His mother was an English literature professor from Jamaica. His father was a Ph.D. Marxist writer, active in the Zimbabwe War of Liberation and then a member of the government in Zimbabwe. In 1980, the family moved to Zimbabwe. After the death of Woods' father, they returned to the United States in 1989. Woods briefly attended Howard University before getting involved in New York City's hip-hop scene. He started making music in the late 1990s. He wrote his "first real rhyme" at a laundromat in Kennebunk, Maine in 1997.
Billy Woods released his debut solo album, Camouflage, on his record label Backwoodz Studioz in 2003. In 2012, he released History Will Absolve Me. In 2013, he released Dour Candy, which was entirely produced by Blockhead. In 2017, he released Known Unknowns. It was included on Rolling Stone's "15 Great Albums You Probably Didn't Hear in 2017" list. In 2019, he released a collaborative album with producer Kenny Segal, titled Hiding Places, and a solo album, Terror Management. 2020 brought Brass, a collaborative album with Moor Mother. Woods released Aethiopes and Church in 2022. On May 5th 2023 Woods released Maps , second collaborative album with producer Kenny Segal.
A Mis Enemigos
Billy Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oil on the water, oceans of fire
Township necklace, sink or swim now
Big waves, I hit 'em like "Ow!"
Wingate and Leerdam silent in trial
Shackled in slippers, shuffling single-file
I'm counting kilometers and nautical miles
Have a word with your preacher
I declined with a smile (Um, no thank you)
You and I both know I ain't
Never gonna let it go
Cottonmouth in the midst of H2O
Knife in my teeth and the water's choppy
You thought I would sink prob'ly
I'm deep in the drink, sloppy
You get a couple bars I'm cheap with the ink
You need to guard your spot
With wire that's barbed
Run-flat tires on cars
High tech, optic fibres, chain on your yard
Every door and window double barred
Hunkered down, watching the surf
Ready for war eyes on the horizon
Thinking "That nigga couldn't
Have survived it!"
But I'm full of surprises
In Billy Woods's song "A Mis Enemigos," the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The opening line, "Broke up on impact, I swam from the wreckage," suggests that Woods has encountered a significant setback or failure but has managed to escape and persevere. This metaphorical imagery continues with the mention of oil on the water and oceans of fire, symbolizing chaos and destruction.
We then hear references to Wingate and Leerdam, which are possibly alluding to specific locations or situations. Woods describes being shackled in slippers, shuffling single-file, metaphorically depicting a loss of freedom or being trapped in a controlled environment. The counting of kilometers and nautical miles adds a sense of distance and travel, perhaps highlighting the artist's journey to overcome his enemies or challenges.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of deception and manipulation. Woods sarcastically mentions having a word with your preacher, implying that people may not always be as trustworthy or righteous as they appear. The line "Niggas is foul kool-Aid by the litre" suggests that those around him are deceitful and untrustworthy, and he chooses to distance himself from such individuals.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to a more confrontational tone. Woods declares that he will never let go of his resolve, comparing himself to a cottonmouth snake in water, ready to strike at any moment. The reference to a knife symbolizes his readiness to fight against the odds, despite the challenging circumstances.
The closing lines of the song reveal Woods's determination and resilience. He states, "But I'm full of surprises," suggesting that his enemies may underestimate him, but he will always find a way to overcome and surprise them.
Line by Line Meaning
Broke up on impact, I swam from the wreckage
Immediately after the crash, I managed to escape and swim away from the destroyed scene.
Oil on the water, oceans of fire
The spilled oil has spread across the water, creating vast fiery areas.
Township necklace, sink or swim now
In this challenging situation, it's either adapt and survive or face defeat.
Big waves, I hit 'em like "Ow!"
I confront and conquer significant obstacles with determination and resilience.
Wingate and Leerdam silent in trial
Important figures, Wingate and Leerdam, remain silent during a legal proceeding.
Shackled in slippers, shuffling single-file
Restrained and limited in movement, forced to walk slowly in a prescribed line.
I'm counting kilometers and nautical miles
Having a clear measure of distance traveled, both on land and at sea.
Have a word with your preacher
Engage in a conversation with your spiritual guide.
Niggas is foul kool-Aid by the litre
Certain individuals possess corrupt intentions and actions on a large scale, similar to contaminated Kool-Aid.
I declined with a smile (Um, no thank you)
Politely refusing with a smile, expressing my lack of interest.
You and I both know I ain't
Both you and I acknowledge that I am not going to
Never gonna let it go
Never going to release my grip on the matter
Cottonmouth in the midst of H2O
Feeling parched in a situation surrounded by water.
Knife in my teeth and the water's choppy
Facing a turbulent and challenging environment with a weapon at the ready.
You thought I would sink prob'ly
You likely believed that I would fail and drown in these circumstances.
I'm deep in the drink, sloppy
I am fully immersed in this challenging situation, likely to encounter difficulties.
You get a couple bars I'm cheap with the ink
You receive only a limited amount of my lyrical content as I am frugal with my creative expression.
You need to guard your spot
It is crucial for you to protect your position or territory.
With wire that's barbed
Establish defenses using sharp and dangerous wire.
Run-flat tires on cars
Vehicles equipped with tires designed to continue functioning even after experiencing a puncture or damage.
High tech, optic fibres, chain on your yard
Sophisticated communication systems and security measures in place to protect your property.
Every door and window double barred
Taking extra precaution by securing all entrances with double barriers.
Hunkered down, watching the surf
Taking cover in a defensive position, closely observing the movement of the waves.
Ready for war eyes on the horizon
Mentally prepared for conflict, attentively scanning the horizon for potential threats.
Thinking "That nigga couldn't
Have survived it!"
Believing that the person in question could not have survived such a challenging situation.
But I'm full of surprises
Contrary to expectations, I prove myself to be full of unexpected abilities and resilience.
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ππ¦ππβπ ππ³π¬
TE AMO BILLY DIOS π
teenkeenskip
Great track
Rat
So fire
xviclxi
exquisite
KIRYU
If you can hold your breath π₯
Jaburo
BLOOD IN THE WATER! OCEANS OF FIRE! TOWNSHIP NECKLACE!
Handel IvΓ‘n
El Vale al final, a huevo.
dan0795
Puro Gallo de oro π₯
Said Cerdan
This Nigga. Gold.
RamΓ³n Kings
Rapposting represent xD