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.
Malt Liquor Freestyle
Billy Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Amateur night with all them punchlines
On the scale, your shit is a dime
Or that DC brown, Woods be toastin' the town
Holding most of the pound, light up the city
Pass it around, don't quote me nigga
I ain't said shit, easy does it
Money better have my bitch
Pocket Glen Gary leaves
Just ask Murray and Mitch
Cold facts when I pitch
All black like his Sigs
We don't mix unless you talking about cigars
And Manischewitz, some metaphors and spinach
Or maybe your wife and my latest fetish
In "Malt Liquor Freestyle," Billy Woods showcases his lyrical prowess and delivers a complex set of verses filled with vivid imagery and clever wordplay. The opening lines, "Don't try to run up like one time / Amateur night with all them punchlines," suggest that Woods views himself as a superior rapper compared to others who are trying to challenge him. He dismisses their attempts at clever wordplay, saying their skills are equivalent to a dime on a scale or the low-quality DC brown malt liquor. In contrast, Woods sees himself as a heavyweight in the rap game, capable of lighting up the city and holding his own.
Woods asserts his confidence and warns others not to quote him on anything he says, possibly suggesting that his words carry weight and shouldn't be taken lightly. He references iconic film characters Glen Gary and Murray and Mitch, implying that his flow is smooth and calculated like theirs. Woods draws attention to his all-black attire, resembling the color of his cigarette, further emphasizing his distinct style and persona.
As the lyrics progress, Woods introduces the concept of mixing, suggesting that he doesn't engage with people unless it involves cigars or Manischewitz wine. The mention of metaphors and spinach adds a layer of metaphorical complexity, implying that his rhymes possess both intellectual depth and physical power. Lastly, Woods cryptically alludes to a personal interest involving someone else's wife, hinting at a potential scandalous encounter that adds a touch of intrigue to the lyrics.
Overall, "Malt Liquor Freestyle" showcases Billy Woods's lyrical ingenuity and confidence as he navigates through a clever wordplay-filled composition, asserting his superiority and leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't try to run up like one time
Do not attempt to approach me aggressively or confrontationally
Amateur night with all them punchlines
Your attempts at clever wordplay and humor are unimpressive and lacking in skill
On the scale, your shit is a dime
Your work or output is considered low quality or insignificant
Or that DC brown, Woods be toastin' the town
Like a toast to the city, Billy Woods celebrates and represents the culture and streets of DC
Holding most of the pound, light up the city
Controlling a significant portion of drugs or power and influence, he brings light and energy to the city
Pass it around, don't quote me nigga
Share the experience and spread the influence, but don't directly attribute anything to me
I ain't said shit, easy does it
I haven't revealed any information or made any explicit statements, take it easy and don't jump to conclusions
Money better have my bitch
Ensure that I am compensated appropriately and that my business is taken care of
Bill flow too nice, somebody gon' snitch
My style of rapping is impressive and attractive, causing someone to become jealous and potentially reveal information
Pocket Glen Gary leaves
Keeping money in my pocket as a symbol of financial success and status
Just ask Murray and Mitch
If you want confirmation about my success, go directly to the sources who know me
Cold facts when I pitch
When I present my ideas or rap, I do so with undeniable truth and conviction
All black like his Sigs
Dressed in all black, similar to his preferred brand of cigarettes, showing a consistent style and image
We don't mix unless you talking about cigars
We don't associate or collaborate unless the topic of discussion is cigars
And Manischewitz, some metaphors and spinach
The only things we mix or combine are wordplay or symbolism (metaphors) and wealth or success (spinach)
Or maybe your wife and my latest fetish
Perhaps the only other thing we mix is your wife with my current interest or obsession
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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