulders.
When one examines this powerful song word by word, line by line, bar by bar it becomes obvious what Jigga Man's intent was. Let's begin.
Right from the start it's apparent that the Jigga Man is speaking about the Most High as he claims to be 'locked by the force' which sets up the rest of the song as a dedication to his new found Lord and Savior. This song has all the tell tale signs of a born again Christian. This is especially apparent in the first verse with lines such as:
Came from the bottom the bottom, the top of the pots/ Nigga London, Japan and I'm straight off the blocks/ Like a running back get it man I'm straight off the block/ I can run it back nigga cause I'm straight with the Roc.
This line is also constantly misconstrued as many tend to believe Jay is using the term 'block' in the typical sense as a place in impoverished communities where people sell drugs and perform other elicit activities. The truth is that Jay-Z is making a reference to Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ upon which the Church was founded. When Shaun Carter says he is 'straight off the block' he is referencing the house of the Lord and spreading the word through missionary trips to distant lands. This also applies to the term 'Roc', which many believe to be a reference to Jay-Z's now former record label Rocafella Records. Instead, this is once again a reference to the Church. As anyone who has had that original sin brushed off their shoulder can tell you, it is a joyous occasion that one wants to share with every person ever regardless of the other persons wants, needs or beliefs. Once you have been saved, nothing will stop you from saving the souls of others. In Jay's case, he has the means to travel all over the world to spread the good word.
Another generally misconstrued line is as follows:
Feelin' no remorse feelin' like my hand was forced
Middle finger to the law nigga grippin' my balls
Many look at this and say: How vulgar, this is devil music! On the contrary, this is Jay-Z condemning the sinful secular society that surrounds him in America. He once again references the divine 'force' and claims that despite our Godless societies best efforts, he will be 'feelin' no remorse' for his Baptism. The secular nature of American society is clear evidence of Satan himself attempting to turn America, the worlds foremost power, into his kingdom on Earth. Jay-Z offers a brazen retort to the Satanist America by 'gripping his balls', a sign that he plans to have limitless children with his wife Beyonce, a typical characteristic of the born-again Christian.
Now if all of this wasn't evidence enough, just take a look at Jay-Z's supposed retirement following The Black Album. He walks away on top to fulfill his duties to his Lord and Savior, but as with most fundamentalist Christians, he can't walk away forever and comes back years later claiming the game still needs him. And need him it does as there are still plenty-a-souls that need saving.
