Pusha T writes his raps in layers, challenging listeners to dig for deeper meanings. Each bar is carefully crafted, words never wasted. But as is the case with many lyricists, can fans sometimes search for hidden nuggets where there are none to be found?
When the decorated rhyme vet penned “Crutches, Crosses, Caskets” from his upcoming King Push— Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude, he was inspired by the victims that he sees in the rap game. Without naming names, the G.O.O.D. Music prez snickers at MCs who get robbed for their jewelry, chastises artists who allow their mothers to live in poverty and enjoys a hearty laugh over lyricists who get slapped.
“Old niggas slapping young niggas/Ha! Imagine that, where you from nigga,” he spits, with a taunt, at the end of his first verse.
It’s a well-known fact that Pusha has no love for the Cash Money camp. He’s openly scoffed at both Birdman and Lil Wayne, but in this latest song could Push be taking a swipe at Drake?
Remember, back in December 2014 Drizzy was reportedly in a physical altercation with the much-older Puff Daddy.
“I never talked to Puff about that, so I don’t know,” Push told the Genius community. “The energy is just out here man. It’s out here and I’m just that good.”
When Genius probed further, Pusha spoke in generational terms—he’s used to rap’s younger guns being the aggressors.
“I’m not used to youth not having that Benny Blanco from the Bronx [attitude],” he said referencing John Leguizamo’s character from the 1993 drug tale Carlito’s Way.
“We’re young and rash,” he continued. “I’m just not used to that not being the attitude. That’s the only attitude I know.”
King Push— Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude is slated for release on Friday (Dec. 18), but check in with Genius tomorrow to preview all of the album’s lyrics in advance. —Rob Markman
