Bitter Cassava
Armand Hammer Lyrics

Lord help me I feel like the RZA
I feel like a legendary figure in the music industry, but I need divine intervention to guide me.

Like this what I get for helping you niggas
I regret helping those who are now causing me trouble and bringing negativity into my life.

Before the game start to rigging
Before people start cheating and manipulating the system for their own gain.

Right before my part they pulled blickas
Just before my turn, someone threatened me with a gun and made me fear for my life.

Niggas predictable, they go left but can’t finish
People are easy to read and their actions are predictable, but they lack the ability to follow through with their plans and achieve their goals.

She right there and neighbors in my business
There is a woman nearby and people are too involved in my personal affairs.

Annie Lennox, Al Green penance
I am paying for my past mistakes and regrets. Just like these famous singers who have had to make amends.

I’m a black hole, I’m a light bender
I am a force of great power and can influence others. Just like a black hole distorts light and can bend it to its will.

Water cold I’m a night swimmer
I am comfortable in situations that others may find uncomfortable or even frightening.

One bay old barb in the desert fire
In the midst of a difficult situation, there is one thing that could be useful but is difficult to obtain.

Woods for the peasant pope the king’s pheasant
Even those of lower rank and status can enjoy luxuries and pleasures that were once reserved for royalty.

Roast over open coals, no kitchen
Cooking food without proper equipment or facilities, making the best out of a difficult situation.

Piles of cracked chicken bones, the neighbor goat missing
Evidence of a meal that was had, but also of a missing animal that could have been stolen or used as food.

Okra out the throat where the blade kissed him
A graphic image of someone who has been stabbed and is choking on their own blood.

Entrails spilt, there was never a vision
A violent act has occurred with no real purpose or goal in mind.

There was never nothing in ‘em
The victim was not carrying anything valuable or of use to the perpetrator.

The sky was indifferent, the ground hope
The sky does not care what happens on the ground, but there is always a glimmer of hope regardless of the situation.

Bitter cassava they lie ‘bout the lows and the vision
People are not truthful about the challenges and difficulties they face, and they downplay their true goals and aspirations.

But not that road to perdition woooo
But not the path that leads to ruin and destruction.

You ain’t never had it in front of your face
You have never had something that was within easy reach or obvious to obtain.

Lies told, you don’t know how that cornbread taste
You have been deceived and manipulated, and you do not know the truth about something that is simple and basic.

Shit old, I ain’t got another hand to waste
Time is running out and resources are scarce, so I cannot afford to invest in something that is outdated or unproductive.

Big biz, still dicking like I know I ain’t saved
Despite my success and wealth, I know that I am not protected or immune to the dangers of the world.

Been round the way, in the hood I’m good
I am familiar with and accepted by the people in my community.

I’m around the way, walking fade, bittersweet
I am still here and part of the community, but I am fading away and my presence is both good and bad.

Teaching my kid to throw the peace sign
Passing on a message of peace and non-violence to future generations.

Thumb god double dare green slime
A fun and playful activity that involves daring and risk-taking.

Run for it, run for it, big chief him bad, kung fu
Escaping from danger and relying on one's skills and instincts to do so.

Undo, plum fool, I been dumbing out
Undoing a foolish mistake or action that was taken in the past.

Bet it on the house, wiretapping my style
Taking a risk and investing in something even though it may be illegal or unethical.

Yeah I been at it for a while
I have been working hard and making progress over an extended period of time.

Y’all been holding out, then pop up unannounced, pounce
Others have not been honest or forthcoming with information or opportunities, but are quick to take advantage when something arises.

I wake to a jet beauty in a weave bonnet [?]
Waking up to a beautiful woman who is wearing a wig or hair extensions.

Blendin' oil to please our scalp
Applying hair oil to make hair healthier and more attractive.

Just a drip of each, I keep movin' east
Using small amounts of different oils and continuing to travel in an eastern direction.

Rising up out of reach, unacknowledged and I'm in need
Reaching for something that seems unattainable or out of reach, and feeling ignored or overlooked in the process.

Please don’t call me king, no
I do not want to be put on a pedestal or treated like royalty.

We can't have all the things
We cannot have everything we want in life, and must be content with what we do have.

Terabyte, gigabyte, niggas bite
Technology and its vast amounts of data are being misused or exploited by some people.

I heard ass taste better in the summertime, spit or die
A crude and vulgar statement that may refer to the pleasures of life being enhanced during warmer months.

Thunder in the sky rolling wide
A powerful and ominous storm that is happening above.

Spun a vibe that didn’t feel like
Creating a mood or atmosphere that did not feel authentic or genuine.

You were running for time or from it
You were either trying to keep up with time or trying to avoid it altogether.

Fireflies in the jar, poke a whole so I can breathe
Capturing something beautiful but allowing it room to move and breathe.

Steez hard to earn get up off your knee
Self-respect and confidence are difficult to obtain and must be earned, rather than begged for or demanded.

See, I’m not the one to lean on
I am strong and independent, and do not want to be relied upon too heavily by others.

I'll give you what you need
I am capable of providing what is necessary or desired by others, but I do so on my own terms and in my own way.