Holy Moly
Talib Kweli Lyrics

Yeah, as a kid growin' up in Brooklyn, my pops was a DJ (my pops too)
Growing up in Brooklyn, my father was a DJ who had a vast collection of funk, jazz, rhythm and blues, and soul records.

He had a bunch of records funk, jazz, rhythm and blues, soul (word?)
My father had an extensive collection of vinyl records from various genres such as funk, jazz, rhythm and blues, and soul.

There was this one gospel record I liked like (which one?), Like
Out of all the records my father owned, I particularly enjoyed a gospel record.

Like holy moly, I might get some religion and leave you holy holy
The gospel record my father owned had such powerful lyrics that it made me consider becoming more religious.

Yeah, this rhyme is so fat it's rollie pollie
The lyrics to this song are so entertaining that they are bouncing around in my head.

I give you intimate details so you can get to know me
I'm sharing personal information through my lyrics in order to let my listeners know more about me.

These corporate rappers like, "Why this dude pickin' on me?"
Other rappers who work for big record labels might question why I'm calling them out in my songs.

You rap your way to the top, but now it's gettin' lonely
Though they may have achieved success through their music, some rappers may feel lonely at the top.

Kids is hungry and you lookin' like a steak from Nick & Toni's
Despite their success, rappers can become irrelevant if they don't continue to produce music that resonates with their audience.

But don't nobody want your jewels, 'cause your shit is phony
People aren't interested in material possessions if they suspect an artist is being inauthentic or insincere.

My rhymes turn a new page like Mark Foley and
My new lyrics are a fresh start, like turning the page to a new story – similar to how Mark Foley began a new chapter in his life.

Touch kids like when Larry Clark gave the part to Chloe
My music affects people in a powerful way, much like the way that Larry Clark's controversial movie, Kids, resonated with viewers.

Rest in peace to Harold Hunter, the greatest from New York
Harold Hunter, a famous skateboarder from New York, deserves to be remembered after his passing.

Started out skatin' for Zoo York
Hunter became famous for his skateboarding skills, notably for the New York-based skate brand Zoo York.

Word hangin' out at The Gavin, I was very lucky
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to hang out at The Gavin, a well-known venue in my community.

To talk to Rash' once I got past Derek Dudley
I had the chance to speak with Rash' after gaining access through a mutual acquaintance, Derek Dudley.

Got him on "Respiration", that's pre-Badu
I collaborated with Rash' on my song "Respiration" before he began dating neo-soul singer Erykah Badu.

Bet you Garnett Reid got a Matt Doo tattoo
I'm willing to bet that Garnett Reid, a famous producer, got a tattoo of Matt Doo – either as a tribute or for some other reason.

Sometimes I feel like I'm drownin' I gotta tread water
I often feel overwhelmed and like I'm about to drown, so I have to stay afloat by working hard and staying focused.

Head above the water I always remember Headquarters
Even when I'm struggling, I try to stay positive and remember my successes – like my performance at Headquarters, a well-known venue.

Heads up, eyes open, I got my mind focused
I'm alert and focused on my goals, keeping my head up and eyes open to opportunities.

I find hope inside a line, my rhymes define opus
Through my music, I'm able to find hope and purpose, and my lyrics represent my greatest work of art.

Sometimes hopeless people, fill my thoughts with evil
When I encounter people who are feeling helpless or struggling, it can cause negative thoughts and emotions to surface in my mind.

My record so hard it broke the needle
My music is so good and powerful that it can even damage a record player's needle.

At the Mixtape Awards niggas act like they don't give a fuck though
At the Mixtape Awards, some artists pretended not to care about the event or the recognition it brought.

And disrespect the legacy of Justo
These artists were showing disrespect to Justo, a renowned DJ who had recently passed away.

What the blood claat? No, let the blood flow
I'm confused and upset by these artists' behavior, and I'm calling for a more genuine and positive mindset (letting the blood flow).

You ain't come to pay your respect, then what you come fo'?
I'm questioning why these artists came to the Mixtape Awards if they didn't respect the legacy of Justo or take the event seriously.

Too many good niggas die, it's like a stop loss
I'm saddened by the number of talented artists who have passed away, and it feels like an arbitrary loss.

Hood niggas ghetto like fried wings and hot sauce
People from underprivileged communities are intimately familiar with staples of their cultures, like fried wings and hot sauce.

How you hard? The cops lettin' fifty shots off
It's difficult to appear tough or unfazed when the police are using excessive and often lethal force against members of your community.

Baby Jay-Z's with the knockoff Scott Storch beat
Many rappers try to emulate the style or success of Jay-Z, but they fall short and end up copying others – in this case, a cheap imitation of Scott Storch's beats.

You are not Short, you are not Katt
You might think you're as talented or popular as stars like Too $hort or Katt Williams, but you're not quite there yet.

You're not a player or a pimp, money, stop that
Don't try to be someone you're not, especially if you're not successful or skilled at it.

Learn to master your speech and be eloquent
Instead of pretending to be tough or flashy, focus on developing your communication and public speaking skills.

Rappers keep peddlin' sweets, the beats weaker than gelatin
Many rappers sell empty promises or trivial content, often accompanied by weak and underwhelming beats.

We used to kick up dust, now we settlin'
We used to be more active and energetic in our pursuits, but now we've slowed down and become more comfortable in our routines.

Rest in peace to Dilla, Weldon, we can't forget you
Weldon Irvine and J Dilla were both influential musicians who passed away, but they continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Professor X and, Proof we miss you, word
Professor X and Proof were well-known artists and collaborators who left a lasting impact on their fans and fellow musicians.

Rest in peace to Shaka, twenty one gun salute
Shaka Amazulu the 7th was a beloved rapper and musician who passed away, and he deserves a show of respect and admiration.

In the air like, "BLAKA BLAKA BLAKA"
I'm paying tribute to Shaka by shouting out gunshots in his honor.

You're still here 'cause you're livin through me
The memory and legacy of people we've lost continue to survive through the impact they had on others.

You're like a gift God has given to me
The talents and presence of those who have passed away continue to feel like a blessing and an inspiration to me.

Uh, uh, uh, what?
A rhythmic aside in the song. There is no specific meaning to this line.