Murder To Excellence )
JAY Z Lyrics
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Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder
Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder
Bloody murder, murder, murder
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
Paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again
Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly
Strays from the same shade nigga, we on the same team
Giving you respect, I expect the same thing
All-black everything, nigga you know my fresh code
I'm out here fighting for you, don't increase my stress load
Niggas watching the throne, very happy to be you
Power to the people, when you see me, see you
And I'm from the murder capital where they murder for capital
Heard about at least three killings this afternoon
Looking at the news like, "Damn I was just with him after school"
No shop class but half the school got a tool
And a "I could die any day"-type attitude
Plus his little brother got shot reppin' his avenue
It's time for us to stop and redefine black power
Forty one souls murdered in fifty hours
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again, murder again
Is it genocide?
'Cause I can still hear his mama cries
Know the family traumatized
Shots left holes in his face 'bout piranha-sized
The old pastor closed the cold casket
And said the church ain't got enough room for all the tombs
It's a war going on outside we ain't safe from
I feel the pain in my city wherever I go
Three hundred fourteen soldiers died in Iraq
Five hundred and nine died in Chicago
I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died
Uh, real niggas just multiply
And they say by twenty-one I was supposed to die
So I'm out here celebrating my post-demise
If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival
You're gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you
What up, Blood? What up, cuz? It's all black, I love us
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again,
"Black-on black murder" again, "black-on-black murder" again
It's a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs
Black excellence, opulence, decadence
Tuxes next to the president, I'm present
I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris
In sheepskin coats, I silence the lambs
Do you know who I am, Clarice?
No cheap cologne whenever I "shh-shh"
Success never smelled so sweet
I stink of success, the new black elite
They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast
I repeat, my religion is the beat
My verse is like church, my Jesus piece
Now please, domino, domino
Only spot a few blacks the higher I go
What's up to Will? Shout out to O
That ain't enough, we gonna need a million more
"Kick in the door" Biggie flow
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Yeah it's all messed up when it's nowhere to go
So we won't take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P
From parolees to hold G's, sold keys, low keys
We like the promised land of the OG's
In the past if you picture events like a black tie
What the last thing you expect to see? Black guys
What's the life expectancy for black guys?
The system's working effectively, that's why!
I'll be a real man, take care of your son
Every problem you had before this day is now done
New crib, watch a movie 'cause ain't nothin' on the news but the blues
Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci, now ain't nothing new but your shoes
Sunday morning, praise the Lord
You're the girl that Jesus had been saving me for
So let's savor this moment and take it to the floor
Black excellence, truly yours
The song "Murder To Excellence" by JAY Z is a commentary on the issue of black-on-black violence that continues to plague many urban areas. The song initially begins with the refrain "bloody murder" repeated several times, immediately indicating that the song will be dealing with murder and its various facets. The lyrics make a reference to Danroy Henry, a black man who was killed by police; the tone is one of commemoration and a call for unity. The chorus is a reminder of the repeated incidents of black-on-black murder, emphasizing the need for change.
JAY Z addresses the problem of black-on-black violence in the second verse, noting the prevalence of shop class guns and the "die any day"-type attitude in urban neighborhoods. He calls for the redefinition of black power which must include cessation of black-on-black murder. JAY Z vividly depicts the tragedy of a murdered young man whose death leaves his mother traumatized and whose funeral can barely accommodate the many mourners. The song culminates in a celebration of black excellence, a manifestation of success that JAY Z embodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, bloody murder, murder, murder
Expressing the reality and frequency of violent crimes.
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
Highlighting the issue of black-on-black violence reported by the media.
This is to the memory of Danroy Henry
Honoring the memory of a victim of police brutality.
All-black everything, nigga you know my fresh code
Embracing black culture and pride.
I'm out here fighting for you, don't increase my stress load
Working to bring about change while still dealing with personal struggles.
And I'm from the murder capital where they murder for capital
Reflecting on the harsh reality of growing up in a violent environment.
It's time for us to stop and redefine black power
Calling for the reevaluation and redirection of black power and strength.
Is it genocide?
Questioning whether the violence against black individuals constitutes genocide.
Shots left holes in his face 'bout piranha-sized
Describing the brutality of violence against black individuals.
The old pastor closed the cold casket
Describing the mourning process of the victim's loved ones.
If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival
Reflecting on the negative effects of the crab mentality in the black community.
It's a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs
Celebrating the success and excellence of black individuals.
Success never smelled so sweet
Enjoying the feeling of achieving success in spite of adversity.
They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast
Addressing the stigma surrounding black success and wealth.
Now please, domino, domino
Expressing confidence and assurance in continued success.
So we won't take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P
Remaining determined to continue striving for success.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Gabriela Modorcea, Mihaela Modorcea, Shawn Carter, Kasseem Dean, Larry Griffin, Quincy D. Jones, Harvey Mason, Scott Mescudi, Joel Rosenbaum, Caiphus Semenya, Bill Summers, Kanye West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kevendwara8504
Uh, bloody murder, murder, murder
Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder
Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder
Bloody murder, murder, murder
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
Paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again
This is to the memory of Danroy Henry
Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly
Strays from the same shade nigga, we on the same team
Giving you respect, I expect the same thing
All-black everything, nigga you know my fresh code
I'm out here fighting for you, don't increase my stress load
Niggas watching the throne, very happy to be you
Power to the people, when you see me, see you
And I'm from the murder capital where they murder for capital
Heard about at least three killings this afternoon
Looking at the news like, "Damn I was just with him after school"
No shop class but half the school got a tool
And a "I could die any day"-type attitude
Plus his little brother got shot reppin' his avenue
It's time for us to stop and redefine black power
Forty one souls murdered in fifty hours
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again, murder again
Is it genocide?
'Cause I can still hear his mama cries
Know the family traumatized
Shots left holes in his face 'bout piranha-sized
The old pastor closed the cold casket
And said the church ain't got enough room for all the tombs
It's a war going on outside we ain't safe from
I feel the pain in my city wherever I go
Three hundred fourteen soldiers died in Iraq
Five hundred and nine died in Chicago
I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died
Uh, real niggas just multiply
And they say by twenty-one I was supposed to die
So I'm out here celebrating my post-demise
If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival
You're gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you
What up, Blood? What up, cuz? It's all black, I love us
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again,
"Black-on black murder" again, "black-on-black murder" again
It's a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs
Black excellence, opulence, decadence
Tuxes next to the president, I'm present
I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris
In sheepskin coats, I silence the lambs
Do you know who I am, Clarice?
No cheap cologne whenever I "shh-shh"
Success never smelled so sweet
I stink of success, the new black elite
They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast
I repeat, my religion is the beat
My verse is like church, my Jesus piece
Now please, domino, domino
Only spot a few blacks the higher I go
What's up to Will? Shout out to O
That ain't enough, we gonna need a million more
"Kick in the door" Biggie flow
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Yeah it's all messed up when it's nowhere to go
So we won't take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P
From parolees to hold G's, sold keys, low keys
We like the promised land of the OG's
In the past if you picture events like a black tie
What the last thing you expect to see? Black guys
What's the life expectancy for black guys?
The system's working effectively, that's why!
I'll be a real man, take care of your son
Every problem you had before this day is now done
New crib, watch a movie 'cause ain't nothin' on the news but the blues
Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci, now ain't nothing new but your shoes
Sunday morning, praise the Lord
You're the girl that Jesus had been saving me for
So let's savor this moment and take it to the floor
Black excellence, truly yours
@troymazzei5976
Every single bar is memorable, two of the greatest rappers of all time at the height of their powers working together seamlessly
@joelbenedetti6369
❤😂😊
@liftedlimitedtv
The most underrated hip hop track of all time. 10 yrs since this album dropped, & some of these tracks still hold up like the world’s oldest profession has held up - like, invincibly. This & Primetime are on the mountain 🏔 peak for me.
@acelasitwinkie7568
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLJyNODhFs
@keithreiners7268
Ease up dawg..... it's cool but not the best lol
@Blackfarmercouple
@Keith Reiners nah seriously. N**gas in paris being the biggest song on this album is just sad . This song should’ve been huge
@Whitehawk-
@Keith Reiners Notice how he says "peak for me"
@kinchei1594
Jon.
@BenTheBlueGuy
Thanks to the Black Adam trailer for bringing this gem back into the public's eye
@opetaiaseni1955
I'm here for it