Trap or Die is the second mixtape Jeezy dropped out; he released it a couple months before putting out his first album.

A reference to his clothing line: “3D” (aka “Third Degree”).

“3D is a brand that clarifies our message and unifies our purpose-which is to help people get to their dreams. The D’s stand for Dream, Drive, and Determination- because we feel as though with this mindset you can accomplish anything you set out to do!” – (3D website)

*The 3 D’s are mentioned two lines prior and are Dosage’s motto.

At a time where singer/rapper Ms. Lauryn Hill was going through emotional and mental struggles, Kweli starts off by giving her some encouraging words: that she’s talented…

This refers to her absence from the music industry (due to her disappointment of where it was going and how she felt she was being unfairly controlled by her own record label) during the mid-2000’s and took some time away from interviews, watching TV, and listening to music.

Double-entendre subliminal at Joe Budden. Hov' toys with Joe Budden’s name to call him an ordinary Joe and to “button up”; the phrase “button up” means to stay silent/shut up.

Eminem is the legal guardian of three kids (Hailie, Lainie, and Whitney), along with his half-brother Nathan. He is taking responsibility for all of them, even though he never grew up with a father of his own.

Eminem with his only biological daughter: Hailie

Because these imperialistic countries (specifically the U.S. in this case) dominate other countries/areas, they shun their cultures. Because Whites are/were not familiar with African and Asian culture, they are/were considered savages and other degrading terms… and allow the colonizers to become more accepted for whatever actions they did.

On another note, because their cultures were made mockeries and ridiculed by powerful nations, the “weaker” countries (for lack of a better word) decided to give up their culture and assimilate to the American way of living…

A neural path connects areas of the nervous system (i.e. brain to spine). Messages sent down a neural path are transmitted almost instantly to preform action as simple as typing.

This basically means that he can think quickly – his brain waves are immediately translated into fully formed thoughts, words, lyrics, etc. A pretty good quality to have when freestyling

Referring to the extremely well-known pimp Don the “Magic” Juan, who (at this point in time) recently changed his name to Bishop Don “Magic” Juan after he found God.

Many have attempted to follow his footsteps by reading his autobiography, From Pimpstick to Pulpit.