Murder to Excellence
Jay-Z & Kanye West (Watch The Throne) Lyrics

Uh, bloody murder, murder, murder
A repeated phrase that emphasizes the theme of murder.

Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder
A repeated phrase that emphasizes the theme of murder.

The paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder"
News headlines reporting the occurrence of murder within the black community.

Paper read "Murder, black-on-black murder" again
Further reports on murders within the black community.

This is to the memory of Danroy Henry
A tribute to Danroy Henry, a young black man who was shot and killed by police officers in New York.

Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly
A reference to the difficulty of distinguishing friend from foe in dangerous situations.

Strays from the same shade nigga, we on the same team
Despite differences in appearance, the important thing is that members of the same community are on the same side.

Giving you respect, I expect the same thing
Expecting to receive respect when giving respect to others.

All-black everything, nigga you know my fresh code
A reference to dressing in head-to-toe black attire as a sign of pride in black culture.

I'm out here fighting for you, don't increase my stress load
Acknowledging the pressure and stress that comes with fighting for a cause.

Niggas watching the throne, very happy to be you
Others wishing to be in a position of power.

Power to the people, when you see me, see you
The power individuals have to create change.

And I'm from the murder capital where they murder for capital
Referencing Chicago as the city with the highest homicide rate in the United States.

Heard about at least three killings this afternoon
A reference to the frequency of homicides in the city.

Looking at the news like, "Damn I was just with him after school"
Expressing shock at becoming desensitized to daily reports of violence in the community.

No shop class but half the school got a tool
A reference to a lack of resources for education, but easy access to weapons.

And a "I could die any day"-type attitude
Acknowledgment of the constant fear of death that one may experience living in a dangerous area.

Plus his little brother got shot reppin' his avenue
Another reference to the frequent occurrence of violence and loss of life within the community.

It's time for us to stop and redefine black power
Calling for a new approach to defining and achieving Black empowerment.

Forty one souls murdered in fifty hours
An expression of mourning for the victims and a call to action to address the root causes of violence.

Is it genocide?
Questioning whether the high rate of black-on-black violence is a form of genocide.

'Cause I can still hear his mama cries
The pain and trauma experienced by the loved ones of victims of violence.

Know the family traumatized
Acknowledging the psychological effects that violence has on families and communities.

Shots left holes in his face 'bout piranha-sized
The extreme violence that often accompanies homicides in the community.

The old pastor closed the cold casket
A reference to the emotional toll of funerals within the community.

And said the church ain't got enough room for all the tombs
Another reference to the frequency of violence within the community and the limited resources to mourn the victims.

It's a war going on outside we ain't safe from
Acknowledging the systemic and societal issues that contribute to violence in the community.

I feel the pain in my city wherever I go
A sense of connection and empathy with his community's struggles.

Three hundred fourteen soldiers died in Iraq
A comparison between the number of U.S. troops who died during the Iraq War and the number of homicides in Chicago.

Five hundred and nine died in Chicago
The high number of homicides in Chicago being compared to the deaths of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died
A reference to the historic assassination of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, and the legacy of revolutionary Black leaders.

Uh, real niggas just multiply
A call for future generations to continue the fight for Black empowerment.

And they say by twenty-one I was supposed to die
A reference to the statistical likelihood of premature death for Black men.

So I'm out here celebrating my post-demise
Embracing life and celebrating survival in the face of systemic oppression.

If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival
A warning against the mentality of competition and envy within the Black community.

You're gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you
The damaging effects of internalized oppression and lack of solidarity within Black communities.

What up, Blood? What up, cuz? It's all black, I love us
An expression of love and pride for Black culture and community.

It's a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs
A reference to the power, pride and success of Black culture.

Black excellence, opulence, decadence
Celebrating the wealth, success and decadence that Black culture has achieved.

Tuxes next to the president, I'm present
Positioning oneself as a powerful figure within the community, with a spot next to the President of the United States.

I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris
A reference to the luxury fashion brands and shopping experiences enjoyed by the wealthy elite.

In sheepskin coats, I silence the lambs
A reference to being surrounded by people who are not as wealthy or successful, and therefore feel silenced in their presence.

Do you know who I am, Clarice?
A reference to the quote from the movie Silence of the Lambs, expressing a sense of power and importance.

No cheap cologne whenever I "shh-shh"
Adopting a sophisticated and luxe lifestyle, that extends even to the scent of cologne one wears.

Success never smelled so sweet
Feeling grateful and proud of one's achieved success.

I stink of success, the new black elite
Being a part of a new generation of successful and wealthy Black people.

They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast
A reference to the idea that having money and success goes against traditional religious values.

I repeat, my religion is the beat
Emphasizing the centrality of music and rhythm to Black culture.

My verse is like church, my Jesus piece
A metaphorical comparison between the power of church and religion and the power of music and lyrics.

Now please, domino, domino
Expressing admiration for one's own success and calling out to others to join them.

Only spot a few blacks the higher I go
Identifying that there are fewer Black people in positions of power and wealth.

What's up to Will? Shout out to O
Giving shoutouts to fellow successful Black people, such as Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey.

That ain't enough, we gonna need a million more
Acknowledging that there is still work to be done and barriers to be broken down for Black people to achieve more.

"Kick in the door" Biggie flow
Referencing the song by The Notorious B.I.G., called Kick in the Door, and calling attention to the legacy of influential Black artists.

I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Feeling that no matter how well-dressed and successful one may be, there is always work and progress to be made for the Black community.

Yeah it's all messed up when it's nowhere to go
Highlighting the challenges and obstacles that Black people face in society.

So we won't take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P
A message of hope and determination to keep moving forward to achieve a better future for Black people.

From parolees to hold G's, sold keys, low keys
A message of empowerment and celebration of success for those who have overcome challenges and obstacles.

We like the promised land of the OG's
Positioning the Black community as a place of hope and success, similar to the promised land in religious stories.

In the past if you picture events like a black tie
A reference to the exclusivity of black tie events, and a metaphor for the historical exclusion of Black people from certain spaces and events.

What the last thing you expect to see? Black guys
Challenging stereotypes about Black people as threatening or out of place in certain settings.

What's the life expectancy for black guys?
A reminder of the systemic inequalities that impact Black people's life outcomes and opportunities.

The system's working effectively, that's why!
Calling out the fact that the system is working as intended to keep Black people from achieving success and equity.

I'll be a real man, take care of your son
A message to other Black men to take responsibility for their families and children.

Every problem you had before this day is now done
Acknowledging the power and potential of Black men to create positive change in their communities and families.

New crib, watch a movie 'cause ain't nothin' on the news but the blues
Recognizing the historic and ongoing oppression faced by Black people, and finding solace in shared cultural experiences like movies and music.

Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci, now ain't nothing new but your shoes
Acknowledging the lure of consumerism and the desire to enjoy luxury goods and experiences.

Sunday morning, praise the Lord
A reference to the importance of faith and religion in Black culture.

You're the girl that Jesus had been saving me for
Using religious language to express love and gratitude for a partner or loved one.

So let's savor this moment and take it to the floor
Encouraging celebration and joy in the present moment.

Black excellence, truly yours
A final expression of pride and affirmation of the power and excellence of Black culture.