As he did on "The College Dropout" (2004), West opted to take rap lyricism in a different direction by exploring ideas beyond the gangsta lifestyle and attitude dominant in mainstream hip-hop at the time. While some of "Late Registration" was celebratory, the understated opener is one of the songs that follow a contemplative political path. "Heard 'Em Say" is one of many pop-oriented songs from the album that represent a scope of human experience, containing political rage and underpinning personal trauma. Atop a spare, compulsive backing track, West delivers lyrics which take a dissective view of American life. The song is conceptually written from the perspective of a downtrodden citizen dealing with the ills of society, religion and government. On "Heard 'Em Say," West laments the socioeconomical issues besetting the African-American community while reminding listeners to appreciate the present. His rhymes illustrate the concept of anxious youth racked with lack of opportunities struggling against the overwhelming odds of society and the topical subject matter address a range of social issues, including minimum wage, AIDS, cigarettes, religion and police.