What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Someone got killed for his bling. The context makes that meaning clear, despite the fact that “change” is an unorthodox way of saying someone got killed.
Ashland Avenue is one of Chicago’s more prominent streets.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Oh, I forgot, 'cept for when niggas is rappin'
Do you know what it feel like when people is passin'? Kanye West (Ft. DJ Premier) – Everything I Am
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Your luck low, I didn't know 'til I was drunk though Nas – The Message
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
The use of CB4 Gusto is a reference to the character MC Gusto (played by Chris Rock) from the film CB4. In the movie Albert’s persona and the thug life he brags about on his records is stolen from the life of a local crime kingpin named Gusto, who is sent to prison and believes he was set up by Albert.
Nas knows that there are fake thugs everywhere who will receive no pity (no love) and will get shot, as most who are half way crooked do. Jay Z would later call Nas on the same fault. 2Pac assumed this bar was aimed at him, and lashed out viciously against Nas on “Bomb First”. In actuality, the line was directed towards The Notorious B.I.G. and later Nasir spoke on this himself:
Tupac thought it was about him, but it was really towards Biggie … From the first lines all the way to ‘One life, one love, there can only be one king.’, that was specifically going in that direction. The whole fucking song, really. Tupac was not even on my radar for going at him.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
Jay couldn’t look when Tony Montana killed Manolo for seeing his sister behind his back in the movie Scarface.
Nas flips this on “Last Real Nigga Alive” – taking a stab at Jay in their titanic feud.
“I was Scarface, Jay was Manolo”
In its implied meaning, Jay is drawing the line for himself and how far he’s willing to allow the drug game to influence his personal relationships. Tony killing Manolo(his homie before the drug game/success) was a lack of good judgment, a decision fueled by emotions rather than good sense. That partially led to his downfall because his defenses were weakened in Manny’s absence and his paranoia was heightened.. This all plays into the level headed-ness and calm yet calculated demeanor Jay lived by when he was hustling in the streets.
You know the best medicine go to people that's paid
If Magic Johnson got a cure for AIDS
And all the broke motherfuckers passed away
You telling me if my grandma's in the NBA
Right now, she'd be okay? Kanye West – Roses
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
This is a critique of how doctors treat people better if they are wealthy (Ye wasn’t too rich in Late Registration): he’s pissed at the elitist health system in the US.
Magic Johnson retired from the NBA in 1991 shortly after a positive test for HIV.
Yet over 20 years later, thanks to advancements in the treatment of HIV – and the ability to afford such treatment – Magic has enjoyed relatively great health.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
What is this?
The Genius annotation is the work of the Genius Editorial project. Our editors and contributors collaborate to create the most interesting and informative explanation of any line of text. It’s also a work in progress, so leave a suggestion if this or any annotation is missing something.
To learn more about participating in the Genius Editorial project, check out the contributor guidelines.
The obvious meaning is that he is enjoying the lifestyle of a rapper, and drinking champagne on his limo.
But the second is that there is a girl with him on the limo “sipping” on Rozay, which is his nickname. Either way, would be an example for the lavish lifestyle of a rap star.
Alternatively, the lyric could be read as, “stretch limousine, sipping, Rozay all alone.” In the video of just Ross' verse, he’s by himself. This helps convey a sense of isolation, a contemplative state, that is prevalent throughout the album.
I’d say this is a peek into the isolation aspect of being wealthy. Although Ross can afford these expensive things he’s still alone and unhappy.