Tyler Woods Lyrics

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Got a buzz like I'm Georgia Tech
They’re still cheering like I’m all that’s left
The air is toxic when you draw your breath
Resurrect the music, I'm snatching it from claws of death
Vital signs are improving, I make em lay down
An idle mind is usually described as the devil’s playground
My rep established I'm rapping just for the sport of it
Been nice for a career, you just barely grasping the thought of it

Indebted to the hood like a Rush Card
Support her like push-up bras and lumbars
Except I’m never sitting, I’m ever-living like Mummm-Ra, I’m the sun god
Smart as a whip, but forever rippin it dumb-hard
I see you fronting with your dollar store shades on
Faker than abs that’s sprayed, artificial as rayon
Run a set of fine you questify like ray don
Shung when I'm forming like voultron of young Raekwon
Mix in a bit of KRS-One and Q-tip
Rock him some of that ice cube, now who’s this
No one as gifted as this, so magnificent
Classically consistent, I’m nasty as black licorice
Coldest, but I get the room hotter than bikram yoga
Seen the show, you know I make the people move like an eviction notice
I’m focused, I’m Moses when the mic is on
That’s why these rappers scatter like roaches when the light is on

Hold it now, I hold it down
I’m staying where I’m at, you better go around
You know the voice and you know the sound
I rip the microphone and then I throw it down
Hold it now, I hold it down
I’m staying where I’m at, you better go around

You know the voice and you know the sound
I rip the microphone and then I throw it down

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of Hold It Down, Talib Kweli proclaims his dominance in the rap game with a metaphor likening his buzz to that of Georgia Tech’s. He notes the overwhelming response from his audience despite being one of the few talented rappers left in the industry. Kweli acknowledges the state of the music industry, declaring himself the one to resurrect it from its current "toxic" state. He points out the danger of an idle mind, comparing it to the devil’s playground. Throughout his successful career, Kweli has remained loyal to his roots and the support of his community, comparing his indebtedness to the hood to that of a Rush Card. He ends with a comparison to Mum-Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, describing his own eternal living and rapping capacity.

In the chorus, the refrain "Hold it now, I hold it down" emphasizes the singer’s control over the situation, as they proudly continue to hold their own. The repetition in the chorus helps the message to solidify, reiterating that the singer is not backing down from their position. The second verse begins with a precise description of the singer's rap style, a mix of old school hip-hop legends such as KRS-One, Q-tip, Rakim, and Ice Cube. Kweli insists that he is unrivaled, no one quite as gifted or consistent as he is, and describes himself as "nasty as black licorice." He is no stranger to making people move, stating that he gets the room "hotter than bikram yoga" and is always focused when on the mic.

The song’s ultimate message is that Kweli is not fazed by any competition, and will always be consistent and true to his roots.

Line by Line Meaning

Got a buzz like I'm Georgia Tech
My hype and energy are as high as that of the Georgia Tech college campus.

They’re still cheering like I’m all that’s left
Despite my success, people still support and cheer for me like I'm the only one left in the game.

The air is toxic when you draw your breath
The music industry is polluted and damaging to those who try to make it, taking a toll on their overall well-being.

Resurrect the music, I'm snatching it from claws of death
I'm bringing life back to the dead or dying music industry by reclaiming and revitalizing it.

Vital signs are improving, I make em lay down
My music and my presence have a positive impact on people, making them feel revived and empowered.

An idle mind is usually described as the devil’s playground
Idleness and stagnation can lead to negative influences and outcomes in a person's life.

My rep established I'm rapping just for the sport of it
My reputation is built on the fact that I rap solely for the love and enjoyment of it.

Been nice for a career, you just barely grasping the thought of it
I've been skilled and successful in my rap career for a long time, while others are just beginning to recognize and understand my level of talent.

Indebted to the hood like a Rush Card
I'm loyal and committed to my roots and community, like someone who relies on a Rush Card for financial stability.

Support her like push-up bras and lumbars
I provide consistent and strong support to my music and my community, like a push-up bra or supportive back brace.

Except I’m never sitting, I’m ever-living like Mummm-Ra, I’m the sun god
I'm always active and constantly creating, like a never-ending force of power and energy.

Smart as a whip, but forever rippin it dumb-hard
I have incredible wit and intelligence, but I still always bring raw energy and intensity to my music.

I see you fronting with your dollar store shades on
I see through the false façade of others who try to appear cool or stylish with cheap sunglasses.

Faker than abs that’s sprayed, artificial as rayon
Those who pretend or fake their success and image are just as phony and unauthentic as spray-on abs or artificial fabrics like rayon.

Run a set of fine you questify like rayon
I bring a level of greatness and finesse to my music that surpasses others, like the luxurious material of rayon.

Shung when I'm forming like voultron of young Raekwon
When I create and perform, I come together like a powerful machine or formation, like the legendary hip-hop artist Young Raekwon.

Mix in a bit of KRS-One and Q-tip
I draw inspiration and style from iconic hip-hop performers KRS-One and Q-tip, blending their influences into my own unique sound.

Rock him some of that ice cube, now who’s this
I bring the heat and intensity of hip-hop legend Ice Cube to my music, making a name for myself in the industry.

No one as gifted as this, so magnificent
I possess a level of talent and skill that outshines all others, making my music truly incredible and incomparable.

Classically consistent, I’m nasty as black licorice
I bring a classic and timeless sound to my music, while still being edgy and bold like the intense flavor of black licorice.

Coldest, but I get the room hotter than bikram yoga
While I may seem icy or aloof, my music and energy bring a level of heat and intensity to any room or situation, even more so than hot yoga.

Seen the show, you know I make the people move like an eviction notice
My performances and music have a strong and undeniable impact on people, making them move and react like they're being forced to move out of their homes.

I’m focused, I’m Moses when the mic is on
When I perform, I'm completely focused and in control, like the biblical figure Moses leading his people to the promised land.

That’s why these rappers scatter like roaches when the light is on
Other rappers are intimidated by my talent and presence, like cockroaches scattering when a light is turned on.

Hold it now, I hold it down
I am in control and maintaining my position of power and success.

I’m staying where I’m at, you better go around
I'm firmly rooted in my place in the music industry, and others should not try to compete with me or get in my way.

You know the voice and you know the sound
My unique and recognizable voice and sound set me apart from others in the industry.

I rip the microphone and then I throw it down
I dominate and excel at my performances, leaving the mic in ruins after I'm done.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MICHAEL JACKSON, TALIB KWELI GREENE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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