IZZO
JAY Z Lyrics

H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
Introducing himself with his famous nickname, Izzo, and emphasizing his association with his hometown of Virginia.

Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
Confessing to his past life as a basketball player in Virginia and identifying with the African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) slang term 'shizzle my nizzle'.

Was hurtin' 'em in the home of the Terrapins
Referring to his success as a basketball player in Maryland, where the Terrapins are a college team that he played against.

Got it dirt cheap for them
Bragging about how he was a shrewd businessman, buying products such as drugs at low prices and selling them for a profit.

Plus if they was short with cheese I would work with them
Explaining that if his clients were short on money, he would find a way to deal with them to make a sale happen anyway.

Brought in weed, got rid of that dirt for them
Selling marijuana to customers and boasting about his ability to get rid of inferior products for them.

Wasn't born hustlers, I was birthin' 'em
Asserting that he was a natural leader and mentor who initiated others into the world of dealing drugs and making money illegally.

Fo' sheezy my neezy keep my arms so freezy
Expressing how much he enjoys showing off his flashy jewelry, which includes 'freezy' diamond-encrusted bracelets.

Can't leave rap alone the game needs me
Admitting that he can't go back to his old life because the rap game needs him more and acknowledging his star power and influence in the industry.

Haters want me clapped and chromed it ain't easy
Acknowledging the danger and difficulty of his situation, as he risks getting shot or arrested by his enemies or law enforcement officials.

Cops want to knock me, D.A. want to box me in
Referencing law enforcement officials who want to arrest, incarcerate, or limit his freedom due to his criminal activities.

But somehow, I beat them charges like Rocky
Boasting about his ability to evade and overcome prosecution, like the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa.

Not guilty, he who does not feel me
Asserting that people who don't understand, appreciate, or respect his music and message are not welcome and don't matter to him.

Is not real to me, therefore he doesn't exist
Arguing that anyone who doesn't share his worldview, values, or experiences is irrelevant, insignificant, or imaginary to him.

So poof, Vamoose, son of a bitch
Dismissing and dismissing anyone who disrespects, ignores, or opposes him as a worthless and contemptible person who should disappear from his sight and mind.

That's the anthem get'cha damn hands up
Declaring that this song, Izzo (H.O.V.A.), is a rallying cry for his fans and listeners, encouraging them to raise their hands and feel the energy of his music.

I do this for my culture
Asserting that his artistry and message are grounded in his identification with his African-American community, its values, and its struggles.

To let 'em know what a nigga look like, when a nigga in a roaster
Explaining that his success, wealth, and status as a celebrity are a way of challenging stereotypes and showing that black men can be powerful, glamorous, and successful.

Show 'em how to move in a room full of vultures
Advising his fans and listeners on how to navigate the predatory and cutthroat aspects of the music industry, which is full of greedy and opportunistic people.

Industry shady it need to be taken over
Declaring the corrupt and exploitative nature of the music industry, which he believes requires a revolution to change and improve.

Label owners hate me I'm raisin the status quo up
Acknowledging that his controversial lyrics, values, and actions have made him an enemy of music labels and executives who prefer artists who conform to established norms and rules.

I'm over chargin' niggas for what they did to the cold crush
Demanding that labels and executives compensate him and other black artists for the injustices, thefts, and exploitations they endured in the past due to systemic racism and discrimination.

Pay us like you owe us for all the years that you hoed us
Reiterating his demand for restitution and reparations for the harms and wrongs inflicted on black artists by the music industry, which has benefited from their talents and labor.

We can talk, but money talks so talk mo' bucks
Insinuating that he is willing to negotiate and compromise with music labels and executives, but that he ultimately values money and financial rewards more than anything else.

Niggas actin' like I sold you crack
Responding to rumors and accusations that he used to sell cocaine or that his success is based on illegal activities, which he denies and resents.

Like I told you sell drugs, no, hov' did that
Correcting the false narrative that he was a drug dealer and emphasizing that he is now an artist and entrepreneur who is making legal money and investments.

So hopefully you won't have to go through that
Expressing the sincere desire to inspire and educate his listeners about his experiences and to encourage them to avoid the pitfalls and dangers of drug dealing or other criminal activities.

I was raised in the projects, roaches and rats
Explaining his background and upbringing in a low-income and high-crime neighborhood, which has shaped his worldview, values, and aspirations.

Smokers out back, sellin' they mama's sofa
Depicting the desperation and absurdity of poverty, as people resort to selling their own possessions, such as their furniture, to get money for drugs.

Lookouts on the corner, focused on the Ave.
Describing the pervasive surveillance and danger of his neighborhood, where people have to watch out for police, rivals, and other threats to their safety and livelihoods.

Ladies in the window, focused on the kinfolk
Alluding to the sense of community and support that people find in their families and close neighbors, as demonstrated by women looking after their families and keeping an eye on their surroundings.

Me under a lamp post, why I got my hand closed?
Recreating the image of himself standing under a lamp post, perhaps waiting for someone or engaging in a drug deal, while wondering what will happen next and what risks he is taking.

Cracks in my palm, watchin' the long arm of the law
Revealing the physical and psychological consequences of his criminal activities, such as addiction and paranoia, as well as the constant threat and harassment of the police.

So you know I seen it all before
Concluding his story by suggesting that he has experienced and survived many challenges and obstacles, and that his success in the music industry is a testament to his resilience and talent.

What else can I say about dude, I gets busy
Concluding the song with a confident and defiant statement of his musical abilities and accomplishments, indicating that he is a force to be reckoned with and a legend in his own right.