Gotta Have It
Jay Z/Kanye West Lyrics
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Uh-huh, uh-huh
(What you need, what, what you need)
(I got what you need, what, what you need)
(What you need, what, what you need)
(I got what you need)
Money matrimony, yeah, they tryna break the marriage up
Who gon' act phonier? Who gon' try to embarrass ya?
I'ma need a day off, I think I'll call Ferris up
Bueller had a Mueller, but I switched it for a Miele
'Cause I'm richer, and prior to this shit was movin' freebase
Had a conference with the DJ's (yeah), Puerto Rico three-days
Poli' with the PDs, now they got our shit on replay
Sorry I'm in pajamas, but I just got off the PJ
And last party we had, they shut down Prive
(Ain't that where the Heat play?) Yep (niggas hate ballers these days) yup
Ain't that like LeBron James? (Ain't that just like D-Wade, wait)
(What you need, what, what you need)
(I got what you need, what, what you need)
(What you need, what, what you need)
(I got what you need)
What's up, what's up, what's up, what's up
What's up ma'fucka, where my money at? (what you need)
You gon' make me come down to your house where yo' mommy at (what you need)
Mummy wrap the kids, have 'em cryin' for they mommy back
Dummy that your daddy is, tell 'em I just want my racks
(Racks on racks on racks) racks
(Maybachs on bachs on bachs on bachs on bachs) who in that?
Oh shit, it's just blacks on blacks on blacks
(Hundred stack) how you get it? (Nigga, layin' raps on tracks)
I wish I could give you this feelin', I'm planking on a million
I'm riding through yo' hood, you can bank I ain't got no ceiling
(Made a left on Nostrand Ave) right (we in Bed-Stuy)
Made a right on 79th, I'm coming down South Shore Drive
(I remain Chi-town) Brooklyn 'til I die
(Take 'em on home, take 'em on home)
(Take 'em on home, take 'em on home)
(I got what you need, what, what you need)
(Take 'em on home)
(What you need, what, what you need)
(I got what you need, what, what you need)
(Take 'em on home, take 'em on home)
(Take 'em on home, take 'em on home)
(Tryna hurt my name, huh?)
The song "Gotta Have It" by Jay-Z and Kanye West is a rap song that reflects the artists' pride in their wealth and success, and their disdain for those who try to bring them down or criticize them. The song opens with Jay-Z demanding that his headphones be turned up louder, suggesting he wants to hear the beat and lyrics more clearly. He then addresses "White America," accusing them of trying to "assassinate" his character and break up his marriage to Beyoncé. He notes that he knows many people are trying to be phonier than he is and embarrass him or take him down. However, he appears unbothered, suggesting he might need a "day off" before deciding to call "Ferris up," a reference to the 1986 comedy film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
The verse goes on to touch on some of the rappers' recent activities, including attending a conference with DJs in Puerto Rico and throwing a party that was shut down. They also reference basketball stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, asserting their disdain for those who "hate ballers these days." The verse ends with the repeated refrain, "I got what you need," suggesting that the rappers have everything their listeners could want, from money to fame to raw talent.
Overall, "Gotta Have It" reflects the artists' unapologetic swagger, their sense of being at the top of their respective games and unafraid of anyone who tries to bring them down. The song is full of confidence and bravado, reflecting the artists' position as two of the most successful and influential names in hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn my headphones up, louder
Increase the volume of my headphones, please.
Hello, hello, hello, hello, White America, assassinate my character
Addressing the societal racism of white America toward people of color, specifically black celebrities like Jay Z, and how they attempt to tarnish their reputation
Money matrimony, yeah, they tryna break the marriage up
People are trying to destroy Jay Z's marriage to Beyonce due to their financial success and influence in the industry.
Who gon' act phonier? Who gon' try to embarrass ya?
Jay Z is calling out those who are hypocritical and try to publicly humiliate him.
I'ma need a day off, I think I'll call Ferris up
Jay Z wants to take a break from the industry and life in general, and references the iconic movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'.
Had a conference with the DJ's (Yeah), Puerto Rico three-days
Jay Z spent time talking with DJs and promoting his music in Puerto Rico for a few days.
Sorry I'm in pajamas, but I just got off the PJ
Jay Z apologizes for being in his pajamas but explains that he just got off his private jet and didn't have time to change.
And last party we had, they shut down Prive
The last party Jay Z attended got shut down prematurely at a club called Prive.
Ain't that where the Heat play?) Yep (Niggas hate ballers these days)
Jay Z confirms that Prive is where the Miami Heat play and acknowledges the recent trend of hate toward successful individuals.
Whats up ma'fucka, where my money at?
Jay Z questions someone who owes him money and demands payment.
You gon' make me come down to your house where yo' mommy at
Jay Z threatens to go to the person's house and confront them in front of their mother.
Dummy that your daddy is, tell 'em I just want my racks
Jay Z insults the person and tells them to inform their father that he just wants his money.
How you get it? (Nigga, layin' raps on tracks)
Jay Z questions how the person made their money and responds with his own way of earning money, through making music.
I'm riding through yo' hood, you can bank I ain't got no ceiling
Jay Z is driving through a poor area with an open top car to show off his success and wealth.
Made a right on 79th, I'm coming down South Shore Drive
Jay Z is driving through a specific area in Chicago to show his hometown pride and roots.
Tryna hurt my name, huh?
Jay Z acknowledges that people are trying to harm his reputation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Brown, Fred Wesley, St. Clair Pickney, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Shawn Carter, Joseph Roach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
EndOfSmallSanctuary
One of the most underrated Kanye songs. The production is just so fire.
BrianRaider
Neptunes Did This.
godly god38
@BrianRaider and Kanye.
Jack
I can't believe I forgot this track. I haven't heard this in so long. I remember this was one my favorites back in the day. 😭 Time is going to fast.
hey
Forgot how good this album was. Bumping this until donda
Devvv
Fax
Jaden farquhar
still bumping lol
DJ G.O.J.
Same
Lady Mav N the Hound
#Seriously! <3
Juan Elroy
The sickest sample during that era of 2010-2012