Considering Yasiin Bey is a Muslim, this likely refers to the Islamic belief in an afterlife. In Islam, death in this world is not entirely considered “death”; as our physical form leaves this earthly realm, our souls move on to their true resting place. This is where the “real” life begins, our life on earth is merely a precursor.

Alternatively, it might be about the idea of leaving behind a legacy – even though one might be dead, the memory of us keeps us alive. In that sense, we never truly “die.” This is even more true for an artist such as Yasiin whose music will continue to live on long after his passing.

Either way, death is the only thing that is guaranteed in life. Everyone experiences death, regardless of one’s lifestyle.

These lyrics reference lines from 50 Cent’s 2003 song, “Many Men (Wish Death),” from his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. 50 Cent starts the second verse with these two lines, the only difference being that he says “joy” instead of “life.”

In essence, the lyrics emphasize the contrasting nature of reality – a concept cannot exist without its opposite, and it is exactly this counterpart that helps define it. One cannot truly understand the feeling of good unless one has also tasted the feeling of bad, because that is what gives it meaning. This dualistic perspective provides optimism even in troubling times.

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, a Holy month for Muslims. It is a month of strengthening one’s connection to God, with an emphasis on fasting. It is obligatory for sane, adult Muslims to observe fasting during this month, a fast that takes place between dusk and dawn. During the fast, one must refrain from food, drink, and sexual activity. The line merely plays on the dual meaning of the word “fast.”

Method Man plays around with the homophones “stash” and “‘stache.” Tom Selleck is an American actor famous for his renowned mustache. While the authorities are seizing Method Man’s stash of drugs, no one is really hating on Tom Selleck’s magnificent 'stache.

As of May 5th, 2022, Brother Ali has not released a new album, nor has a new album even been announced. It is reasonable to surmise, then, that this is an old line that references All the Beauty in This Whole Life – his sixth album was released on May 5th, 2017. The final line of the next song, “S33n,” also concludes with the line, “All the Beauty in This Whole Life, May 5th ‘em.”

“Dhikr (ذِكرْ‎)” is the Arabic word for “remembrance.” In Islam, it refers to the repetition of specific phrases that glorify God, and is considered to be an important part of the faith. It is common for Muslims to use prayer beads to keep count of their dhikr, most commonly after the five daily prayers. It consists of 99 beads in reference to the 99 names of Allah. For believers, the devotional act of dhikr can be a therapeutic experience.