Harlem Anthem
A$AP Ferg Lyrics

Harlem
This song is an anthem for Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City with a rich history and culture.

Causing ruckus in the Rucker
I'm creating a scene at the Rucker, a famous basketball court in Harlem known for its competitive games.

I'm a beast going straight for the jugular
I am a fierce competitor putting all my effort into winning.

Like King Kong stepping on what's among us
I am dominating like the fictional character King Kong taking over the city.

Scraping y'all off with the feet like fungus
I am defeating my opponents so easily I can brush them off like dirt on my shoes.

Bricks on a backboard
I am shooting baskets at the hoop using the backboard to bounce the ball in, like bricks on the court.

Then I hit 'em with the sham 'cause he asked for it
I am using deception in my moves, tricking and defeating my opponent at basketball.

Kriss Kross make 'em jump, Mac Daddy make ya
I am referencing popular rap groups from the 90s whose music energized crowds and made people dance.

Then it's all wet just like a Laker
I am making a reference to the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, who are known for winning championships and leaving their opponents with nothing.

Hi hater, bye hater, annihilator
I am saying goodbye to anyone who doubts me and annihilating anyone who opposes me through my talent and skill.

Ferginator like Terminator, you die a hater
I am comparing myself to the fictional villain Terminator, whose goal was to terminate humans. I am saying that those who hate on me will ultimately lose.

Like Dennis Rodman, you die here
I am referencing Dennis Rodman, a former basketball player known for his toughness and aggressive play. I am saying that anyone who tries to challenge me will lose.

I'm greater than kid saying he's our savior
I am greater than someone who claims to be the savior of Harlem, which is known for producing greats in music, sports, and entertainment.

I can't help it, I'm a violator
I cannot help but dominate in everything I do.

You sleep, niggas sweet like Now or Laters
Those who underestimate me are as weak and easy to defeat as a soft candy like Now or Laters.

Tell me what you want it now or later
Do you want to face me now or later when you are ready for a challenge?

Send 'em on a one way to hell in a elevator
I am saying that anyone who challenges me will lose and be metaphorically sent to hell on an elevator, a one-way ticket to defeat.

See the kids on the gates
I am referring to the many talented young people and artists who come from Harlem.

My opponent staring at my face
My opponent is intimidated by my confidence and skill.

Finna put him in his place
I am going to humiliate and defeat my opponent.

Crossover and survive, make his honey race
I am using my basketball skills to defeat my opponent, making him look foolish and slow.

Can't keep up with my pace
My opponent is too slow and not skilled enough to keep up with me.

Finna make a movie, this is Liongates
My performance is so impressive I could make a movie out of it, like the film production company Liongates.

I put that nigga on his brakes
I have so much control over my opponent that I can make him stop in his tracks.

Don't play, just pray, you better have faith
My opponent should not even attempt to play against me, they should instead pray for a miracle to defeat me.

Where Cam and Ma$e play
I am referencing two successful rappers, Cam'ron and Ma$e, who are from Harlem.

Pee Wee Kirkland fell in love with the K
I am referencing Pee Wee Kirkland, a former basketball player and Harlem street legend who was known for his skill and success.

I rap like a turban when I'm up in the game
I am rapping with confidence and style, just like someone wearing a turban for religious or cultural reasons and expressing their identity.

I snap like a serpent, I am all for that change
I am reacting and responding quickly and decisively, and I am dedicated to making positive changes in my life and community.

Oooh-ha, more fire
I am expressing my excitement and intensity, like someone saying 'Oooh-ha!' and adding even more heat and energy to my performance.

I've been in truth, the devil is a liar
I am speaking from a place of authenticity and honesty, and I do not believe in or listen to the negative influences of the devil.

The fans going crazy in the rises
My fans are excited and enthusiastic about my performance, and they are making noise and cheering from the stands.

You know Harlem is the livest
Everyone knows that Harlem is the most vibrant and exciting place to be, with a rich history and culture of music, art, and sport.

Welcome to Harlem, Harlem
This repetition welcomes and invites people to experience the energy and beauty of Harlem.

Where the legacies are born
Harlem is a place where great talent and success are born and nurtured, leaving lasting legacies.

Concrete roses with the thorns
Harlem is a place with tough exterior and beauty, like a rose with thorns.

Come to see where stars are born
People come to Harlem to see the rising stars in music, sports, and entertainment.