MOST KINGS.
Back to Lyrics 1. This is no shot at Big or Pac. The truth is that you can't compare us; Big only did two albums before he was killed, and Pac was still going through metamorphosis; who knows where he would've ended up. So when people make the comparison-as they always do-they're comparing my work not just with the work of Big and Pac, but with what they could've been-should've been-and what their lives and deaths represented to the entire culture. Their shadows still loom over all of us who were their peers. This is no shot at Big or Pac. The truth is that you can't compare us; Big only did two albums before he was killed, and Pac was still going through metamorphosis; who knows where he would've ended up. So when people make the comparison-as they always do-they're comparing my work not just with the work of Big and Pac, but with what they could've been-should've been-and what their lives and deaths represented to the entire culture. Their shadows still loom over all of us who were their peers.
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2. I wanted to conjure an image here: someone kneeling, first to accept the honor of being knighted, and then being beheaded with the same sword, the posture of honor transformed to one of execution. I wanted to conjure an image here: someone kneeling, first to accept the honor of being knighted, and then being beheaded with the same sword, the posture of honor transformed to one of execution.3. I wrote this before MJ died, and his death only proves my point: When he was alive, the King of Pop, people were tireless in taking him down, accepting as truth every accusation people made against him, assuming the worst until they drove him away. When he died, suddenly he was beloved again-people realized that the charges against him might really have been bogus, and that the skin lightening was really caused by a disease, and that his weirdness was part of his artistry. But when he was alive and on top, they couldn't wait to bring him down. (In my opinion sharing sleeping quarters with other people's kids is inappropriate, to keep it real.) I wrote this before MJ died, and his death only proves my point: When he was alive, the King of Pop, people were tireless in taking him down, accepting as truth every accusation people made against him, assuming the worst until they drove him away. When he died, suddenly he was beloved again-people realized that the charges against him might really have been bogus, and that the skin lightening was really caused by a disease, and that his weirdness was part of his artistry. But when he was alive and on top, they couldn't wait to bring him down. (In my opinion sharing sleeping quarters with other people's kids is inappropriate, to keep it real.) [image]
4. Jesus and Caesar were both killed by people close to them, traitors. Jesus and Caesar were both killed by people close to them, traitors.5. A reference to KRS-One and Just-Ice's eighties classic "Moshitup." A reference to KRS-One and Just-Ice's eighties classic "Moshitup." Buddy-bye-bye! Buddy-bye-bye!6. Bobby then was a young star when he was known for his hit record "Every Little Step"; Bobby now is better known for the hit reality series, Bobby then was a young star when he was known for his hit record "Every Little Step"; Bobby now is better known for the hit reality series, Being Bobby Brown, Being Bobby Brown, a cautionary tale about how it can all slip away. a cautionary tale about how it can all slip away.7. Shout-out to Alfred, Lord Tennyson: "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all." Shout-out to Alfred, Lord Tennyson: "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all."8. Here I'm playing with "king" and King-Martin Luther King, who was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Here I'm playing with "king" and King-Martin Luther King, who was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.9. Malcolm was distracted by screams before he was shot-a man shouted, "Nigger get your hands outta my pockets," and then the fatal shots rang out. Malcolm was distracted by screams before he was shot-a man shouted, "Nigger get your hands outta my pockets," and then the fatal shots rang out.10. Kurt Cobain OD'd on heroin before committing suicide, but he also OD'd on fame. Cobain was like Basquiat: They both wanted to be famous, and were brilliant enough to make it happen. But then what? Drug addicts kill themselves trying to get that feeling they got from their first high, looking for an experience they'll never get again. In his suicide note, Cobain asked himself, "Why don't you just enjoy it?" and then answered, "I don't know!" It's amazing how much of a mindfuck success can be. Kurt Cobain OD'd on heroin before committing suicide, but he also OD'd on fame. Cobain was like Basquiat: They both wanted to be famous, and were brilliant enough to make it happen. But then what? Drug addicts kill themselves trying to get that feeling they got from their first high, looking for an experience they'll never get again. In his suicide note, Cobain asked himself, "Why don't you just enjoy it?" and then answered, "I don't know!" It's amazing how much of a mindfuck success can be.
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11. You have to lift the drawbridge of your life once you get famous to keep outsiders outside-whether they're new hangers-on just trying to exploit you, or, like in the streets, they might literally wake you up with a gun to your nose, trying to take your shit. But the "inner sanctum" isn't just your physical home, it's the inner chamber of your life and identity, the place where you protect your essential self. If invaders break in there, you're finished. You have to lift the drawbridge of your life once you get famous to keep outsiders outside-whether they're new hangers-on just trying to exploit you, or, like in the streets, they might literally wake you up with a gun to your nose, trying to take your shit. But the "inner sanctum" isn't just your physical home, it's the inner chamber of your life and identity, the place where you protect your essential self. If invaders break in there, you're finished.
SUCCESS / FEATURING NAS.
Back to Lyrics 1. This is a reference to Eminem's "I'm Back": This is a reference to Eminem's "I'm Back": What do I think of success? It sucks too much press I'm stressed. What do I think of success? It sucks too much press I'm stressed.2. This refers to old friends on the street and in the rap game who still think of me as their sidekick or protege, or the little nigga they put on. At one point that's maybe who I was-but then my nuts dropped and I became my own man. And that happened a long time ago. This refers to old friends on the street and in the rap game who still think of me as their sidekick or protege, or the little nigga they put on. At one point that's maybe who I was-but then my nuts dropped and I became my own man. And that happened a long time ago.3. Another reference to finishing breakfast, as in "Public Service Announcement," which connects with the "appetite for destruction" and "small fry" in the next line. Another reference to finishing breakfast, as in "Public Service Announcement," which connects with the "appetite for destruction" and "small fry" in the next line.
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4. I went to such a visceral image here because I was trying to make a point: In America-and in hip-hop-success is supposed to be about accumulation and consumption. But the finest meal ends up as shit, which is a great metaphor for the fact that consumption's flip side is decay and waste, and what's left behind is emptiness. Empty apartments, empty stomach, unused objects. Which isn't to say I don't like buying things and eating nice meals as much as the next person (okay, maybe even more), but success has to mean something beyond that. I went to such a visceral image here because I was trying to make a point: In America-and in hip-hop-success is supposed to be about accumulation and consumption. But the finest meal ends up as shit, which is a great metaphor for the fact that consumption's flip side is decay and waste, and what's left behind is emptiness. Empty apartments, empty stomach, unused objects. Which isn't to say I don't like buying things and eating nice meals as much as the next person (okay, maybe even more), but success has to mean something beyond that.
RENEGADE / FEATURING EMINEM.
Back to Lyrics 1. Eminem produced this song and came up with the concept, which was to attack the mistaken perceptions people had of him. By the time I got my hands on it, he'd already recorded his verse, which is absolutely fucking brilliant, in his lyrical concepts and rhyme schemes- Eminem produced this song and came up with the concept, which was to attack the mistaken perceptions people had of him. By the time I got my hands on it, he'd already recorded his verse, which is absolutely fucking brilliant, in his lyrical concepts and rhyme schemes-go to war with the Mormons, take a bath with the Catholics / in holy water it's no wonder they try to hold me under longer-and in his ridiculous flow-now I'm debated disputed hated and viewed in America / as a motherfuckin drug addict, like you didn't experiment. "Renegade" appeared on the "Renegade" appeared on the Blueprint Blueprint album, which I intended to be spare and personal and soulful; Em's verses here are the only guest appearance on the album. album, which I intended to be spare and personal and soulful; Em's verses here are the only guest appearance on the album.2. This is directed at critics who only listen to the songs that fulfill their preconceived expectations-the "bling bling" in the background summarizes their usual complaint about my music. This is directed at critics who only listen to the songs that fulfill their preconceived expectations-the "bling bling" in the background summarizes their usual complaint about my music.3. This is one of the things that makes me-and all serious rappers-renegades: When we report the news, it doesn't sound the same as when you hear it from CNN. Most of us come from communities where people were just supposed to stay in their corners quietly, live and die without disturbing the master narrative of American society. Simply speaking our truths, which flew in the face of the American myth, made us rebels. This is one of the things that makes me-and all serious rappers-renegades: When we report the news, it doesn't sound the same as when you hear it from CNN. Most of us come from communities where people were just supposed to stay in their corners quietly, live and die without disturbing the master narrative of American society. Simply speaking our truths, which flew in the face of the American myth, made us rebels.4. The image of niggas "crouched over" is mean to show the other side of the usual street story-what happens when shit goes bad, the gun gets dropped, and you're the one on your knees. The image of niggas "crouched over" is mean to show the other side of the usual street story-what happens when shit goes bad, the gun gets dropped, and you're the one on your knees.5. Again, I'm talking about the flip side of the "Money, Cash, Hoes" type songs. Sex can knock you up and knock you down. Again, I'm talking about the flip side of the "Money, Cash, Hoes" type songs. Sex can knock you up and knock you down.6. The "jot it down" line is meant to show that I'm talking to a reporter, giving him my "ghetto point of view." The "jot it down" line is meant to show that I'm talking to a reporter, giving him my "ghetto point of view."
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7. Magazines, even hip-hop magazines, would reduce a song to a rating, a number of mics or stars or some other system. But I always wondered how they could try to pin down and attach a rating to music that was really helping people understand their own lives. I always thought that critics should factor in the truthfulness of the rhyme. Truth is a constraint. It's easy to make up a complete fantasy in a song. Trying to rhyme and be clever and witty and tell a coherent story or talk about a coherent concept and stick to something true about life is difficult. But it's that element of truth that makes the songs deeper than just entertainment, that make the music a light that can help people see their way through a hard life. Magazines, even hip-hop magazines, would reduce a song to a rating, a number of mics or stars or some other system. But I always wondered how they could try to pin down and attach a rating to music that was really helping people understand their own lives. I always thought that critics should factor in the truthfulness of the rhyme. Truth is a constraint. It's easy to make up a complete fantasy in a song. Trying to rhyme and be clever and witty and tell a coherent story or talk about a coherent concept and stick to something true about life is difficult. But it's that element of truth that makes the songs deeper than just entertainment, that make the music a light that can help people see their way through a hard life.8. This is meant both literally and figuratively-the critic I'm imagining here is a suit-and-tie sort of guy, who literally doesn't dress like me. But he also can't wear the life I've worn, and if he tried to step in my shoes, walk the streets I walked, he'd lose that tie and shirt, not just his clothes but the smug attitude they represent. This is meant both literally and figuratively-the critic I'm imagining here is a suit-and-tie sort of guy, who literally doesn't dress like me. But he also can't wear the life I've worn, and if he tried to step in my shoes, walk the streets I walked, he'd lose that tie and shirt, not just his clothes but the smug attitude they represent.9. Here's the dark side of hustling-actually, not the dark side, which has its own glamour, but the pathetic side of the young hustler's life: ashy knuckles, pockets full of lint, broke, can't pay rent. Here's the dark side of hustling-actually, not the dark side, which has its own glamour, but the pathetic side of the young hustler's life: ashy knuckles, pockets full of lint, broke, can't pay rent.10. It's when you take the hustler down a notch that you can start to relate to him, even if it's still complicated. The pocket that was once filled with lint is now filled with "hope"-which is what the crack is to this kid. It's contraband to the law and poisonous salvation to the crackhead, but to the hustler, it's a way out. It's when you take the hustler down a notch that you can start to relate to him, even if it's still complicated. The pocket that was once filled with lint is now filled with "hope"-which is what the crack is to this kid. It's contraband to the law and poisonous salvation to the crackhead, but to the hustler, it's a way out.11. Southpaw boxers are dangerous because they seem awkward to people used to boxing righthanders. It's a great metaphor for the way those of us from the hood were able to take on the world. We came at shit from a different angle, snuck up on people, surprised them. We turned the thing that made us outcasts into our advantage. Southpaw boxers are dangerous because they seem awkward to people used to boxing righthanders. It's a great metaphor for the way those of us from the hood were able to take on the world. We came at shit from a different angle, snuck up on people, surprised them. We turned the thing that made us outcasts into our advantage.12. Of course, my mother didn't want me on the streets, but it was hard to argue with a young kid who's actually contributing to a household that's stretched thin, even if he's into some dangerous shit to do it. Of course, my mother didn't want me on the streets, but it was hard to argue with a young kid who's actually contributing to a household that's stretched thin, even if he's into some dangerous shit to do it.13. I didn't have much of a childhood. By the time I was a teenager, I was living in another city, far from home, working. I didn't have much of a childhood. By the time I was a teenager, I was living in another city, far from home, working.14. After so much of the song is about stripping the life of any sense of glamour and pointing out the real life of the kid in the ghetto, I turn it around to a defiant, triumphant note with this series of raises: raising green up (making money), raising my middle finger to the critics who don't get it, and raising my face to the sky to talk to my nigga Big. After so much of the song is about stripping the life of any sense of glamour and pointing out the real life of the kid in the ghetto, I turn it around to a defiant, triumphant note with this series of raises: raising green up (making money), raising my middle finger to the critics who don't get it, and raising my face to the sky to talk to my nigga Big.15. This was a conversation Big and I had many times before he died. He wanted for me to see what it was like to be at the multiplatinum level, performing in big arenas. The promise appeared in a song I did with him called "Young G's": This was a conversation Big and I had many times before he died. He wanted for me to see what it was like to be at the multiplatinum level, performing in big arenas. The promise appeared in a song I did with him called "Young G's": And I told my nigga Big I'd be multi before I die / It's gonna happen whether rappin or clappin have it your way. And I told my nigga Big I'd be multi before I die / It's gonna happen whether rappin or clappin have it your way.16. I love this concept: Instead of being forced into a fucked up choice where you lose either way, choose your own path. The fork in the road I was presented with was either having those pockets full of lint, or pockets full of dope. I went straight-stopped selling drugs-but I also didn't accept the false choice between poverty and breaking the law. I found my own way through and with my music, I try to help others see their way through it, too. I love this concept: Instead of being forced into a fucked up choice where you lose either way, choose your own path. The fork in the road I was presented with was either having those pockets full of lint, or pockets full of dope. I went straight-stopped selling drugs-but I also didn't accept the false choice between poverty and breaking the law. I found my own way through and with my music, I try to help others see their way through it, too.
CAN I LIVE?.
Back to Lyrics 1. Hopelessness and desperation is what you're supposed to feel in poverty. The drive to escape that hopelessness is, for the hustler, the same thing that drives a drug addict to get high-a need to escape. So here, and in other rhymes, I'm identifying with addicts. An addict doubles down on his pain, and like the hustler feels death or jail couldn't be much worse than the pain of poverty. So when we come to the table to gamble, it's with our very lives. Hopelessness and desperation is what you're supposed to feel in poverty. The drive to escape that hopelessness is, for the hustler, the same thing that drives a drug addict to get high-a need to escape. So here, and in other rhymes, I'm identifying with addicts. An addict doubles down on his pain, and like the hustler feels death or jail couldn't be much worse than the pain of poverty. So when we come to the table to gamble, it's with our very lives.2. In this line I turn a noun, In this line I turn a noun, bread bread (meaning "money"), into a verb, (meaning "money"), into a verb, toast toast (meaning "shoot"), which draws out the relationship between money and danger. (meaning "shoot"), which draws out the relationship between money and danger.3. Sleeplessness, weariness, and adrenaline are symptoms of paranoia, of engaging in illegal activity in plain sight. "Four fiends away" indicates the distance between me and the street-level action. The implication is that I'm a boss, to some degree buffered from low-level workers who can be easily urged to cooperate with authorities. Sleeplessness, weariness, and adrenaline are symptoms of paranoia, of engaging in illegal activity in plain sight. "Four fiends away" indicates the distance between me and the street-level action. The implication is that I'm a boss, to some degree buffered from low-level workers who can be easily urged to cooperate with authorities.4. The pain of a drug addict is visible. You may or may not have sympathy for him, but he's wearing his pain. The hustler has armor-money, ambition-that makes his pain less visible, less "quick to see." But just like a drug addict's "brain on drugs" the hustler's brain is similarly fried, preparing for inevitable rainy days (precipitation), planning takeovers, stacking and climbing. The "hardly" is an admission that while the intention is to stack, the reality is often the spending. The pain of a drug addict is visible. You may or may not have sympathy for him, but he's wearing his pain. The hustler has armor-money, ambition-that makes his pain less visible, less "quick to see." But just like a drug addict's "brain on drugs" the hustler's brain is similarly fried, preparing for inevitable rainy days (precipitation), planning takeovers, stacking and climbing. The "hardly" is an admission that while the intention is to stack, the reality is often the spending.5. Rayful Edmond was a major hustler who appeared on the news coming out of his own helicopter. Rayful Edmond was a major hustler who appeared on the news coming out of his own helicopter.6. This line, "I'd rather die enormous than live dormant," resonates deeply with my listeners. It's a take on the "Live Free or Die Trying," "Liberty or Death" spirit that's woven into the fabric of what it means to be American. But it's also about great ambition, and the alternative, which is stagnation. The risk is death, so the reward should have equal gravity, a life lived to the fullest. This line, "I'd rather die enormous than live dormant," resonates deeply with my listeners. It's a take on the "Live Free or Die Trying," "Liberty or Death" spirit that's woven into the fabric of what it means to be American. But it's also about great ambition, and the alternative, which is stagnation. The risk is death, so the reward should have equal gravity, a life lived to the fullest.7. "The main event" refers to the reward, the spoils, and, literally, a fight in Vegas. But main event could mean life as much as it means a staged fight. Presidential suites is that Big Willy all grown up-call him William. "The main event" refers to the reward, the spoils, and, literally, a fight in Vegas. But main event could mean life as much as it means a staged fight. Presidential suites is that Big Willy all grown up-call him William.8. "Sick thoughts that circle" is about the interior of my mind. Constantly checking thoughts, separating what's real from what's fear and paranoia, what's a part of the plan and what's reckless. Before I learned the Law of Attraction I was aware of the power of my thoughts, staying focused, weeding out thoughts that sabotage. "Sick thoughts that circle" is about the interior of my mind. Constantly checking thoughts, separating what's real from what's fear and paranoia, what's a part of the plan and what's reckless. Before I learned the Law of Attraction I was aware of the power of my thoughts, staying focused, weeding out thoughts that sabotage.9. "Immunity" is a shot at white-collar criminals who are as outside of the law as my crew, but it's also about taking reckless risks that lead to material acquisitions, which were also reckless. Advising to buy a car rather than lease one speaks to my naivete at the time. Cars lose value the minute they leave the lot. "Immunity" is a shot at white-collar criminals who are as outside of the law as my crew, but it's also about taking reckless risks that lead to material acquisitions, which were also reckless. Advising to buy a car rather than lease one speaks to my naivete at the time. Cars lose value the minute they leave the lot.10. The Buddhist reference is about stillness, a break from the spending and buying, a retreat to reveal my ultimate goals. The Buddhist reference is about stillness, a break from the spending and buying, a retreat to reveal my ultimate goals.
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11. The CBS television network's logo is a single open eye. The CBS television network's logo is a single open eye.
FALLIN' / FEATURING BILAL Back to Lyrics 1. "That" is ambiguous here. The context shows that it refers to the drug game, and of course this is on the "That" is ambiguous here. The context shows that it refers to the drug game, and of course this is on the American Gangster American Gangster album, which was inspired by Frank Lucas's rise and fall as a drug kingpin. But it can refer to anything we do that we know, even while we're doing it, will end badly. album, which was inspired by Frank Lucas's rise and fall as a drug kingpin. But it can refer to anything we do that we know, even while we're doing it, will end badly.2. A brick is a serious entry-level weight, a nice score, but not necessarily a lifetime commitment to the Game. A brick is a serious entry-level weight, a nice score, but not necessarily a lifetime commitment to the Game.3. This is the kind of bogus negotiation people normally associate with drug This is the kind of bogus negotiation people normally associate with drug addicts, addicts, not drug dealers. The theme of this song is the similarity between the users and sellers; they're on opposite ends of the transaction, but are both addicted to a fix that they know will destroy them. not drug dealers. The theme of this song is the similarity between the users and sellers; they're on opposite ends of the transaction, but are both addicted to a fix that they know will destroy them.4. "Whips" are fast, expensive cars. It might seem redundant to say "new cars, new whips" but "whips" adds a layer of meaning and suggestion. For instance, you can make the connection between the word "whip" and the way lust for material items has become almost a slavemaster to the song's narrator, pushing him forward against his own better judgment. Or the way "whip" makes you feel the speed with which the narrator's game is rising. "Whips" are fast, expensive cars. It might seem redundant to say "new cars, new whips" but "whips" adds a layer of meaning and suggestion. For instance, you can make the connection between the word "whip" and the way lust for material items has become almost a slavemaster to the song's narrator, pushing him forward against his own better judgment. Or the way "whip" makes you feel the speed with which the narrator's game is rising.5. This is a play on the similarity between "ruthless" and "roofless," as in convertible. This is a play on the similarity between "ruthless" and "roofless," as in convertible.6. This is about how clear his view of the fight is, but also about how he sees the larger picture of life much clearer now, or thinks he does. This is about how clear his view of the fight is, but also about how he sees the larger picture of life much clearer now, or thinks he does.7. Reference to Nice & Smooth's "Funky for You": Reference to Nice & Smooth's "Funky for You": Dizzy Gillespie plays the sax / Me myself I love to max / Redbone booties I'm out to wax / Stick-up kids is out to tax. Dizzy Gillespie plays the sax / Me myself I love to max / Redbone booties I'm out to wax / Stick-up kids is out to tax. Dizzy Gillespie played the trumpet, but fuck it, it's a great rhyme. Premier sampled the line for the chorus of another hip-hop classic, Gang Starr's "Just to Get a Rep." Dizzy Gillespie played the trumpet, but fuck it, it's a great rhyme. Premier sampled the line for the chorus of another hip-hop classic, Gang Starr's "Just to Get a Rep."
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8. First, this conjures the image of agents in the back of an FBI van looking at their surveillance screen and applauding because you fucked up, and then morphs into the image of a crowd at a movie, yelling at the character on the screen who is about to fuck up. First, this conjures the image of agents in the back of an FBI van looking at their surveillance screen and applauding because you fucked up, and then morphs into the image of a crowd at a movie, yelling at the character on the screen who is about to fuck up.9. "Can't blow too hard" means you can't show off too much, or your whole life can tumble. "Can't blow too hard" means you can't show off too much, or your whole life can tumble.10. January is the coldest, darkest month of the year, which mirrors the hopeless feeling of being locked down and forgotten by the people on the outside. January is the coldest, darkest month of the year, which mirrors the hopeless feeling of being locked down and forgotten by the people on the outside.11. Commissary is the prison "store" where prisoners can buy basic items using an account that gets filled by people outside of prison. Commissary is the prison "store" where prisoners can buy basic items using an account that gets filled by people outside of prison.12. The prisoner's routine is heavy on exercises whose names are like a cruel joke. The prisoner's routine is heavy on exercises whose names are like a cruel joke.13. The cycle continues. The cycle continues.14. The implication is that the narrator dumped a good, self-sufficient woman-now getting a college degree-for "arm candy" that gets sweet on whoever's hot. The implication is that the narrator dumped a good, self-sufficient woman-now getting a college degree-for "arm candy" that gets sweet on whoever's hot.15. Now he's out of jail, but all he has to fall back on is empty boasting about his old life-problem is, no one gives a shit. It's like the old ballplayer telling the young boys about how nice he used to be, how he could've been a contender-but if you blew it, no one cares. Now he's out of jail, but all he has to fall back on is empty boasting about his old life-problem is, no one gives a shit. It's like the old ballplayer telling the young boys about how nice he used to be, how he could've been a contender-but if you blew it, no one cares.
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BIG PIMPIN' (EXTENDED) / FEATURING UGK Back to Lyrics 1. This is my take on a classic piece of pimpology, Pretty Tony's riff in the movie This is my take on a classic piece of pimpology, Pretty Tony's riff in the movie The Mack: The Mack: "Just like my hoes, I keep 'em broke. They wake up one morning with some money, they subject to go crazy. I keep 'em looking good, pretty and all that, but no dough." These lines have been referred to a lot in hip-hop-they were sampled completely by Ghostface Killah-but it's not meant to endorse actual pimping, that was never my thing. Pretty Tony's delivery is so slick, the slang is so dead-on, the exaggeration so outrageous, and the sentiment so pure and distilled, that as ridiculous as the words are, it still comes off real. It's fucked up and mesmerizing. It's also comedy. I was trying to get some of that feeling in this song. "Just like my hoes, I keep 'em broke. They wake up one morning with some money, they subject to go crazy. I keep 'em looking good, pretty and all that, but no dough." These lines have been referred to a lot in hip-hop-they were sampled completely by Ghostface Killah-but it's not meant to endorse actual pimping, that was never my thing. Pretty Tony's delivery is so slick, the slang is so dead-on, the exaggeration so outrageous, and the sentiment so pure and distilled, that as ridiculous as the words are, it still comes off real. It's fucked up and mesmerizing. It's also comedy. I was trying to get some of that feeling in this song.2. Here are two of the most selfish, least romantic ways to describe sex you can imagine: "need a nut" and "beat the guts." I was intentionally pushing it-the song is meant to be about pimpin, which is, by definition, selfish and unromantic-but this was also where my head was when I recorded the song. The truth is that when you reach a certain level of success, relationships between men and women can get really fucked up and start feeling like a raw transaction, with high levels of suspicion on both sides. Here are two of the most selfish, least romantic ways to describe sex you can imagine: "need a nut" and "beat the guts." I was intentionally pushing it-the song is meant to be about pimpin, which is, by definition, selfish and unromantic-but this was also where my head was when I recorded the song. The truth is that when you reach a certain level of success, relationships between men and women can get really fucked up and start feeling like a raw transaction, with high levels of suspicion on both sides.3. I like the way "fists in cuffs" sounds like "fisticuffs." It shows exactly how the song's narrator sees commitment, almost as an assault. I like the way "fists in cuffs" sounds like "fisticuffs." It shows exactly how the song's narrator sees commitment, almost as an assault.
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4. The irony here, of course, is that like most niggas who throw on the pimp act, I'd eventually give my heart to a woman. The irony here, of course, is that like most niggas who throw on the pimp act, I'd eventually give my heart to a woman.5. Another Another The Mack The Mack reference. reference.6. I was a longtime fan of UGK, and they killed their verses on this song. After Pimp C died, Bun B and I performed his verse together (along with about fifteen thousand people in the audience) at a show in Houston, their hometown. His short verse was a perfect eulogy for Pimp C-it was funny, outrageous, smart, and bouncey, and he didn't waste a single word: I was a longtime fan of UGK, and they killed their verses on this song. After Pimp C died, Bun B and I performed his verse together (along with about fifteen thousand people in the audience) at a show in Houston, their hometown. His short verse was a perfect eulogy for Pimp C-it was funny, outrageous, smart, and bouncey, and he didn't waste a single word: if I wasn't rapping baby / I would still be ridin Mercedes / coming down and sippin daily / no rest till whitey pay me. if I wasn't rapping baby / I would still be ridin Mercedes / coming down and sippin daily / no rest till whitey pay me.
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7. Blades = B.L.A.D.'s = rims. Blades = B.L.A.D.'s = rims.8. Even in a song about pushing pleasure to the limit, I can't help but make the connection between the "big pimpin" and the work that makes it possible-which takes us from the cars, women, and the alcohol, the sun, the mansion, and Carnival-and brings us back to the streets, the corner of the block, the coke, and the potential for a long prison bid hanging over me like a cloud. The recklessness of the pleasure-the selfish craziness of pimping-matches the recklessness of the work. Even in a song about pushing pleasure to the limit, I can't help but make the connection between the "big pimpin" and the work that makes it possible-which takes us from the cars, women, and the alcohol, the sun, the mansion, and Carnival-and brings us back to the streets, the corner of the block, the coke, and the potential for a long prison bid hanging over me like a cloud. The recklessness of the pleasure-the selfish craziness of pimping-matches the recklessness of the work.9. The girls bring us back from the grim reminder about the work, but not all the way. I've already made it clear that these are not girls that I'll have a relationship with, these are girls that I'll "thug, fuck, love, and leave," and these same girls, "laughin it up," are definitely not going to be holding me down if I do get caught out there. One way or another, in real life, the laughter is going to end. But not in this song. Here, the laughter is the last thing you hear, because this is a song about that moment of pleasure, not about consequences and regrets. But the tension of what comes next also lingers. The girls bring us back from the grim reminder about the work, but not all the way. I've already made it clear that these are not girls that I'll have a relationship with, these are girls that I'll "thug, fuck, love, and leave," and these same girls, "laughin it up," are definitely not going to be holding me down if I do get caught out there. One way or another, in real life, the laughter is going to end. But not in this song. Here, the laughter is the last thing you hear, because this is a song about that moment of pleasure, not about consequences and regrets. But the tension of what comes next also lingers.
STREETS IS WATCHING.
Back to Lyrics 1. This is one of my most often repeated lines. I'm describing asymmetrical warfare, where one side has much more to lose than the other side and it applies to all kinds of situations. This is one of my most often repeated lines. I'm describing asymmetrical warfare, where one side has much more to lose than the other side and it applies to all kinds of situations.2. This is a song all about paranoia. To be watched by the streets themselves, clocked by the block, means you're being watched by everyone and everything all the time, all looking for the slightest opening to come at you. This is a song all about paranoia. To be watched by the streets themselves, clocked by the block, means you're being watched by everyone and everything all the time, all looking for the slightest opening to come at you.
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3. To ignore the predatory streets is a quick way to get extorted-but in this case, I mean extorted for your time, your life, with a long prison sentence. To ignore the predatory streets is a quick way to get extorted-but in this case, I mean extorted for your time, your life, with a long prison sentence.4. "One in the drop" = one in the chamber. "One in the drop" = one in the chamber.5. Arms are frozen from "ice" (ice = diamonds, in this case, on a watch or bracelet), ironically the ice means I "can't chill." Arms are frozen from "ice" (ice = diamonds, in this case, on a watch or bracelet), ironically the ice means I "can't chill."6. The warm gun follows the frozen arms, and both mean that the gun is no longer being used-"you gotta keep your heat up." The warm gun follows the frozen arms, and both mean that the gun is no longer being used-"you gotta keep your heat up."7. A hazard in any successful business is that the one at the top gets relaxed-"feet up"-and becomes addicted to the sweet life, which marks him as weak to all the sharks circling below him. The funny thing about this is that even bullies-the ones who reach the top-can be soft and weak. As soon as they get exposed, it's a wrap. A hazard in any successful business is that the one at the top gets relaxed-"feet up"-and becomes addicted to the sweet life, which marks him as weak to all the sharks circling below him. The funny thing about this is that even bullies-the ones who reach the top-can be soft and weak. As soon as they get exposed, it's a wrap.8. A couple of deadly children's games. Getting tagged here is like a permanent game of freeze tag. And when they play "follow the leader," it's not out of obedience, but more like a predator tracking prey. A couple of deadly children's games. Getting tagged here is like a permanent game of freeze tag. And when they play "follow the leader," it's not out of obedience, but more like a predator tracking prey.9. More dangerous than the cats who want to kidnap you for dough are the killers just trying to make their reputations, because those are the ones you can't negotiate with; it's kill or be killed. More dangerous than the cats who want to kidnap you for dough are the killers just trying to make their reputations, because those are the ones you can't negotiate with; it's kill or be killed.10. The line really means that no matter if I'm actually on the streets or not, my mentality-"hustle harder"-is the same. The narrator of the song is the sort of high-level drug dealer who has to prove that he isn't sweet, even though he's not literally on the streets-he has to prove his street mentality to keep his credibility on the block. The line really means that no matter if I'm actually on the streets or not, my mentality-"hustle harder"-is the same. The narrator of the song is the sort of high-level drug dealer who has to prove that he isn't sweet, even though he's not literally on the streets-he has to prove his street mentality to keep his credibility on the block.11. This is a regular theme in gangster narratives, especially in hood stories. There have always been smart guys in the game who wanted to just focus on making money-to put all the gorilla shit to the side, all the thugging and stupid rivalries, and work together, because all the rest, the violence and animosity, actually hurt your money and create unnecessary collateral damage. These are the guys who thought you could run a criminal operation like a Fortune 500 company on some Stringer Bell shit. When I was in the streets, I was all about making money. I wasn't in it for the violence or making a rep and all that. But in the end, between the cops, the crazies, and the poison product, it's a fucked-up game, and it's hard to play it clean. This is a regular theme in gangster narratives, especially in hood stories. There have always been smart guys in the game who wanted to just focus on making money-to put all the gorilla shit to the side, all the thugging and stupid rivalries, and work together, because all the rest, the violence and animosity, actually hurt your money and create unnecessary collateral damage. These are the guys who thought you could run a criminal operation like a Fortune 500 company on some Stringer Bell shit. When I was in the streets, I was all about making money. I wasn't in it for the violence or making a rep and all that. But in the end, between the cops, the crazies, and the poison product, it's a fucked-up game, and it's hard to play it clean.12. The language tells the story: Even though I call my crew "staff," like it's a regular company, most staffs aren't made up of criminal defendants and corpses. The language tells the story: Even though I call my crew "staff," like it's a regular company, most staffs aren't made up of criminal defendants and corpses.13. Even when you find some "success," the paranoia and guilt tighten around you like a noose. Even when you find some "success," the paranoia and guilt tighten around you like a noose.14. I switch up here from a moment of conscience back to the practical details of the work. It's like the work has such a hold on me that it interrupts every other thought. I switch up here from a moment of conscience back to the practical details of the work. It's like the work has such a hold on me that it interrupts every other thought.15. This is based in reality. The last crew I worked with was largely incarcerated in a sweep that happened after I'd started moving into the rap game. This is based in reality. The last crew I worked with was largely incarcerated in a sweep that happened after I'd started moving into the rap game.16. It's a small thing, but it's rare that you'll hear a rhyme in the whole "crack rap" genre where the narrator acknowledges the damage to innocent people that occurs in the game. It's a small thing, but it's rare that you'll hear a rhyme in the whole "crack rap" genre where the narrator acknowledges the damage to innocent people that occurs in the game.17. In the end, I make it even more autobiographical by talking about my own transition from someone living the life to someone telling its stories in rhyme, where disagreements don't lead to death. In the end, I make it even more autobiographical by talking about my own transition from someone living the life to someone telling its stories in rhyme, where disagreements don't lead to death.
OPERATION CORPORATE TAKEOVER.
Back to Lyrics 1. Edgar Bronfmann is CEO of Warner Music Group, Doug Morris is CEO of Universal Music Group, Jimmy Iovine is head of Interscope, and Lyor Cohen, CEO of Recorded Music at Warner. Edgar Bronfmann is CEO of Warner Music Group, Doug Morris is CEO of Universal Music Group, Jimmy Iovine is head of Interscope, and Lyor Cohen, CEO of Recorded Music at Warner.
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2. When I did this freestyle, I was president of Def Jam, a gig I landed after being courted by Universal and Warner. The "makeover" wasn't just about rearranging the chairs. It was about changing the orientation and spirit of the business. That's what hip-hop has tried to do whenever it gets into the boardroom. It's not about sitting behind the same desks and doing work the same way as the people that preceded us. Our goal is to take what we've learned about the world from our lives-and what we've learned about integrity and success and fairness and competition-and use it to remake the corporate world. When I did this freestyle, I was president of Def Jam, a gig I landed after being courted by Universal and Warner. The "makeover" wasn't just about rearranging the chairs. It was about changing the orientation and spirit of the business. That's what hip-hop has tried to do whenever it gets into the boardroom. It's not about sitting behind the same desks and doing work the same way as the people that preceded us. Our goal is to take what we've learned about the world from our lives-and what we've learned about integrity and success and fairness and competition-and use it to remake the corporate world.3. "Superstition" is the Stevie Wonder classic, of course; "Superstition" is the Stevie Wonder classic, of course; The Writing's on the Wall The Writing's on the Wall was the name of the record album from Destiny's Child. was the name of the record album from Destiny's Child.4. In the song I keep talking about seeing it all before and it's true-not that I was prophetic, but that I always used visualization the way athletes do, to conjure reality. In the song I keep talking about seeing it all before and it's true-not that I was prophetic, but that I always used visualization the way athletes do, to conjure reality.5. "Face to the ceiling" and "knees on the floor" creates a simultaneous image of straining ambition and humble prayer and forces your mind to reconcile that contradiction. "Face to the ceiling" and "knees on the floor" creates a simultaneous image of straining ambition and humble prayer and forces your mind to reconcile that contradiction.6. This refers to the biblical verse about the meek inheriting the earth. If I'm Gordon Gekko in this life, do I sacrifice my place in heaven? This refers to the biblical verse about the meek inheriting the earth. If I'm Gordon Gekko in this life, do I sacrifice my place in heaven?7. I'm close to the cover physically-it's on the floor, just out of arm's reach-but also close to the cover in the sense of being nearly successful enough to be on the cover of the magazine. I'm close to the cover physically-it's on the floor, just out of arm's reach-but also close to the cover in the sense of being nearly successful enough to be on the cover of the magazine.8. Time Time had me in their "most influential" issue with builders and titans and "people you never heard of," the kind of wealthy industrialists who don't get on the covers of magazines but quietly run the world. had me in their "most influential" issue with builders and titans and "people you never heard of," the kind of wealthy industrialists who don't get on the covers of magazines but quietly run the world.9. Lots of business lingo piles up here. I'm turning the business world's terminology into the raw material for the rhyme. Lots of business lingo piles up here. I'm turning the business world's terminology into the raw material for the rhyme.10. This is an aggressive final image to make the point that I'm like a lot of people that came out of hip-hop-our ambition was never to just fit into the corporate mold, it was to take it over and remake that world in our image. This is an aggressive final image to make the point that I'm like a lot of people that came out of hip-hop-our ambition was never to just fit into the corporate mold, it was to take it over and remake that world in our image.
MOMENT OF CLARITY.
Back to Lyrics 1. The most famous lines in this song are about my philosophy of music and the tension between my commercial instincts and my instincts as an artist. But the first verse is all about my father. The most famous lines in this song are about my philosophy of music and the tension between my commercial instincts and my instincts as an artist. But the first verse is all about my father.2. After After Reasonable Doubt, Reasonable Doubt, my next three albums were called my next three albums were called Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and and Vol. 3, Vol. 3, with subtitles- with subtitles-In My Lifetime, Hard Knock Life, and and Life and Times of S. Carter. Life and Times of S. Carter. The The Volume Volume series was meant to emphasize the connection between the albums, that each was a continuation and expansion of the same basic story. series was meant to emphasize the connection between the albums, that each was a continuation and expansion of the same basic story.3. This sounds cold, but the truth is that my father left my family for good when I was young and didn't reenter my life until I was an adult. Three months after we had our first conversation in twenty years, he died. My mother had pushed for the meeting because she knew he didn't have long and she didn't want him to die with our issues still unresolved. So at the funeral I was more intrigued than devastated. This sounds cold, but the truth is that my father left my family for good when I was young and didn't reenter my life until I was an adult. Three months after we had our first conversation in twenty years, he died. My mother had pushed for the meeting because she knew he didn't have long and she didn't want him to die with our issues still unresolved. So at the funeral I was more intrigued than devastated.
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4. When I did finally see my father again and we stood face-to-face, it was like looking in a mirror. It made me wonder how someone could abandon a child who looked just like him. When I did finally see my father again and we stood face-to-face, it was like looking in a mirror. It made me wonder how someone could abandon a child who looked just like him.5. My father and I didn't have a lot of deep conversations before he died, but we did have one important one. When I first reconnected with him, I hit him with questions and he came back with answers until I realized nothing he could ever say would satisfy me or make sense of all the feelings I'd had since he turned his back on us. In the end, he broke down and apologized. And, somewhat to my surprise, I forgave him. My father and I didn't have a lot of deep conversations before he died, but we did have one important one. When I first reconnected with him, I hit him with questions and he came back with answers until I realized nothing he could ever say would satisfy me or make sense of all the feelings I'd had since he turned his back on us. In the end, he broke down and apologized. And, somewhat to my surprise, I forgave him.6. The death of my father's brother, my uncle Ray, changed everything for my pops. Ray was murdered outside of a crowded Brooklyn bar and everyone knew who did it, but the police didn't do anything about it. My dad swore revenge and became obsessed with hunting down Uncle Ray's killer. The tragedy-compounded by the injustice-drove him crazy, sent him to the bottle, and ultimately became a factor in the unraveling of my parents' marriage. As a kid, I didn't know all this. I had no idea that it was the death of his brother that undid my dad. When I found this out I realized that yeah, of course every father that bounced had a reason. I didn't excuse him for leaving his kids, but I started to understand. The death of my father's brother, my uncle Ray, changed everything for my pops. Ray was murdered outside of a crowded Brooklyn bar and everyone knew who did it, but the police didn't do anything about it. My dad swore revenge and became obsessed with hunting down Uncle Ray's killer. The tragedy-compounded by the injustice-drove him crazy, sent him to the bottle, and ultimately became a factor in the unraveling of my parents' marriage. As a kid, I didn't know all this. I had no idea that it was the death of his brother that undid my dad. When I found this out I realized that yeah, of course every father that bounced had a reason. I didn't excuse him for leaving his kids, but I started to understand.7. Although this verse starts off on a cold note-I seem indifferent and even smirking about his death-that's only me being honest. I didn't cry. I didn't know him that well. But at the same time, it was so important that we did meet up before he died. It was important for me to hear him say he was sorry and for me to hear myself say, "I forgive you." It changed my life, really. I wish every kid who grew up like me could have the same chance to confront the fathers who left them, not just so they can lay out their anger, but so they can, in the end, let that anger go. That anger still stunts so many of us. Although this verse starts off on a cold note-I seem indifferent and even smirking about his death-that's only me being honest. I didn't cry. I didn't know him that well. But at the same time, it was so important that we did meet up before he died. It was important for me to hear him say he was sorry and for me to hear myself say, "I forgive you." It changed my life, really. I wish every kid who grew up like me could have the same chance to confront the fathers who left them, not just so they can lay out their anger, but so they can, in the end, let that anger go. That anger still stunts so many of us.8. I was lucky in some ways to have come into the game on my own two feet-along with my partners Biggs and Dame-and not because the industry wanted to make me the flavor of the month and then throw me away. I was lucky in some ways to have come into the game on my own two feet-along with my partners Biggs and Dame-and not because the industry wanted to make me the flavor of the month and then throw me away.9. I love that this has become such a popular line for people to riff off of in hip-hop-Lupe Fiasco did a great song called "Dumb It Down" that brought the whole thing full circle, for example-since the point of the line was to provoke conversation. I love that this has become such a popular line for people to riff off of in hip-hop-Lupe Fiasco did a great song called "Dumb It Down" that brought the whole thing full circle, for example-since the point of the line was to provoke conversation.10. Kweli is a great MC-as is Common-and they've both carved out impressive careers without big records. They're great technical MCs, but there is a difference between being a great technician and a great songwriter. I deeply respect their craft, but even the most dazzling lyrical display won't translate to a wide audience unless it's matched with a big song. Kweli is a great MC-as is Common-and they've both carved out impressive careers without big records. They're great technical MCs, but there is a difference between being a great technician and a great songwriter. I deeply respect their craft, but even the most dazzling lyrical display won't translate to a wide audience unless it's matched with a big song.11. This whole lyric is overstated-and I love Common-but I'm trying to make a point. I didn't come into the rap game just to enjoy my own rhymes; I could've done that by myself in my house with my tape recorder. I came into the music business to reach as many people as possible-and to get paid. This whole lyric is overstated-and I love Common-but I'm trying to make a point. I didn't come into the rap game just to enjoy my own rhymes; I could've done that by myself in my house with my tape recorder. I came into the music business to reach as many people as possible-and to get paid.12. I use "sense" or "since" six times in the preceding nine lines, alternating between them, a technical flourish that works as its own commentary. I use "sense" or "since" six times in the preceding nine lines, alternating between them, a technical flourish that works as its own commentary.13. Ultimately, every artist has to make a choice about what makes the most sense for them, and I'm not mad at whatever they decide. To honor the art of lyrical rhyming on one hand, and try to reach a wide audience on the other, is an art form in itself. It's not easy, but that's just another challenge that I love to take on. Ultimately, every artist has to make a choice about what makes the most sense for them, and I'm not mad at whatever they decide. To honor the art of lyrical rhyming on one hand, and try to reach a wide audience on the other, is an art form in itself. It's not easy, but that's just another challenge that I love to take on.14. The homonym of tiers and tears connects prison tiers with crying-but you can't cry in prison (at least not out in the open). The homonym of tiers and tears connects prison tiers with crying-but you can't cry in prison (at least not out in the open).15. This geometric series-block/square, ball/circle, and then triangle-is the kind of unnecessary technical challenge I like to drop into songs just to give the lines extra energy and resonance. The "triangles on our wall" refer to platinum plaques; This geometric series-block/square, ball/circle, and then triangle-is the kind of unnecessary technical challenge I like to drop into songs just to give the lines extra energy and resonance. The "triangles on our wall" refer to platinum plaques; Billboard Billboard magazine's symbol for platinum sales is a triangle. magazine's symbol for platinum sales is a triangle.
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16. Even though earlier I made the point about doubling my dollars, here I'm being clear that the rapping isn't just for sales, because I've already sold millions-so there's still something deeper at work. Even though earlier I made the point about doubling my dollars, here I'm being clear that the rapping isn't just for sales, because I've already sold millions-so there's still something deeper at work.17. A play on Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address-except instead of his "four score and seven years ago," my "four scores" are four number one albums, and "seven years ago" goes back to the beginning of my career. A play on Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address-except instead of his "four score and seven years ago," my "four scores" are four number one albums, and "seven years ago" goes back to the beginning of my career.18. This is about not having fear: "Scars'll scab" means that even if you injure me, I'll recover; "I can dodge and jab" means that swinging on me won't stop me; and even "three shots couldn't touch me." The whole point of the "moment of clarity" is that after I confront my own demons, I'm left with nothing but "my balls and my word," which makes me untouchable. This is about not having fear: "Scars'll scab" means that even if you injure me, I'll recover; "I can dodge and jab" means that swinging on me won't stop me; and even "three shots couldn't touch me." The whole point of the "moment of clarity" is that after I confront my own demons, I'm left with nothing but "my balls and my word," which makes me untouchable.19. Biggie was huge, arguably the greatest of all time. Carrying him on my back means taking the weight of all he represented. But the image of Biggie-who wasn't skinny-on my back reinforces how hard it is to do. Biggie was huge, arguably the greatest of all time. Carrying him on my back means taking the weight of all he represented. But the image of Biggie-who wasn't skinny-on my back reinforces how hard it is to do.
BREATHE EASY (LYRICAL EXERCISE).
Back to Lyrics 1. I developed that habit of holding rhymes in my head from working so hard on the streets. When I was still a teenager I might be on the corner when a rhyme came to me. I would have to run to the corner store, buy something, then find a pen to write it on the back of the brown paper bag till I got home to put it in my notebook. I couldn't keep doing that because I had to concentrate on work, not on scheming to get my hands on brown paper bags. So I created little corners in my head where I stored rhymes. Once I got good at it, I actually preferred it as a technique. I'm not sure it's better than writing shit down, but it's the only way I know. When I was working on the I developed that habit of holding rhymes in my head from working so hard on the streets. When I was still a teenager I might be on the corner when a rhyme came to me. I would have to run to the corner store, buy something, then find a pen to write it on the back of the brown paper bag till I got home to put it in my notebook. I couldn't keep doing that because I had to concentrate on work, not on scheming to get my hands on brown paper bags. So I created little corners in my head where I stored rhymes. Once I got good at it, I actually preferred it as a technique. I'm not sure it's better than writing shit down, but it's the only way I know. When I was working on the Kingdom Come Kingdom Come album, I tried to sit down and actually write my rhymes, but it just doesn't work that way for me. album, I tried to sit down and actually write my rhymes, but it just doesn't work that way for me.2. "Spar in the ring" referred to performing at the Apollo in Harlem. Malcolm was assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom, a couple miles away. "Spar in the ring" referred to performing at the Apollo in Harlem. Malcolm was assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom, a couple miles away.
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3. "Spring train in the winter" refers to the fact that most of my albums dropped in the fall or winter. The suicide drills refers to the drilling I get from doing press before the album releases, which I find as tedious and uncomfortable as athletes find suicide drills. "Spring train in the winter" refers to the fact that most of my albums dropped in the fall or winter. The suicide drills refers to the drilling I get from doing press before the album releases, which I find as tedious and uncomfortable as athletes find suicide drills.4. Hova is, of course, short for Jay-Hova, which is a play on Jehovah-a piece of wordplay that irritates the fuck out of some religious people. They should just relax and listen to the next line. Hova is, of course, short for Jay-Hova, which is a play on Jehovah-a piece of wordplay that irritates the fuck out of some religious people. They should just relax and listen to the next line.5. These exercise metaphors describe the hustler's routine-running, pullups, and pushups. These exercise metaphors describe the hustler's routine-running, pullups, and pushups.6. Stretching coke means figuring out ways to cut it with baking soda so you have more than you originally purchased. You can only stretch the work if it's already premium quality. Stretching coke means figuring out ways to cut it with baking soda so you have more than you originally purchased. You can only stretch the work if it's already premium quality.7. More exercise imagery used to describe a hustler's threats: squats, sets, reps, and showers. This whole rhyme-a bonus track on the More exercise imagery used to describe a hustler's threats: squats, sets, reps, and showers. This whole rhyme-a bonus track on the Blueprint Blueprint album-is really about technical rhyming, like the rhymes Jaz and I used to come up with just to challenge ourselves. In this case, the challenge is to create as many clever rhymes as possible using the exercise metaphor-I tried to fit one into every line, and nearly succeeded. The whole thing curves in on itself in this final double entendre in the first verse: The "lyrical exercise" is to compose album-is really about technical rhyming, like the rhymes Jaz and I used to come up with just to challenge ourselves. In this case, the challenge is to create as many clever rhymes as possible using the exercise metaphor-I tried to fit one into every line, and nearly succeeded. The whole thing curves in on itself in this final double entendre in the first verse: The "lyrical exercise" is to compose lyrics lyrics about about exercise exercise.8. Again, my exercise in the song largely consists of lifting guns (an "eight" is a .38) and quantities of drugs. This also reminds me of a photo of Shaq lifting Kobe after the Lakers won their first championship in the Kobe/Shaq era. (One of Shaq's nicknames is "Diesel" and Kobe wears the number 8.) Again, my exercise in the song largely consists of lifting guns (an "eight" is a .38) and quantities of drugs. This also reminds me of a photo of Shaq lifting Kobe after the Lakers won their first championship in the Kobe/Shaq era. (One of Shaq's nicknames is "Diesel" and Kobe wears the number 8.) [image][image][image]
9. Felix Trinidad is a boxer who knew his way around the ring, and when your ring joins your watch, so will I. Felix Trinidad is a boxer who knew his way around the ring, and when your ring joins your watch, so will I.
MY 1ST SONG.
Back to Lyrics 1. "Chips" is slang for money, and championships, which relates to Hakeem Olajuwon, who won multiple championships in the NBA in college. "Chips" is slang for money, and championships, which relates to Hakeem Olajuwon, who won multiple championships in the NBA in college.2. The rhyme scheme here is pretty dense. The pace is double-time and the lines are all stuffed with internal rhymes, which gives the song the breathless rhythm of my earliest songs, when I was essentially a speed rapper. The rhyme scheme here is pretty dense. The pace is double-time and the lines are all stuffed with internal rhymes, which gives the song the breathless rhythm of my earliest songs, when I was essentially a speed rapper.3. "Me, Myself and I" was a song by De La Soul, a trio that featured the rapper Trugoy. "Me, Myself and I" was a song by De La Soul, a trio that featured the rapper Trugoy.4. Brain scientists are actually starting to discover that this is true: The only way we learn how to take responsibility is to take risks when we're young-which, if you're not under regular adult supervision, usually means fucking up, playing with fire, getting burned. But it's not the kid's fault-it's his nature. The fault is in a society that doesn't protect him from himself. Brain scientists are actually starting to discover that this is true: The only way we learn how to take responsibility is to take risks when we're young-which, if you're not under regular adult supervision, usually means fucking up, playing with fire, getting burned. But it's not the kid's fault-it's his nature. The fault is in a society that doesn't protect him from himself.5. "Ain't No Half-Steppin" was a hit in the eighties by Big Daddy Kane. It sampled "Ain't No Half-Steppin" by Heatwave, a funk group in the 1970s. Kane's version has in turn been sampled a dozen times in other rap songs. "Ain't No Half-Steppin" was a hit in the eighties by Big Daddy Kane. It sampled "Ain't No Half-Steppin" by Heatwave, a funk group in the 1970s. Kane's version has in turn been sampled a dozen times in other rap songs.6. This is a song about hunger, and a big part of being hungry is never slipping, never missing a chance to strike. One of the great lessons to me was in 1998, when DMX released two number one albums in the same year. It was crazy. But he was hot, and he proved that the market would support an artist who was willing to supply it while he was at his peak of popularity. It takes a serious work ethic to keep up that kind of production at a high level. This is a song about hunger, and a big part of being hungry is never slipping, never missing a chance to strike. One of the great lessons to me was in 1998, when DMX released two number one albums in the same year. It was crazy. But he was hot, and he proved that the market would support an artist who was willing to supply it while he was at his peak of popularity. It takes a serious work ethic to keep up that kind of production at a high level.7. I'm doing a bad Prince impersonation with this line, referencing his line in "Adore," I'm doing a bad Prince impersonation with this line, referencing his line in "Adore," You could burn up my clothes/smash up my ride (well, maybe not the ride). You could burn up my clothes/smash up my ride (well, maybe not the ride). Of course, my breakup with the music biz wasn't permanent, but the message of the song is still true. Of course, my breakup with the music biz wasn't permanent, but the message of the song is still true.
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YOUNG GIFTED AND BLACK.
Back to Lyrics 1. The song starts with a quotation from Louis Farrakhan. The song starts with a quotation from Louis Farrakhan.
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2. It's become a cliche among comics to do the "white people drive like this, black people drive like this" joke, but I'm trying to go a little deeper into the differences between us and "y'all." And the It's become a cliche among comics to do the "white people drive like this, black people drive like this" joke, but I'm trying to go a little deeper into the differences between us and "y'all." And the y'all y'all doesn't just refer to race; a lot of these differences happen with people who share a race but differ in economic class. doesn't just refer to race; a lot of these differences happen with people who share a race but differ in economic class.3. My mom is at work trying to buy me the right gear, but that means she can't be at home checking up on me. The value of two parents isn't just sentimental, it's practical. My real mom worked her ass off trying to make ends meet, but since she was doing it alone, no one was ever really there for me to come home to when I was a kid. My mom is at work trying to buy me the right gear, but that means she can't be at home checking up on me. The value of two parents isn't just sentimental, it's practical. My real mom worked her ass off trying to make ends meet, but since she was doing it alone, no one was ever really there for me to come home to when I was a kid.4. Straight jobs are scarce; crooked ones are much easier to find. It's "right there" in front of my sight, unavoidable. Certain kids never think about not going to college because college graduates are everywhere they look. It doesn't make them smarter or more moral, they're just followers, like most people. For other kids, everywhere they look they see the drug game. They're not stupid or immoral, they're just following what they see. Straight jobs are scarce; crooked ones are much easier to find. It's "right there" in front of my sight, unavoidable. Certain kids never think about not going to college because college graduates are everywhere they look. It doesn't make them smarter or more moral, they're just followers, like most people. For other kids, everywhere they look they see the drug game. They're not stupid or immoral, they're just following what they see.5. And, of course, the dream is that selling the drugs will get you out of the hood. But more times than not, you get out by going to jail. Damn. And, of course, the dream is that selling the drugs will get you out of the hood. But more times than not, you get out by going to jail. Damn.6. Outside of the ghetto, comfortable kids download music about our lives; but in the ghetto, we're living in those crosshairs. Outside of the ghetto, comfortable kids download music about our lives; but in the ghetto, we're living in those crosshairs.7. I mean straight in the sense of being okay, fine, taken care of, but I'm also referring to hair. Black women wear weaves made out of horsehair, in some cases, trying to emulate the naturally straight hair of white women. I mean straight in the sense of being okay, fine, taken care of, but I'm also referring to hair. Black women wear weaves made out of horsehair, in some cases, trying to emulate the naturally straight hair of white women.8. Some of what I'm talking about here is the idealized vision that kids in the ghetto have about white people in the suburbs. We assume that their lives are carefree and happy, which is, of course, not necessarily true. Some of what I'm talking about here is the idealized vision that kids in the ghetto have about white people in the suburbs. We assume that their lives are carefree and happy, which is, of course, not necessarily true.9. The metal can refer to prisons or bullets. Even their screams can't be heard. The metal can refer to prisons or bullets. Even their screams can't be heard.
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10. "A block away from hell" is how I put it in "Where I'm From." "A block away from hell" is how I put it in "Where I'm From."11. My cousin fell out of a project window. The bars on the window weren't on right. It's the kind of tragedy that makes you question God about the disparities in the way people live. When niggas in the game get shot, it's tragic in its way, but you can maybe argue that they knew what was up when they got into that life. But when it happens to a kid, you realize that there's something even more troubling going on in the universe, and you start wanting an answer. Or worse, you get used to it. My cousin fell out of a project window. The bars on the window weren't on right. It's the kind of tragedy that makes you question God about the disparities in the way people live. When niggas in the game get shot, it's tragic in its way, but you can maybe argue that they knew what was up when they got into that life. But when it happens to a kid, you realize that there's something even more troubling going on in the universe, and you start wanting an answer. Or worse, you get used to it.
HELL YEAH (PIMP THE SYSTEM) / DEAD PREZ, FEATURING JAY-Z.
Back to Lyrics 1. This is a surprising collaboration to both our fan bases, because we're often thought of as representing entirely different aspects of hip-hop-which is true, in a way. But for all the beefs and rivalries, I've always seen hip-hop as a collective and never let anyone, even the fans, get me to believe that I'm doing something different, or more (or less) acceptable, than a group like Dead Prez. This is a surprising collaboration to both our fan bases, because we're often thought of as representing entirely different aspects of hip-hop-which is true, in a way. But for all the beefs and rivalries, I've always seen hip-hop as a collective and never let anyone, even the fans, get me to believe that I'm doing something different, or more (or less) acceptable, than a group like Dead Prez.2. The line "slipping through the cracks" connects the "drugs to be sold" and the "holes" that need to be plugged up. And the "drug to be sold" is, of course, crack. The line "slipping through the cracks" connects the "drugs to be sold" and the "holes" that need to be plugged up. And the "drug to be sold" is, of course, crack.3. I chose Portland because it's the whitest place I could think of. I'm the "first black in the suburbs," but the idea is that I get there through my music, not by actually living there. The music gets everywhere. I chose Portland because it's the whitest place I could think of. I'm the "first black in the suburbs," but the idea is that I get there through my music, not by actually living there. The music gets everywhere.4. This is based on the way the cops, even today, stalk rappers like they're criminals. This is based on the way the cops, even today, stalk rappers like they're criminals.5. The media, in particular, has probably devoted as much time to complaining about rap music as they ever have over the real shit that goes on in the hood. The hypocrisy is stunning. The media, in particular, has probably devoted as much time to complaining about rap music as they ever have over the real shit that goes on in the hood. The hypocrisy is stunning.6. Becky is considered a classic white-girl name among black folks (and is also slang for a sexual act that is associated with white girls, for some reason). And no matter how much her parents want her to stay sheltered, popular music, of all things, teaches her about how the rest of the country lives. Becky is considered a classic white-girl name among black folks (and is also slang for a sexual act that is associated with white girls, for some reason). And no matter how much her parents want her to stay sheltered, popular music, of all things, teaches her about how the rest of the country lives.7. The so-called "wigger" is ridiculed and stigmatized, in part because he scares the shit out of the powers that be, who see their next generation being influenced by a culture they despise. The so-called "wigger" is ridiculed and stigmatized, in part because he scares the shit out of the powers that be, who see their next generation being influenced by a culture they despise.8. Vietnam is obviously a metaphor for a place of warfare and violence, like the gang violence implied by the blue rag. Vietnam is also one of the many nicknames for my hometown of Brooklyn-they call it Brooknam-because it could feel like a war zone. Vietnam is obviously a metaphor for a place of warfare and violence, like the gang violence implied by the blue rag. Vietnam is also one of the many nicknames for my hometown of Brooklyn-they call it Brooknam-because it could feel like a war zone.
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9. Hip-hop and hustling both represent ways of making money that pale in comparison to the crooked history of American power and wealth. What rappers and hustlers have made is a fraction of the real wealth generated by so-called legitimate businesses that have been a thousand times more harmful to society. Behind every great fortune, they say, is a great crime. Our fortunes-and our crimes-are not even in the same league as the real wealth in this country. Hip-hop and hustling both represent ways of making money that pale in comparison to the crooked history of American power and wealth. What rappers and hustlers have made is a fraction of the real wealth generated by so-called legitimate businesses that have been a thousand times more harmful to society. Behind every great fortune, they say, is a great crime. Our fortunes-and our crimes-are not even in the same league as the real wealth in this country.
BEWARE (JAY-Z REMIX).
Back to Lyrics 1. Not my cleverest image, but it gets the point across and connects back to the Indian roots of the song (snake charmers are an Indian phenomenon). This opening was done in the spirit of a party song-fun, with a simple and catchy rhyme structure (one/young/two/you) and lyrics that evoke a crowded club. Not my cleverest image, but it gets the point across and connects back to the Indian roots of the song (snake charmers are an Indian phenomenon). This opening was done in the spirit of a party song-fun, with a simple and catchy rhyme structure (one/young/two/you) and lyrics that evoke a crowded club.
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2. I recorded this eight years after I recorded this eight years after Reasonable Doubt. Reasonable Doubt. I was also planning on calling my next album I was also planning on calling my next album 8th Wonder 8th Wonder at the time-it ended up being at the time-it ended up being The Black Album. The Black Album. And of course, Wonder is also bread. And of course, Wonder is also bread.3. A couple of subtle Snoop references in these lines, from "6 in the A.M." and "P.I.M.P." A couple of subtle Snoop references in these lines, from "6 in the A.M." and "P.I.M.P."4. The "track" connects back to the P-I-M-P line-pimps run their hoes on "tracks," urban strips where clients come to find prostitutes. The "track" connects back to the P-I-M-P line-pimps run their hoes on "tracks," urban strips where clients come to find prostitutes.5. SMPTE is a timecode attached to recordings so that they can be edited. SMPTE is a timecode attached to recordings so that they can be edited.6. A play off of Biggie's line from "Going Back to Cali": A play off of Biggie's line from "Going Back to Cali": it's the N-O, T-O, R-I, O /-U-S,/you just lay down slow. it's the N-O, T-O, R-I, O /-U-S,/you just lay down slow.7. I was against the war, but wanted to be clear that I felt for the soldiers out there fighting it. I know people who joined the military, sometimes just because they didn't have a better option, sometimes because they genuinely thought they were doing something for the good of the country. But soldiers in an army are like soldiers in the hood, to some degree-they're really all fighting someone else's war; they're cannon fodder for men richer and more powerful than them. So I'm not going to attack the soldiers as a group, even if I think their leaders are idiots. I was against the war, but wanted to be clear that I felt for the soldiers out there fighting it. I know people who joined the military, sometimes just because they didn't have a better option, sometimes because they genuinely thought they were doing something for the good of the country. But soldiers in an army are like soldiers in the hood, to some degree-they're really all fighting someone else's war; they're cannon fodder for men richer and more powerful than them. So I'm not going to attack the soldiers as a group, even if I think their leaders are idiots.8. This is a weird line coming from me, given that I don't usually rhyme about love being the answer. But I do sometimes get clear about the pointlessness of aggression, and this was one of those days. You have to be a special person-a Gandhi-to really live by that sort of ethic, and I know that if I'm provoked, I'm almost always going to strike back. But deep down, I know it's true that love is what kills hate. This is a weird line coming from me, given that I don't usually rhyme about love being the answer. But I do sometimes get clear about the pointlessness of aggression, and this was one of those days. You have to be a special person-a Gandhi-to really live by that sort of ethic, and I know that if I'm provoked, I'm almost always going to strike back. But deep down, I know it's true that love is what kills hate.9. Ronald Reagan got Manhattan to "blow"-slang for cocaine-through the whole Iran-Contra scandal, which got the United States involved in the drug trade that brought crack to the hood so they could finance the Contras in Central America. In the worst years of the crack epidemic-the late eighties and early nineties-there were literally thousands of homicides annually in New York. So juxtaposing Reagan and bin Laden isn't as crazy as it may seem. This is a piece of our recent history that people like to forget or pretend never happened so they can maintain some fantasy of American purity-which is why I thought it was important to include it in this rhyme. It's that same sort of historical amnesia and myth of America's innocence that led us into the war in Iraq. In my little way, I'm trying to kill that myth by reminding people of the truth-because that myth is a dangerous thing for the whole world. Ronald Reagan got Manhattan to "blow"-slang for cocaine-through the whole Iran-Contra scandal, which got the United States involved in the drug trade that brought crack to the hood so they could finance the Contras in Central America. In the worst years of the crack epidemic-the late eighties and early nineties-there were literally thousands of homicides annually in New York. So juxtaposing Reagan and bin Laden isn't as crazy as it may seem. This is a piece of our recent history that people like to forget or pretend never happened so they can maintain some fantasy of American purity-which is why I thought it was important to include it in this rhyme. It's that same sort of historical amnesia and myth of America's innocence that led us into the war in Iraq. In my little way, I'm trying to kill that myth by reminding people of the truth-because that myth is a dangerous thing for the whole world.
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10. "Mami" here flows from its opposite, "Papi," a few lines before, and connects the end of the song to the opening when I say "I came to see the mamis in the spot." "Mami" here flows from its opposite, "Papi," a few lines before, and connects the end of the song to the opening when I say "I came to see the mamis in the spot."
BLUE MAGIC / FEATURING PHARRELL.
Back to Lyrics 1. The collision of two figures of speech-"flip," meaning first to speak, and then to sell something for more than you bought it, and "birds," meaning a kilo of coke-creates a third strangely poetic image of birds doing flips in the sky like some kind of hallucinogenic circus act. The collision of two figures of speech-"flip," meaning first to speak, and then to sell something for more than you bought it, and "birds," meaning a kilo of coke-creates a third strangely poetic image of birds doing flips in the sky like some kind of hallucinogenic circus act.2. 360 waves form a circular pattern, like stirring a pot, which is how you turn cocaine into off-white crack rocks (which is why it "comes back hard"). 360 waves form a circular pattern, like stirring a pot, which is how you turn cocaine into off-white crack rocks (which is why it "comes back hard").
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3. In this line I pronounce wrists "wristses" to rhyme it with bitches. Twisting pronunciation to create rhymes works when the distortion feels witty, not desperate. In this line I pronounce wrists "wristses" to rhyme it with bitches. Twisting pronunciation to create rhymes works when the distortion feels witty, not desperate.4. Commissary, the prison's own system for doling out extras, is unnecessary for our crew because we have connections-"creole C.O. bitches" (C.O. = corrections officer)-who will bring them whatever "treats" they need. Commissary, the prison's own system for doling out extras, is unnecessary for our crew because we have connections-"creole C.O. bitches" (C.O. = corrections officer)-who will bring them whatever "treats" they need.5. This was the first single off of my This was the first single off of my American Gangster American Gangster album, which was inspired by the movie about Frank Lucas and the rise of the drug game in the seventies and eighties in New York. album, which was inspired by the movie about Frank Lucas and the rise of the drug game in the seventies and eighties in New York.6. These next lines connect back to the lines about the eighties, which is when hip-hop culture first exploded, with b-boys breaking (spinning on their heads) and writers covering the cities in graffiti. But the eighties were also when hustling exploded, too, and I literally "hustled in the halls" of buildings, even though I never made history-for better or worse-like Frank Lucas. These next lines connect back to the lines about the eighties, which is when hip-hop culture first exploded, with b-boys breaking (spinning on their heads) and writers covering the cities in graffiti. But the eighties were also when hustling exploded, too, and I literally "hustled in the halls" of buildings, even though I never made history-for better or worse-like Frank Lucas.7. P's singing the hook he borrowed from En Vogue's "Hold On" ( P's singing the hook he borrowed from En Vogue's "Hold On" (don't waste your time/fighting blind/minded thoughts/of despair), another eighties reference (okay, it was 1990, but very close).8. 1987 was the year Eric B and Rakim released 1987 was the year Eric B and Rakim released Paid in Full, Paid in Full, a contender for the most influential hip-hop record of all time. This links up to the subtle Rakim reference at the end of the previous verse- a contender for the most influential hip-hop record of all time. This links up to the subtle Rakim reference at the end of the previous verse-I don't write on the wall/write my name in the history books/hustling in the hall-which plays off of Rakim's line from "My Melody" (off Paid in Full Paid in Full): whether playin ball/bobbing in the hall/or just writin my name/in graffiti on the wall. whether playin ball/bobbing in the hall/or just writin my name/in graffiti on the wall.9. This song is full of homonyms and synonyms- This song is full of homonyms and synonyms-fishscale, contra, concert. I love the following quote because I made a conscious effort to use homonyms in this way, and someone actually noticed: "It testifies to Jay-Z's lyrical ingenuity that even though we fully experience these poetic lines by ear rather than by eye, looking at them on the page calls attention to their individual effects, not just their cumulative impact. Equally as impressive as the homonym is that he delivers it while making a fairly complicated point, all while rhyming four lines together." -Adam Bradley, I love the following quote because I made a conscious effort to use homonyms in this way, and someone actually noticed: "It testifies to Jay-Z's lyrical ingenuity that even though we fully experience these poetic lines by ear rather than by eye, looking at them on the page calls attention to their individual effects, not just their cumulative impact. Equally as impressive as the homonym is that he delivers it while making a fairly complicated point, all while rhyming four lines together." -Adam Bradley, The Book of Rhymes The Book of Rhymes10. Just like in the previous verse, the last line of one verse connects to the first line of this one-the previous verse's last line was about how Reagan and Ollie North were hypocritically working hand-in-hand with hustlers to move drugs, the first line in this verse ends with "fuck Bush," Reagan's crooked-ass Republican heir. There's also another homonym here-Bush as in George and bush as in pussy. Just like in the previous verse, the last line of one verse connects to the first line of this one-the previous verse's last line was about how Reagan and Ollie North were hypocritically working hand-in-hand with hustlers to move drugs, the first line in this verse ends with "fuck Bush," Reagan's crooked-ass Republican heir. There's also another homonym here-Bush as in George and bush as in pussy.11. Hook/hook is another homonym- Hook/hook is another homonym-hook in the sense of getting caught, and in the sense of getting caught, and hook hook in the sense of a chorus in a song. I wasn't down with either. in the sense of a chorus in a song. I wasn't down with either.12. I like the internal rhymes here. You're waiting for me to finish the rhyme for Siamese, but I throw in I like the internal rhymes here. You're waiting for me to finish the rhyme for Siamese, but I throw in twin/end twin/end and and stand/man stand/man before I get there with before I get there with knees. knees. This is an unusual track-a minimalist beat with drum rolls and synthesizer chords-and I came up with a flow that could weave through it, which meant sometimes the lines breathed and other times the rhymes were more tightly wrapped. This is an unusual track-a minimalist beat with drum rolls and synthesizer chords-and I came up with a flow that could weave through it, which meant sometimes the lines breathed and other times the rhymes were more tightly wrapped.