This is part of an extended metaphor describing the temptation that the people in his community face.

He uses the example of drug addicts fighting the urge to smoke crack – drug addiction is considered a disease and it could be argued that the crack epidemic was the result of government maleficence.

In other words, he is reinforcing his message that despite all the violence and wickedness, his friends and family are still good people just trying to get by.

Kareem Said was the core Muslim character in the HBO series OZ. Deen(din) refers to the path of righteousness in which Muslims attempt to follow.

ahki is an Islamic word for “brother”.

“America the brave” is a phrase inspired by the American national anthem and is a characteristic traditionally attributed to the U.S. Ironically, American culture is still afraid of homosexuality and is seemingly afraid of change and progression.

Certain groups started a psychological movement known as conversion therapy for homosexuals which mostly involved somewhat unethical and extreme tactics. Macklemore is referencing the previous phrase and expressing his opinion that homosexuality is controlled by biology and trying to change this would be like trying to be God.

There is also irony in the fact that these same people who would otherwise condemn “playing God” to be a sin are doing just that.

Jay released his first album, Reasonable Doubt, to sales of 420k while his second release in 1997, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 sold slightly more. Considering he had released these on his own record label with distribution deals through larger labels, Jay probably made a small fortune in just his first full year of record releases.

This line follows closely the theme of the song. Aesop continually refuses to directly address his problems in the way a turtle uses its shell to defend against predators. This keeps the turtle safe for the time being, but does not address its weaknesses: soft skin, inability to fight for anything, etc.

Basically, these defense-mechanisms prevent further growth as a human being, something heavily tied to the human spirit of expansion. Instead of regaining his power as a man and fighting against these problems, his actions are completely controlled by his metaphorical predators..whatever they may be..

This is another common aspect of the human psyche; those that go through pain are more likely to shy away from the things that originally caused them this pain, whether it be relationships, sports, or anything else.

Except the Address…

Weekend at Burnie’s was released shortly after Curren$y signed a deal with Warner Bros. establishing his imprint, Jet Life Recordings.

This followed a quick – and unsuccessful – stint with Damon Dash’s BluRoc Records. Throughout this time, however, Curren$y maintained the same consistent hustle, putting out multiple projects (Pilot Talk I & II, Covert Coup).

As if it weren’t already clear, Spitta points out that no major label conflict is going to keep him out of the game.

Once Jay started making money he never stopped. He had been trying to break in the game for atleast 6 years, featuring on tracks by Original Flavor and Jaz-O but it wasn’t until ‘96 when producers Clark Kent, Premier, and Ski as well as partners Dame Dash and Kareem Biggs helped him break through that Jay-Z started making money. Since then he has made over $400 Million.

Also, once you put his album on you’re not going to turn it off