I believe the annotations on this are completely off. It seems like N.E.R.D takes on the perspective of a 17 year old “In Search Of…” success in something that they’re producing and trying to make work. I think the song works perfectly in terms of duality- it can be interpreted as (1) a 17 year old who’s addicted to drugs or (2) a 17 year old who is bullied at school and has nothing else to turn to but something that makes him “forget pain” and “makes you sing”. At the end of the song we see them confirm the duality of the song- he needs the change so that he can give his music to the world and promote change.

This works perfectly because a 17 year old pushing for something would often be oppressed by the way the world views their ambitions and dreams. At first glance it’s really easy to assume this song is only about cocaine, the same way at first glance it’s really easy to say that a 17 year old doesn’t carry the capacity to care enough to produce music that calls for a change. Also fits the album title, at this age they’re in search of success and a voice for change. All they need is cash to create the dream they envision.