Twice Inna Lifetime
Black Star Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hail Mary, 'matta fact hail Jane
Niggas take my name in vain like I was cocaine
My affirmations kill emcees like assassination
Bringin' you pain until you wish you had a vaccination
Or vaccine, I shine like Vaseline
Gas plays like petroleum, walk over them like linoleum
My vocab expand like a rubber band
Walkin' naked through the motherland, give the finger to my brotherman
Niggas just don't understand my reasons, I transcend like season
And scar these rappers like Legion
It's treason, my suspension attract attention
I'm ventin', givin' these chickenheads detention
Did I mention my name, yo, go by the Jane Doe
Drenched in Polo, chill downtown in Soho
You don't know, this is just half my potential
Check my credentials, come harder than sequential
It's essential, you listen, I drive, you a pedestrian
They bless me on the track cuz I attack wit' the estrogen
Rhyme against the best a men, Jane burn it up
When you hear it in the whip, tell your man to turn it up!

Yo, we fortified live, supportin' allies
The wack is tryin' to shorten our lives, it sorta waters my eyes
But here is some'n the cryin' talk about
The verse on that cassette you and cousin fought about
That led to God and Satan's fallin' out
Encourage the liquor for those who ain't here that you pourin' out
On 3-way, your parents, preacher and spouse called my house
Revive or ruin, my theories of mics
Sony or Aiwa, black or white, I fit in all stereotypes
Search for a cast to plot, I make you a laughin' stock
So shook, I could walk a half a block and feel the aftershocks
Rain of acid drops, seek some help
Now don't rewind, get it the first time
Shouldn't have to repeat myself
Eternally verbally, I have numbers, succumb to time outs
In rhyme bouts you'll dial 9, just to get a line out
Known fact or factors and non-rappers fractured
Results in more cast appearances than a hundred actors
Emcees I'm testin' like diseases injected in gerbils
Wordsworth, Kweli, Hi-Tek, Reflection Eternal what

My style highlights like fonts when I burn heads like a conk
Cause niggas front, when their chances get slim like Pharoahe Monch
Thinkin' they shits is heavy when they light like illumination
Intellectual masturbation with premature ejaculation
I'm comin' cleaner than vaccinations
My fascination with character assassination
Got these niggas burnin' like sensation
We keep it hot like matches and on lock like latches
Wack emcees get they microphones snatched like Lee patches
So YOU GO! To every wack muthafucka that you know (Scram)
My lyrics they get up in your jeans like Parasucos
So there's no mystery about the father, niggas is hot and bothered
Like the bitches that they are, takin' pictures with stars
And got 'em open, but after they little hopes and dreams get broken
Me and Hi-Tek, we live long and prosper like Vulcans
Think I'm jokin'? We both got sons, we make cream and break dreams
See through the fake schemes, wipin' your slate clean
Like a squeegee, we be lightin' shit up like phosphorus
Turnin' flamboyant niggas anonymous, depressin' to optimist
You stoppin' us is preposterous, like an androgynous misogynist
You pickin' the wrong time, steppin' to me when I'm in my prime like Optimus
Transformin', from rookie of the year to veteran
Hip-hop is big business like Con Edison or medicine
But fuck it, they gonna let us in, or else we rush the door
I got too many reasons, save your 'whys' and 'what fors'

This is twice inna lifetime so I'm lettin' you know (let 'em know yo!)
Blackstar, Wordsworth, Punchline and Jane Doe (yo!)
Lyrical com-pete and WE emcee
We got the fortified five, exhibit level degree

Check it
I keep dough in my pocket while you follow the false prophet
Get deep like Islamics wrapped in a white garment
I touch topics that try to open up your optics
Vacate in the Tropics, you dodgin' bullets in the projects
Cut the nonsense, I'm hotter than a lot of men
Start honorin', got more wifeys than Solomon
Fuck the squad you in, a-yo we be the biddomb
Regardless what I spit on, you worse with the tracks I shit on
Once you get on, it's fair you can't trust (Yes!)
Words & Punch, make rappers march like the third month
I build with friends, lyrically spit gems
Call me diamond, cuz I'm your girl's best friend
Emcees are born losers, alcoholic abusers
I'll go on the radio and start a gay rumor
And then I'll talk about how the crowd tried to boo ya
Label shoot ya, stressed out with brain tumors
My gat claps, 50% of the wack
Take it back to real rap, Krylons wit' the fat cap
Get robbed for your ASCAP, leave you inside
Fortified live, reppin' NY 'til I die!

Black body radiation situation that we workin' wit'
My verb exists enlisted by the bogeys campin' services
The purpose is, make you go and purchase this, no nervousness
We are, hot like black tar, Black Star with emergence
Superlative, you fabricated like the word absurditive
I'm rockin' this from here to where the Persians live
To Brooklyn where the merchants live
Next door to the murderers
And bourbon is a elder man's medicinal alternative
My memory is furnished with, back streets to back seats to fat Jeeps
Legendary athletes who play by the trash heap
My crew wasn't that deep, but beef we didn't act sweet
Treadin' on these stompin' grounds you better catch some black feet
Flashy, it was between DeKalb and Pulasky
Off the meter like an out of borough taxi
They run your pockets fastly, black and nasty, nappy and crafty
That's why they're either sittin' in Clinton or Coxsackie
Mayor Rudolph can screw off! You too soft to stop us
You and your coppers should see some foot doctors
Got your bird chest popped up, but keep your guns cocked up
Cuz all them cats that you knocked up ain't always gon' be locked up
Hot stuff like Donna Summer, another number one-r
And comin' from the underground, this is how it's comin' down
Baby let me run it down
Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Jane Doe, Punch, Wor..[ahem] umm..E!
Excuse me! Just ate another emcee!
Sometimes that's just how it be




Partner wash you down with green tea and some lime
We like the five on the fist, fortified organized like DIS!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Black Star's Twice Inna Lifetime are a testament to the group's prowess in hip-hop culture. They talk about overcoming naysayers and detractors in the industry and in their daily lives. In the first verse, they highlight how others take their name in vain and how their affirmations kill emcees like an assassination. They go on to say that they are walking naked through the motherland, meaning that they are raw and unapologetically themselves. They end the verse with a call to turn up the music.


The second verse features more wordplay, with Black Star detailing how they are excluded from certain circles and how even God and the devil had a fight because of their lyrics. They talk about their longevity in the game and their ability to adapt to different cultures and stereotypes. They also mention their devotion to their craft and their ability to destroy subpar emcees with ease. They end the verse by warning those who try to stop them that they are preposterous, like an androgynous misogynist.


Overall, the lyrics to Twice Inna Lifetime showcase Black Star's skill in lyricism and their determination to succeed despite the odds. They use clever puns and metaphors while addressing serious societal issues, making the song a classic in hip-hop history.


Line by Line Meaning

Hail Mary, 'matta fact hail Jane
Acknowledging the presence and significance of both males and females in society


Niggas take my name in vain like I was cocaine
People disrespect and misuse my name as if it were a harmful substance


My affirmations kill emcees like assassination
My expressions and beliefs are so powerful that they metaphorically annihilate other rappers


Bringin' you pain until you wish you had a vaccination
Causing you so much discomfort that you desire relief, similar to the relief provided by a vaccination


Or vaccine, I shine like Vaseline
I radiate and stand out, just like the shine of Vaseline


Gas plays like petroleum, walk over them like linoleum
I effortlessly surpass and dominate my competitors, just as gas moves playfully on petroleum and we walk on linoleum


My vocab expand like a rubber band
My vocabulary continuously grows and stretches like a rubber band


Walkin' naked through the motherland, give the finger to my brotherman
Expressing confidence and defiance, emphasizing freedom and disregarding societal expectations


Niggas just don't understand my reasons, I transcend like season
Others fail to comprehend my motives and actions, as I surpass and transcend like the change of seasons


And scar these rappers like Legion
Having a significant impact on other rappers, leaving them marked and affected like the biblical Legion


It's treason, my suspension attract attention
My unconventional behavior and actions grab people's attention, almost as if they were betraying societal norms


I'm ventin', givin' these chickenheads detention
Expressing frustration and annoyance towards promiscuous individuals by metaphorically putting them in detention


Did I mention my name, yo, go by the Jane Doe
In case you missed it, I go by the name Jane Doe


Drenched in Polo, chill downtown in Soho
Wearing Polo clothing and relaxing in the trendy downtown area of Soho


You don't know, this is just half my potential
You are unaware that what you see is only a fraction of my true capabilities


Check my credentials, come harder than sequential
Examine my qualifications and be prepared for a greater challenge than what came before


It's essential, you listen, I drive, you a pedestrian
It is crucial that you pay attention, while I take control and lead you, as if you were a mere pedestrian


They bless me on the track cuz I attack wit' the estrogen
I excel in my performances on tracks because I bring a unique and powerful feminine energy


Rhyme against the best a men, Jane burn it up
I compete and excel against the most skilled male rappers, leaving them in awe


When you hear it in the whip, tell your man to turn it up!
If you hear my music playing in the car, instruct your partner to increase the volume and fully enjoy it


Yo, we fortified live, supportin' allies
We are strong and unified, standing by and aiding our allies


The wack is tryin' to shorten our lives, it sorta waters my eyes
Incompetent individuals are attempting to hinder our progress and success, which saddens and frustrates me


But here is some'n the cryin' talk about
But let me address something that those whining about it discuss


The verse on that cassette you and cousin fought about
Referring to a contentious disagreement between friends or relatives regarding the significance of a specific verse on a cassette tape


That led to God and Satan's fallin' out
Alluding to the conflict and separation between good and evil, influenced by the contentious verse on the cassette


Encourage the liquor for those who ain't here that you pourin' out
Promoting the act of pouring out liquor as a tribute to those who have passed away and are no longer present


On 3-way, your parents, preacher and spouse called my house
Receiving simultaneous phone calls from your parents, preacher, and spouse, seeking an explanation or resolution to the conflict


Revive or ruin, my theories of mics
My beliefs and ideas regarding microphones can either bring life and energy or cause destruction and decay


Sony or Aiwa, black or white, I fit in all stereotypes
Regardless of the brand or color, I defy and challenge all stereotypes


Search for a cast to plot, I make you a laughin' stock
Looking for actors to deceive and scheme, I turn them into objects of ridicule and mockery


So shook, I could walk a half a block and feel the aftershocks
Creating such fear and intimidation that even when I walk a short distance, the tremors of my presence can still be felt


Rain of acid drops, seek some help
A metaphor for causing widespread devastation and destruction, prompting a plea for assistance


Now don't rewind, get it the first time
I urge you to pay close attention and understand without replaying or revisiting


Shouldn't have to repeat myself
It is unnecessary for me to reiterate or emphasize my message


Eternally verbally, I have numbers, succumb to time outs
Lasting indefinitely in the realm of spoken word, having an advantage that others eventually yield to


In rhyme bouts you'll dial 9, just to get a line out
When faced with a lyrical battle, you will desperately and quickly try to find inspiration and words to use


Known fact or factors and non-rappers fractured
Accepted truths or considerations and those who are not true rappers are divided and separated


Results in more cast appearances than a hundred actors
Leads to more individuals attempting to be relevant and get attention than there are actors in the industry


Emcees I'm testin' like diseases injected in gerbils
I challenge and evaluate other rappers in a manner similar to how diseases are deliberately introduced into laboratory gerbils


Wordsworth, Kweli, Hi-Tek, Reflection Eternal what
Mentioning influential and respected figures in the rap industry, representing the group's collective strength and talent


My style highlights like fonts when I burn heads like a conk
My unique style stands out and garners attention, much like distinct fonts, while I metaphorically defeat and impress others


Cause niggas front, when their chances get slim like Pharoahe Monch
Individuals often put up a false front or pretense when their opportunities for success become limited, similar to Pharoahe Monch


Thinkin' they shits is heavy when they light like illumination
Believing their works or contributions hold great importance when in reality, they are shallow and insignificant, like mere illumination


Intellectual masturbation with premature ejaculation
Engaging in self-indulgent intellectual pursuits without fully developing or reaching the desired outcome


I'm comin' cleaner than vaccinations
I arrive with a higher level of purity and authenticity than standard vaccinations


My fascination with character assassination
My intense interest in discrediting and damaging the reputation of individuals


Got these niggas burnin' like sensation
I provoke such intense reactions and emotions in others that they are consumed by a burning sensation


We keep it hot like matches and on lock like latches
We maintain a high level of intensity and control, like a lit match or secured lock


Wack emcees get they microphones snatched like Lee patches
Incompetent rappers have their microphones forcefully taken away, similar to the way patches are removed from clothing


So YOU GO! To every wack muthafucka that you know (Scram)
A directive to leave and disappear from the presence of every incompetent individual known to the listener


My lyrics they get up in your jeans like Parasucos
My lyrics penetrate and become ingrained in your mind, just like the popular jeans brand Parasuco


So there's no mystery about the father, niggas is hot and bothered
Removing any doubt or uncertainty about who is in control, as individuals become frustrated and agitated


Like the bitches that they are, takin' pictures with stars
Acting in a subservient and desperate manner, seeking attention and validation by associating with famous individuals


And got 'em open, but after they little hopes and dreams get broken
Initially impressing and capturing their attention, but ultimately shattering their aspirations and desires


Me and Hi-Tek, we live long and prosper like Vulcans
Maintaining longevity and success in our careers, just like the prosperous Vulcans from the Star Trek franchise


Think I'm jokin'? We both got sons, we make cream and break dreams
Do you believe I'm joking? Both Hi-Tek and I have children, and we are successful in generating wealth while crushing the ambitions of others


See through the fake schemes, wipin' your slate clean
Recognizing and exposing deceitful plans, metaphorically erasing and eliminating their influence over you


Like a squeegee, we be lightin' shit up like phosphorus
Just like a squeegee removes dirt and debris, we bring excitement and energy like the illuminating effect of phosphorus


Turnin' flamboyant niggas anonymous, depressin' to optimist
Making flamboyant individuals disappear or fade into the background, causing disappointment and frustration for optimists


You stoppin' us is preposterous, like an androgynous misogynist
Your attempts to hinder us are ridiculous, similar to a person who is both masculine and feminine displaying sexist behavior


You pickin' the wrong time, steppin' to me when I'm in my prime like Optimus
You are choosing the wrong moment to confront and challenge me, just as Optimus Prime is at his strongest and most capable


Transformin', from rookie of the year to veteran
Undergoing a dramatic and impressive transformation, transitioning from being a rookie to becoming a seasoned veteran


Hip-hop is big business like Con Edison or medicine
Acknowledging the commercial and influential nature of the hip-hop industry, comparing it to major corporations like Con Edison and medicine


But fuck it, they gonna let us in, or else we rush the door
Regardless, they will allow us to enter, but if not, we will forcefully storm and invade the establishment


I got too many reasons, save your 'whys' and 'what fors'
I have numerous justifications and motivations, so there is no need for you to inquire about or question my actions


This is twice inna lifetime so I'm lettin' you know (let 'em know yo!)
This is a rare and significant occurrence, and I want to ensure that you are aware of its importance


Blackstar, Wordsworth, Punchline and Jane Doe (yo!)
Referring to the notable artists involved in the song, emphasizing their collective talent and contributions


Lyrical com-pete and WE emcee
Engaging in a competitive and skilled lyrical battle, asserting that we are the true emcees


We got the fortified five, exhibit level degree
We possess a strong and fortified group of five individuals, demonstrating a high level of skill and proficiency


I keep dough in my pocket while you follow the false prophet
I consistently have money and financial security, while you blindly adhere to and seek guidance from deceitful leaders


Get deep like Islamics wrapped in a white garment
Engaging in deep and profound discussions similar to those of individuals practicing Islam, often covered in traditional white garments


I touch topics that try to open up your optics
I address and explore subjects that aim to broaden and expand your perspective on life


Vacate in the Tropics, you dodgin' bullets in the projects
Escaping to tropical locations while you struggle to avoid danger and violence in disadvantaged neighborhoods


Cut the nonsense, I'm hotter than a lot of men
Enough with the meaningless chatter, I possess more attractiveness and appeal than many men


Start honorin', got more wifeys than Solomon
Show some respect and recognition, as I have more romantic partners than King Solomon from biblical lore


Fuck the squad you in, a-yo we be the biddomb
Disregarding and dismissing the group you associate with, because our group is superior and unmatched


Regardless what I spit on, you worse with the tracks I shit on
No matter what subject I rap about, you are even worse when it comes to producing subpar tracks


Once you get on, it's fair you can't trust (Yes!)
Once you achieve success and recognition, it becomes difficult to trust the intentions and loyalty of others


Words & Punch, make rappers march like the third month
Through the combination of our lyrical abilities, Wordsworth and Punchline make rappers submit and follow our lead, just as March is the third month of the year


I build with friends, lyrically spit gems
I establish strong connections with like-minded individuals, and together we produce remarkable and invaluable lyricism


Call me diamond, cuz I'm your girl's best friend
Refer to me as a diamond because I am the person your girlfriend trusts and confides in the most


Emcees are born losers, alcoholic abusers
Rappers are inherently destined to fail, resembling individuals consumed by alcoholism and self-destructive behaviors


I'll go on the radio and start a gay rumor
I possess the ability and influence to spread false rumors about someone's sexuality on the radio


And then I'll talk about how the crowd tried to boo ya
Furthermore, I will narrate and discuss instances where the audience attempted to express displeasure and disapproval towards you


Label shoot ya, stressed out with brain tumors
Record labels will harm and exploit you, leading to extreme stress and negative health conditions such as brain tumors


My gat claps, 50% of the wack
My gun fires with force, eliminating 50% of the inadequate and unskilled individuals


Take it back to real rap, Krylons wit' the fat cap
Returning to the essence of authentic rap, using Krylon spray paint cans with the wide nozzle (fat cap) for graffiti


Get robbed for your ASCAP, leave you inside
Being robbed of your artistic rights and royalties, leaving you defeated


Fortified live, reppin' NY 'til I die!
Representing and promoting New York City with a strong and unyielding commitment until my death


Black body radiation situation that we workin' wit'
Dealing with the intense and influential energy that black bodies radiate, incorporating it into our work and performances


My verb exists enlisted by the bogeys campin' services
My use of language and expression is actively sought and enlisted by those in authority or power, providing unique perspectives and insights


The purpose is, make you go and purchase this, no nervousness
The intention is to motivate and encourage you to buy and support our work, without any doubts or hesitation


We are, hot like black tar, Black Star with emergence
We are extremely popular and successful, similar to the heat and stickiness of black tar, emerging as the group Black Star


Superlative, you fabricated like the word absurditive
You are excessively exaggerated and untrue, just like the fictitious word 'absurditive'


I'm rockin' this from here to where the Persians live
I am confidently and dominantly performing and succeeding, all the way to the distant land where the Persians reside


To Brooklyn where the merchants live
Moving and bringing my talent to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, where merchants thrive


Next door to the murderers
Being in close proximity to dangerous individuals and criminal activity


And bourbon is a elder man's medicinal alternative
Acknowledging the fact that bourbon is often consumed by older individuals as a form of self-medication or remedy


My memory is furnished with, back streets to back seats to fat Jeeps
My memory is filled and enriched with experiences, ranging from the gritty back streets to the comfortable seats in luxurious Jeeps


Legendary athletes who play by the trash heap
Referring to extraordinary and renowned athletes who excel despite the challenging circumstances surrounding them


My crew wasn't that deep, but beef we didn't act sweet
Although our group was not large in numbers, we did not hesitate to defend ourselves or engage in confrontations


Treadin' on these stompin' grounds you better catch some black feet
Walking in these neighborhoods, you should be cautious and prepared as if you are stepping on black soil


Flashy, it was between DeKalb and Pulasky
Exhibiting a flashy and noticeable presence, referring to the streets DeKalb and Pulasky where vibrancy and energy abound


Off the meter like an out of borough taxi
Going beyond the normal limits or expectations, similar to the unconventional behavior of a taxi from a different borough


They run your pockets fastly, black and nasty, nappy and crafty
They swiftly and forcefully take your money and belongings, being unyielding, untamed, and clever


That's why they're either sittin' in Clinton or Coxsackie
Because of their criminal activities, they are either imprisoned in Clinton Correctional Facility or Coxsackie Correctional Facility


Mayor Rudolph can screw off! You too soft to stop us
Disregarding the influence or control of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, considering him insignificant and incapable of preventing our success


You and your coppers should see some foot doctors
Both you and your police officers need to consult podiatrists because of the inevitability of our footstep impact


Got your bird chest popped up, but keep your guns cocked up
Although you may appear confident and boastful, you should remain prepared and keep your guns loaded


Cuz all them cats that you knocked up ain't always gon' be locked up
Because the individuals you have defeated will not always remain imprisoned or suppressed, they may rise again


Hot stuff like Donna Summer, another number one-r
Describing oneself as sexually attractive and appealing like Donna Summer, being another chart-topping artist


And comin' from the underground, this is how it's comin' down
Coming from the underground music scene, this is how the style and energy is being presented and delivered


Baby let me run it down
Allow me to clarify and explain it to you in detail


Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Jane Doe, Punch, Wor..[ahem] umm..E!
Mentioning the prominent and respected artists involved in the song, with a slight pause as a comedic effect


Excuse me! Just ate another emcee!
Expressing the humorous and boastful act of figuratively consuming and defeating another rapper


Sometimes that's just how it be
Accepting and acknowledging that this is simply how things are sometimes


Partner wash you down with green tea and some lime
Referring to the act of cleansing and refreshing oneself with detoxifying green tea and lime, metaphorically washing away any negativity or competition


We like the five on the fist, fortified organized like DIS!
Comparing the unity and strength of the group to the raised fist symbol and emphasizing their organized and unified nature like the DIS network




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DANTE SMITH, JYNE DOE, R. TRUELL, TALIB KWELI GREENE, TONY COTTRELL, VINSON JOHNSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found