Control
Big Sean Ft. Kendrick Lamar Jay Electronica Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I look up
Yeah and I take my time nigga
I'mma take my time, woah
Power moves only

Boy I'm 'bout my business on business
I drink liquor on liquor
I had women on women
Yeah that's bunk bed bitches
I've done lived more than an eighty year old man still kickin'
Cause they live for some moments, and I live for a livin'
But this for the girls that barely let me get to first base
On some ground ball shit
Cause now I run my city on some town hall shit
They prayin' on my motherfuckin' downfall bitch like a drought but
You gon' get this rain like it's May weather
G.O.O.D. Music, Ye weather
Champagne just tastes better
They told me I never boy, never say never
Swear flow special like an infant's first steps
I got paid then reverse debts
Then I finally found a girl that reverse stress
So now I'm talkin' to the reaper to reverse death
So I can kick it with my granddad, take him for a ride
Show him I made somethin' out myself and not just tried
Show him the house I bought the fam, let him tour inside
No matter how far ahead I get, I always feel behind
In my mind, but fuck tryin' and not doin'
Cause not doin' is somethin' a nigga not doin'
I said fuck tryin' and not doin'
Cause not doin' is somethin' a nigga not doin'
I grew up to Em, B.I.G., and Pac bitch, and got ruined
So until I got the same crib B.I.G. had in that Juicy vid bitch
I can't motherfuckin' stop movin'
Go against me, you won't stop losin'
From the city where every month is May-
Day at home, spray your dome
Niggas get sprayed up like AK was cologne for a paycheck or loan
Yeah I know that shit ain't fair
They say that Detroit ain't got a chance, we ain't even got a mayor
You write your name with a Sharpie, I write mine in stone
I knew that the world was for the taking and it wouldn't take long
We on, tryna be better than everybody that's better than everybody
Rep Detroit, everybody, Detroit versus everybody
I'm so fuckin' first class I could spit up on every pilot
The city's my Metropolis, feel it, it's metabolic
And I'm over niggas sayin' they're the hottest niggas
Then run to the hottest niggas just to stay hot
I'm one of the hottest because I flame drop
Drop fire, and not because I'm name droppin'
Hall of Fame droppin'
And I ain't takin' shit from nobody unless they're OG's
Cause that ain't the way of an OG
So I G-O collect more G's, every dollar
Never changed though, I'm just the new version of old me
Forever hot headed but never got cold feet
Got up in the game won't look back at my old seats
Clique so deep we take up the whole street
I need a bitch so bad that she take up my whole week, Sean Don

Miscellaneous minds are never explainin' their minds
Devilish grin for my alias aliens to respond
Peddlin' sin, thinkin' maybe when you get old you realize
I'm not gonna fold or demise
(I don't smoke crack, motherfucker I sell it!)
Bitch, everything I rap is a quarter piece to your melon
So if you have a relapse, just relax and pop in my disc
Don't pop me no fucking pill, I'mma a pop you and give you this

Tell Flex to drop a bomb on this shit
So many bombs, ring the alarm like Vietnam in this shit
So many bombs, make Farrakhan think Saddam in this bitch
One at a time, I line 'em up and bomb on they mom
While she watchin' the kids
I'm in a destruction mode if the gold exists
I'm important like the pope, I'm a muslim on pork
I'm Makaveli's offspring, I'm the king of New York
King of the Coast, one hand, I juggle them both
The juggernaut's all in your jugular, you take me for jokes
Live in the basement, church pews and funeral faces
Cartier bracelets for my women friends I'm in Vegas
Who the fuck y'all thought it's supposed to be?
If Phil Jackson came back, still no coachin' me
I'm uncoachable, I'm unsociable
Fuck y'all clubs, fuck y'all pictures, your Instagram can gobble these nuts
Gobble dick up 'til you hiccup, my big homie Kurupt
This the same flow that put the rap game on a crutch
I've seen niggas transform like villain Decepticons
Mollies'll prolly turn these niggas to fuckin' Lindsay Lohan
A bunch of rich ass white girls lookin' for parties
Playin with Barbies, wreck the Porsche before you give 'em the car key
Judgement to the monarchy, blessings to Paul McCartney
You called me a black Beatle, I'm either that or a Marley
(I don't smoke crack motherfucker I sell it)
I'm dressed in all black, this is not for the fan of Elvis
I'm aimin' straight for your pelvis, you can't stomach me
You plan on stumpin' me? Bitch I've been jumped before you put a gun on me
Bitch I put one on yours, I'm Sean Connery
James Bonding with none of you niggas, climbing 100 mil in front of me
And I'm gonna get it even if you're in the way
And if you're in it, better run for Pete's sake
I heard the barbershops be in great debates all the time
Bout who's the best MC? Kendrick, Jigga and Nas
Eminem, Andre 3000, the rest of y'all
New niggas just new niggas, don't get involved
And I ain't rockin no more designer shit
White T's and Nike Cortez, this is red Corvettes anonymous
I'm usually homeboys with the same niggas I'm rhymin' wit
But this is hip hop and them niggas should know what time it is
And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big KRIT, Wale
Pusha T, Meek Millz, A$AP Rocky, Drake
Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller
I got love for you all but I'm tryna murder you niggas
Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you niggas
They dont wanna hear not one more noun or verb from you niggas
What is competition? I'm tryna raise the bar high
Who tryna jump and get it? You better off tryna skydive
Out the exit window of 5 G5's with 5 grand
With your granddad as the pilot he drunk as fuck tryna land
With the hand full of arthritis and popping prosthetic leg
Bumpin Pac in the cockpit so the shit that pops in his head
Is an option of violence, someone heard the stewardess said
That your parachute is a latex condom hooked to a dread

You could check my name on the books
I Earth, Wind, and Fire'd the verse, then rained on the hook
The legend of Dorothy Flowers proclaimed from the roof
The tale of magnificent king who came from the nooks
Of the wild magnolia, mother of many soldiers
We live by every single word she ever told us
Watch over your shoulders
And keep a tin of beans for when the weather turns the coldest
The Lord is our shepherd, so our cup runneth over
Put your trust in the Lord but tether your Chevy Nova
I'm spittin' this shit for closure
And God is my witness, so you could get it from Hova
For all you magicians that's fidgeting with the cobra
I'm silent as a rock, 'cause I came from a rock
That's why I came with a rock, then signed my name on the Roc
Draw a line around some Earth, then put my name on the plot
Cause I endured a lot of pain for everything that I got
The eyelashes like umbrellas when it rains from the heart
And the tissue is like an angel kissin' you in the dark
You go from blind sight to hindsight, passion of the Christ
Right, to baskin' in the limelight, it take time to get your mind right
Jay Electricity, PBS mysteries
In a lofty place, tangling with Satan over history




You can't say shit to me, Alhamdulillah
It's strictly by faith that we made it this far

Overall Meaning

The song “Control” by Big Sean featuring Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica is a powerful/legendary track that highlights the competitive nature of hip-hop music. In the first verse, Big Sean delivers his rap in a confident manner, discussing his business and personal success. He boasts about the range of women he has been with and the number of experiences he has had. Big Sean also talks about his grandfather, whom he wishes to live with and show his success to. In the following verse, Kendrick Lamar comes in with an aggressive approach, attacking other rappers in the game and asserting his dominance. He considers himself as the king both the east coast and west coast. In the third verse, Jay Electronica raps about his faith and how his journey in the music industry has been guided by his religious beliefs.


The lyrics of the song evoke a sense of competitiveness, with each rapper trying to assert their dominance in the hip-hop industry. The song captured the attention of the media and generated a lot of buzz when it was released, making it one of the most talked-about rap songs in recent years.


Line by Line Meaning

I look up
I am optimistic and hopeful


Yeah and I take my time nigga
I don't rush and I am patient


I'mma take my time, woah
I will do things at my own pace


Power moves only
I only make strategic and impactful moves


Boy I'm 'bout my business on business
I am focused on my career and making money


I drink liquor on liquor
I party and have a good time


I had women on women
I had many women in my life


Yeah that's bunk bed bitches
I had multiple sexual partners


I've done lived more than an eighty year old man still kickin'
I have experienced more in life than most elderly people


Cause they live for some moments, and I live for a livin'
I focus on building a successful life, not just enjoying fleeting moments


But this for the girls that barely let me get to first base
This is for the girls who didn't give me a chance


On some ground ball shit
On basic and unimpressive behavior


Cause now I run my city on some town hall shit
I am in control and leading my city


They prayin' on my motherfuckin' downfall bitch like a drought but
They hope for my failure and success drought


You gon' get this rain like it's May weather
I will bring success and prosperity like heavy rain


G.O.O.D. Music, Ye weather
I am associated with good music and Kanye West's influence


Champagne just tastes better
Celebration and success feel even more rewarding


They told me I never boy, never say never
People doubted me, but I won't give up


Swear flow special like an infant's first steps
My rap style is unique and exceptional


I got paid then reverse debts
I earned money and paid off my debts


Then I finally found a girl that reverse stress
I found a girl who relieves my stress


So now I'm talkin' to the reaper to reverse death
I want to cheat death and spend more time with loved ones


So I can kick it with my granddad, take him for a ride
I want to spend quality time with my grandfather


Show him I made somethin' out myself and not just tried
I want to prove my success to him


Show him the house I bought the fam, let him tour inside
I want to show him my achievements and provide for my family


No matter how far ahead I get, I always feel behind
I always feel like I need to achieve more and stay ahead


In my mind, but fuck tryin' and not doin'
I refuse to just try without taking action


Cause not doin' is somethin' a nigga not doin'
Not taking action is unacceptable


I grew up to Em, B.I.G., and Pac bitch, and got ruined
I was influenced by Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac, and it shaped me


So until I got the same crib B.I.G. had in that Juicy vid bitch
I won't stop until I achieve the same level of success


I can't motherfuckin' stop movin'
I am determined to keep progressing


Go against me, you won't stop losin'
If you oppose me, you will continuously fail


From the city where every month is May- Day at home, spray your dome
From Detroit where violence is common


Niggas get sprayed up like AK was cologne for a paycheck or loan
Getting shot is common due to disputes over money


Yeah I know that shit ain't fair
I understand that life isn't fair


They say that Detroit ain't got a chance, we ain't even got a mayor
People doubt the potential and leadership in Detroit


You write your name with a Sharpie, I write mine in stone
You have temporary influence, mine is permanent


I knew that the world was for the taking and it wouldn't take long
I believed that success would come quickly


We on, tryna be better than everybody that's better than everybody
We are striving to surpass those who are already great


Rep Detroit, everybody, Detroit versus everybody
I represent Detroit and its people, we are united against everyone else


I'm so fuckin' first class I could spit up on every pilot
I am extremely successful and can show disrespect to even pilots


The city's my Metropolis, feel it, it's metabolic
Detroit is my city and it energizes and inspires me


And I'm over niggas sayin' they're the hottest niggas
I am tired of people claiming to be the best


Then run to the hottest niggas just to stay hot
They seek validation from already successful artists


I'm one of the hottest because I flame drop
My talent and success make me one of the best


Drop fire, and not because I'm name droppin'
I produce great music, not because I mention famous names


Hall of Fame droppin'
I am releasing a highly acclaimed album


And I ain't takin' shit from nobody unless they're OG's
I only respect and listen to experienced and respected individuals


Cause that ain't the way of an OG
That is not how a true OG behaves


So I G-O collect more G's, every dollar
I will continue to accumulate wealth


Never changed though, I'm just the new version of old me
I remain true to myself, but I have evolved


Forever hot headed but never got cold feet
I am always passionate and decisive in my actions


Got up in the game won't look back at my old seats
I have moved on from my previous struggles and failures


Clique so deep we take up the whole street
My group is large and powerful


I need a bitch so bad that she take up my whole week, Sean Don
I want a woman who is so amazing that I dedicate all my time to her


Miscellaneous minds are never explainin' their minds
People with scattered thoughts struggle to express themselves


Devilish grin for my alias aliens to respond
I have a mischievous smile for those who don't understand me


Peddlin' sin, thinkin' maybe when you get old you realize
Engaging in sinful activities, believing that as you age you become wiser


I'm not gonna fold or demise
I won't give up or be defeated


(I don't smoke crack, motherfucker I sell it!)
I don't use drugs, I sell them


Bitch, everything I rap is a quarter piece to your melon
My lyrics are impactful and make a significant impact on listeners


So if you have a relapse, just relax and pop in my disc
If you struggle with addiction, listen to my music to find solace


Don't pop me no fucking pill, I'mma a pop you and give you this
Don't rely on drugs, I will retaliate with my own power


Tell Flex to drop a bomb on this shit
Tell the DJ to play this track explosively


So many bombs, ring the alarm like Vietnam in this shit
This track is so impactful that it reminds of the Vietnam War


So many bombs, make Farrakhan think Saddam in this bitch
The number of bombs is comparable to the Iraq War


One at a time, I line 'em up and bomb on they mom
I will take them down one by one and attack their loved ones


While she watchin' the kids
While their mother is preoccupied


I'm in a destruction mode if the gold exists
I am in a mindset to destroy competition for success


I'm important like the pope, I'm a muslim on pork
I hold significant power and contradict expectations


I'm Makaveli's offspring, I'm the king of New York
I am influenced by Tupac and I am the ruler of New York's rap scene


King of the Coast, one hand, I juggle them both
I dominate both the East and West Coast rap scenes


The juggernaut's all in your jugular, you take me for jokes
My influence and power are overwhelming, don't underestimate me


Live in the basement, church pews and funeral faces
I come from a humble background with religious and solemn experiences


Cartier bracelets for my women friends I'm in Vegas
I splurge on expensive gifts for my female friends while partying in Las Vegas


Who the fuck y'all thought it's supposed to be?
Do you really think anyone else should have this level of fame?


If Phil Jackson came back, still no coachin' me
Even the legendary Phil Jackson couldn't control me


I'm uncoachable, I'm unsociable
I am independent and prefer to work alone


Fuck y'all clubs, fuck y'all pictures, your Instagram can gobble these nuts
I don't care about your social events or online presence


Gobble dick up 'til you hiccup, my big homie Kurupt
Perform oral sex until you can't speak, like my friend Kurupt


This the same flow that put the rap game on a crutch
My flow revolutionized the rap game


I've seen niggas transform like villain Decepticons
I have witnessed people change for the worse


Mollies'll prolly turn these niggas to fuckin' Lindsay Lohan
Drugs like Molly can ruin lives, like Lindsay Lohan's


A bunch of rich ass white girls lookin' for parties
Privileged girls seeking entertainment and excitement


Playin with Barbies, wreck the Porsche before you give 'em the car key
They play with expensive toys and vehicles carelessly


Judgement to the monarchy, blessings to Paul McCartney
Criticism for those in power, appreciation for Paul McCartney


You called me a black Beatle, I'm either that or a Marley
Comparing me to influential black artists like a Beatle or a Marley


(I don't smoke crack motherfucker I sell it)
I don't use drugs, I sell them


I'm dressed in all black, this is not for the fan of Elvis
My attire is not influenced by Elvis' fans


I'm aimin' straight for your pelvis, you can't stomach me
My lyrics are direct and impactful, you can't handle me


You plan on stumpin' me? Bitch I've been jumped before you put a gun on me
You think you can intimidate me? I have faced physical violence before you


Bitch I put one on yours, I'm Sean Connery
I will retaliate and hurt you, I am powerful like Sean Connery


James Bonding with none of you niggas, climbing 100 mil in front of me
I am rising to success while leaving my competitors behind


And I'm gonna get it even if you're in the way
I will achieve my goals regardless of any obstacles


And if you're in it, better run for Pete's sake
If you are involved, you better flee for your own safety


I heard the barbershops be in great debates all the time
Barbershops often have intense debates about the best MCs


Bout who's the best MC? Kendrick, Jigga and Nas
They argue about the top MCs like Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Nas


Eminem, Andre 3000, the rest of y'all
Including Eminem, Andre 3000, and other exceptional artists


New niggas just new niggas, don't get involved
Newcomers are just newcomers, they should stay out of it


And I ain't rockin no more designer shit
I don't wear expensive designer clothes


White T's and Nike Cortez, this is red Corvettes anonymous
I wear simple white T-shirts and Nike sneakers, not flashy clothes


I'm usually homeboys with the same niggas I'm rhymin' wit
My friends and collaborators are usually the same people


But this is hip hop and them niggas should know what time it is
In the world of hip hop, they should understand the competition


And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big KRIT, Wale
This message also applies to J. Cole, Big KRIT, and Wale


Pusha T, Meek Millz, A$AP Rocky, Drake
As well as Pusha T, Meek Millz, A$AP Rocky, and Drake


Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller
Including Big Sean, Jay Electronica, Tyler, The Creator, and Mac Miller


I got love for you all but I'm tryna murder you niggas
I have respect for them, but I want to surpass their success


Tryna make sure your core fans never heard of you niggas
I want to overshadow their popularity and gain their fans


They dont wanna hear not one more noun or verb from you niggas
Their fans don't want to hear any more music or lyrics from them


What is competition? I'm tryna raise the bar high
I don't see competition, I am trying to set a higher standard


Who tryna jump and get it? You better off tryna skydive
Those who try to compete with me should try something as risky as skydiving


Out the exit window of 5 G5's with 5 grand
Jumping out of a plane with a large amount of money


With your granddad as the pilot he drunk as fuck tryna land
With your intoxicated granddad as the pilot struggling to land


With the hand full of arthritis and popping prosthetic leg
With an elderly and physically challenged pilot


Bumpin Pac in the cockpit so the shit that pops in his head
Playing Tupac's music in the pilot's cabin


Is an option of violence, someone heard the stewardess said
The passengers overheard the stewardess talking about possible violence


That your parachute is a latex condom hooked to a dread
The supposed parachute is just a condom attached to a dreadlock


You could check my name on the books
You can see my name and achievements recorded officially


I Earth, Wind, and Fire'd the verse, then rained on the hook
I delivered a powerful and impactful verse, followed by a memorable and catchy chorus


The legend of Dorothy Flowers proclaimed from the roof
I am recognized as a legendary figure, just like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz


The tale of magnificent king who came from the nooks
The story of a great and influential king who rose from humble origins


Of the wild magnolia, mother of many soldiers
From the rough and rugged neighborhoods, raising a generation of fighters


We live by every single word she ever told us
We are guided and influenced by her wise words


Watch over your shoulders
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings


And keep a tin of beans for when the weather turns the coldest
Be prepared and have resources for difficult times


The Lord is our shepherd, so our cup runneth over
We have a source of guidance and abundance in our lives


Put your trust in the Lord but tether your Chevy Nova
Have faith, but also take practical measures to protect yourself


I'm spittin' this shit for closure
I am expressing these thoughts and emotions for closure


And God is my witness, so you could get it from Hova
I have God as a witness to validate my words


For all you magicians that's fidgeting with the cobra
For those who play with dangerous things and face consequences


I'm silent as a rock, 'cause I came from a rock
I remain calm and unmoved, because I come from a humble background


That's why I came with a rock, then signed my name on the Roc
That's why I started from nothing and then achieved success


Draw a line around some Earth, then put my name on the plot
Claiming ownership and success in a global scale


Cause I endured a lot of pain for everything that I got
I went through hardships and sacrifices to achieve my success


The eyelashes like umbrellas when it rains from the heart
Tears are shed and emotions are expressed from deep within


And the tissue is like an angel kissin' you in the dark
A comforting touch and solace in times of darkness


You go from blind sight to hindsight, passion of the Christ
You transition from ignorance to wisdom, similar to the story of Jesus


Right, to baskin' in the limelight, it take time to get your mind right
Then, you can enjoy success and recognition, but it requires personal growth


Jay Electricity, PBS mysteries
Referring to himself as a powerful and enigmatic figure, like on PBS


In a lofty place, tangling with Satan over history
In a high position, engaging in philosophical battles with evil


You can't say shit to me, Alhamdulillah
You have no power over me, thanks to God


It's strictly by faith that we made it this far
I attribute my success to faith and belief




Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SEAN MICHAEL ANDERSON, KENDRICK DUCKWORTH, TIMOTHY E. THEDFORD, ERNEST DION WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@drmayberry3

It's 2023 and you still come back to this CLASSIC!!!!

@Enrari

I need this every now and then tbh. Know every verse by heart😂

@Jay-oq2eo

I don’t smoke crack mf I sell it

@andrewdehne8932

@@Enrari Same

@anthonyb2223

Oh yeah boi u a real one

@kirthchauya7793

Weekly

145 More Replies...

@beardifull462

It's 2024 and I still couldn't help but come back to this classic especially Kendrick's verse

@williamhicks8529

Stg bruh!!!! This is HIP-HOP!!!!

@KevinMullins33

This is when hip-hop took a pivot for real. All eyes were on Kendrick after this

@musicislyfe911

It’s 2022 when Kendrick comes back I hope he’s on this monstrous energy.

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