This track was a precursor to “Change Clothes”, and really kicked off his “no jersey’s” attitude that came to define his more mature, grown persona.
Show You How
JAY-Z Lyrics
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Damn you fadin' hov, how you gave 'em that?
Audemars Piguet, with the alligator strap
Sick of y'all niggas with ya now or later raps
Rap about it now, hope you get it later
Do a couple shows, hope you niggas is savin' up
(I'll show you how to do this son)
That means none before it, none to come
The homie that's rappin' be the only one that has it
(I'll show you how to do this son)
You ain't heard? I push the sixes when the fives is out
You can't fight me, in the Porsche I'll box you out
(I'll show you how to do this son)
We don't drive X5's we give 'em to baby-mamas
Push the big top that shake like the Kansas chicken snack box
I get it cracking when I'm backing out the garage
A 360 drop Ferrar', shutdown Manhattan
Bucket low, like fuck it, though
Nikes on, daytime, lights on, hell yeah I'm frontin' but you love it, though
(I'll show you how to do this son)
Nigga I'm a check writer, you're royalty receivers
Y'all eatin' off Per Diem, on the low like a Caesar
Pay ya taxes, you niggas is husttlin' backwards
I cop and crash whips, Jay is a bastard
(I'll show you how to do this son)
How you want it, my jeans is 300
This ain't diesel, nigga, these is Evisu
Top is Roc, you know the rest
A big bucket of frozen water on my chest
(I'll show you how to do this son)
Listen man, get a crate, some crack, and some house slippers
A newspaper, look out boy, and get ya chips up
Or get a gun, a mask an escape route
Some ducktape'll make 'em take you to the house
Hey ma, don't give him nothin', unless he treatin' you special
Soon he'll get desperate, and go down and bless you
And when he come up for air, with a mouth full of hair
Just grab your Coach bag and get the fuck outta there, yeah
(I'll show you how to do this hon')
Look, think big, fuck getting your nails done
Think cars, cribs, jewels, some shit for your son
Don't let 'em give you, hard dick and bubble gum
Make him cop the Lex' bubble, 2001, hon'
(I'll show you how to do this hon')
And if your man got you bagging up, it could be worse
Just put a little in the baggy, put a little in the purse
Jay-Z's song "Show You How" from the album "The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse" is a boastful track where Jay-Z flaunts his riches and success in the rap game. The opening lines, "Catch up, niggas, damn you fadin' hov, how you gave 'em that?" set the tone for the rest of the song. He talks about how he's tired of the now or later raps and encourages others to "rap about it now and hope you get it later." He then goes on to describe his luxurious lifestyle, including owning a one-of-one watch, pushing a Porsche, and driving a 360-drop Ferrari, which can shut down Manhattan. He also advises his listeners to think big and not settle for small things such as getting their nails done, but rather to aim for cars, cribs, and jewels.
Jay-Z's lyrics in "Show You How" reflect his confidence in his ability to win in the rap game and make a lot of money. He is proud of his success and does not shy away from flaunting it to the world. However, his lyrics also serve as a cautionary tale and advice to aspiring rappers. He encourages them to focus on their craft and not settle for small things, but rather to aim for bigger goals.
Overall, "Show You How" is a song that highlights Jay-Z's success and oversights in life, with an underlying message of inspiration and motivation to his listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Catch up, niggas
I'm ahead of the game, so you better catch up if you want to keep up.
Damn you fadin' hov, how you gave 'em that?
You can't believe how good I am at this game.
Audemars Piguet, with the alligator strap
I have a fancy watch that is one of a kind.
Sick of y'all niggas with ya now or later raps
I'm tired of hearing rappers who talk about success they hope to have in the future.
Rap about it now, hope you get it later
If you want success, you have to work hard for it now, not just rap about it.
Do a couple shows, hope you niggas is savin' up
Don't just blow your earnings from performing, save your money wisely.
(I'll show you how to do this son)
I'm confident in my skills and successes, and I can teach you how to achieve the same.
But this particular watch be a one of one
My watch is unique and there are no others like it.
That means none before it, none to come
It's the only one in existence and there will never be another like it.
The homie that's rappin' be the only one that has it
I'm the only one who has this watch and that makes me special.
You ain't heard? I push the sixes when the fives is out
I have access to the newest and most exclusive cars.
You can't fight me, in the Porsche I'll box you out
I'm wealthy and powerful, and it's hard to compete with me.
We don't drive X5's we give 'em to baby-mamas
We're so wealthy that we can give cars away as gifts to the mothers of our children.
Push the big top that shake like the Kansas chicken snack box
My car is so powerful that it shakes the ground when I drive it.
I get it cracking when I'm backing out the garage
I'm always ready to make things happen, even when I'm just leaving my house.
A 360 drop Ferrar', shutdown Manhattan
I have the ability to cause a scene and attract attention wherever I go, even in a fancy car in the middle of the city.
Bucket low, like fuck it, though
I drive my car low to the ground, even if it's risky.
Nikes on, daytime, lights on, hell yeah I'm frontin' but you love it, though
I'm showing off my wealth and style, and even though it might seem vain, people still appreciate it.
Nigga I'm a check writer, you're royalty receivers
I'm the one who signs the checks while you're just the one accepting the money.
Y'all eatin' off Per Diem, on the low like a Caesar
You're living off daily allowances while I'm living like a king.
Pay ya taxes, you niggas is husttlin' backwards
You're not managing your money properly if you're not paying taxes, and that's a foolish way to hustle.
I cop and crash whips, Jay is a bastard
I may be reckless with my cars, but that's just part of my personality.
How you want it, my jeans is 300
Even my everyday clothing is high quality and expensive.
This ain't diesel, nigga, these is Evisu
My jeans aren't just any brand, they're a luxury brand.
Top is Roc, you know the rest
I don't need to explain the style and success associated with my Rocawear clothing line.
A big bucket of frozen water on my chest
I have a lot of diamonds on my necklace.
Listen man, get a crate, some crack, and some house slippers
I'm jokingly suggesting you become a drug dealer, but also pointing out that even success has humble beginnings.
A newspaper, look out boy, and get ya chips up
Be aware of what's going on in the world and always work on increasing your wealth.
Or get a gun, a mask an escape route
I'm suggesting illegal activity, but only to emphasize the tough reality of life in some neighborhoods.
Some ducktape'll make 'em take you to the house
Even a small amount of force can be enough to get what you want.
Hey ma, don't give him nothin', unless he treatin' you special
Women should only give their attention and affection to men who truly deserve it and treat them well.
Soon he'll get desperate, and go down and bless you
If a man really wants to be with someone, he will do anything to make it happen.
And when he come up for air, with a mouth full of hair
When he finally achieves his goal, he will be overjoyed and eager to show his appreciation.
Just grab your Coach bag and get the fuck outta there, yeah
When you get what you want, don't stick around too long and risk losing it all.
Look, think big, fuck getting your nails done
Stop worrying about small, frivolous things like getting your nails done and start aiming for bigger goals.
Think cars, cribs, jewels, some shit for your son
Focus on real wealth and assets that will benefit you and your family in the long run, not just temporary luxuries.
Don't let 'em give you, hard dick and bubble gum
Don't settle for empty promises or temporary pleasures.
Make him cop the Lex' bubble, 2001, hon'
If a man wants to impress you, he should really go all out and buy you the best car available.
(I'll show you how to do this hon')
Let me demonstrate how to be successful and live life to the fullest.
And if your man got you bagging up, it could be worse
If you're doing illegal activities with your partner, it could be much more dangerous and risky.
Just put a little in the baggy, put a little in the purse
Only take what you need and be efficient, but always keep some extra for the future.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O CAPASSO, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Justin Gregory Smith, Shawn C Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind