No Hook
Jay-Z Lyrics

Most important thing in business is honesty, integrity
The most significant factor in achieving success in business is maintaining a high standard of honesty and integrity, which are critical to forming long-lasting relationships with customers, clients or any partners.

Hard work, family, never forgetting where we came from
An individual who wants to achieve greatness, must work hard, value family, and never forget their roots, including past experiences and sacrifices made to reach the current level of success.

Poor me, dad was gone, finally got my dad back
Growing up without his father was difficult, and when his father returned, his health had deteriorated significantly, which made it hard to spend quality time with him.

Liver bad, he wouldn't live long, they snatched my dad back
His father's health was so poor that he would not live very long, and shortly after his father's return, he was taken away again due to his worsening condition.

Guidance? I never had that, streets was my second home
He experienced an absence of guidance and structure in his early life and thus felt more comfortable on the streets than at home.

Welcomed me with open arms provided a place to crash at
Despite the lack of a stable home environment, he found solace on the streets where he felt welcomed and provided a safe haven to stay.

A place to study math at, matter of fact, I learned it all
The experience on the streets provided excellent teachings in basic math that proved to be invaluable in life.

Burned it all, this music is where I bury the ashes at
His past experiences have been integrated into his music, and it serves as a way to honor those struggles while also moving beyond them.

Flashback, not having much, not having that
Reflecting on times where he had little in his life and didn't possess the things that he needed.

Had to get some challah bread so you can holla back and Holla at my Jewish lawyer to enjoy the fruit of letting my cash stack
When he had nothing, even his Jewish lawyer who lent him money was not aware of the long-term success he would achieve. Now he enjoys the fruit of his success and wants to let his cash stack grow.

And just in case a nigga gotta use his rat-tat-tat-tat
Despite his success, he remains aware of the possibility that violence still exists in his life and thus maintains a protective stance.

Own boss, own your masters, slaves
To achieve the greatest level of success, it is essential to be one's boss, own their masters, and avoid becoming slaves to unethical business practices or circumstances.

The mentality I carry with me to this very day
The mindset and approach to success that has dictated his life remain with him to this day.

Fuck rich, let's get wealthy, who else gon' feed we?
The goal is not merely to be rich but to attain lasting wealth, so there is never a need to worry about who will provide for them and their family in the future.

If I need it, I'ma get it however, God help me
He has worked exceptionally hard to achieve his success and will continue to do so, confident in the belief that God will help him when needed.

And I don't need no hook for this shit
His talent and skill as a rapper are such that he doesn't need a catchy hook to make his music successful.

I'm so fo' sho', it's no facade
He is genuine in his success - there is no pretending involved.

"Stay outta trouble," mama said as mama sighed
His mother has always been protective and cautious around him and feared that he would get into trouble.

Her fear, her youngest son be a victim of homicide
She feared that there were forces that could harm him and end his life.

But I gotta get you outta here mama, or I'ma die, inside
He feels a sense of responsibility to protect his mother, recognizing that her fears are founded and that it's his duty to ensure her safety.

And either way, you lose me mama so let loose of me
He acknowledges that his mother's fears are not unfounded, and it is essential that he do what he needs to do, even if it means she loses him in the end.

I got the rein our direction will soon change
He has the power to drive his life and career in a different direction, one that offers him and his family stability and prosperity.

To live and die in N.Y. in the hustle game
He accepts the fact that he may live and die in N.Y. and is willing to work hard in his chosen industry.

Hustle 'caine, hustle clothes, I hustle music
He is an entrepreneur in multiple industries, including fashion and music, always on the lookout for new opportunities to make money.

But hustle hard in any hustle that you pick
Regardless of which industry he chooses, he will always work hard to achieve success.

Skinny nigga, toothpick, but, but I do lift
Despite his small stature, he is still capable of lifting significant weights through hard work and determination.

Weight like I'm using 'roids
He can lift weights that suggest he is using steroids, but in reality, his physical strength comes from his hard work, not from any drugs.

Rolls-Royce keep my movements, smooth while maneuvering
His Rolls-Royce is a symbol of his success, which keeps his movements and lifestyle smooth and precise in all areas.

Through all the manure in the sewer that I grew up in
Despite growing up in difficult circumstances, he was able to rise above the challenging environment and make a successful life for himself.

Choices, we make tryna escape
Many individuals must make challenging choices to escape difficult situations and environments to achieve success.

This is not for commercial usage
The intent behind his music is not for commercial gain.

Please don't categorize this as music
His music does not follow the traditional commercialized approach, and he prefers it to be seen as more of a reflection of his life journey.

Please don't compare me to other rappers
He is not interested in being compared to others in his profession, as he feels that he is unique and does not follow the traditional paths of other rappers.

Compare me to trappers, I'm more Frank Lucas than Ludacris
He prefers being compared to trappers like Frank Lucas, who are involved in other industries, such as drug trafficking, than to other commercialized rappers like Ludacris.

And Luda's my dude, I ain't tryna diss
He has no intention of dissing anyone, even Ludacris, who he names specifically.

Like Frank Lucas is cool, but I ain't tryna snitch
While he may admire those in other industries, he doesn't want to be seen as a snitch or someone who reveals secrets or information about others.

I'ma follow the rules no matter how much time I'ma get
He has an unwavering commitment to following rules and protocols, even if it means consequences - like time in prison.

I'ma live and die with the decisions that I'ma pick
He acknowledges that his choices have consequences, and he is ready to accept both the positive and negative outcomes with all his decisions.

So fuck DeHaven for caving, that's why we don't speak
He is frustrated with his former friend DeHaven for caving and giving in to his legal issues, leading him to become an informant. They no longer speak because of this.

Made men ain't supposed to make statements
As a made man, he understands that it is not his role to make any statements or inform on others, and that his place is to remain silent.

End of the story, I followed the code, cracked the safe
He states that he has remained loyal to the code of the streets, even when it was challenging and dangerous, and he's cracked the safe of success.

Other niggas ain't in the game so they practice hate
Other people who are not in the same field as him resent his success and thus practice hate rather than appreciate or emulate his success.

Leave that boy Hov alone, why don't cha?
He requests that people leave him alone and not try to bring him down.

You don't have to if you don't want to
He accepts that people might not feel inclined to support him and respect their boundaries.

But don't say I didn't warn ya
Despite the request to be left alone, if someone chooses not to listen, they have been warned of the consequences.