Murder To Excellence
Jay Z/Kanye West Lyrics

Bloody murder, murder, murder
Emphasizing the gravity of the issue at hand

The paper read "murder, black-on-black murder"
Newspapers report about the pervasive issue of black-on-black murders

Paper read "murder, black-on-black murder" again
The issue has been reported multiple times, but no one has taken action to mitigate it

This is to the memory of Danroy Henry
Danroy Henry is being commemorated for losing his life to such murders

Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly
Despite being on the same team, black people are still at odds with each other

Strays from the same shade nigga, we on the same team
Though we may look different, black people are all on the same team

Giving you respect, I expect the same thing
Respect is mutual and should be reciprocated

All-black everything, nigga you know my fresh code
Proud display of black culture and attire

I’m out here fighting for you, don’t increase my stress load!
Unity is important in the fight against the system

Niggas watching the throne, very happy to be you
Black people should celebrate each other's successes instead of tearing each other down

Power to the people, when you see me, see you
We are all part of the same community and should uplift each other

And I’m from the murder capital where they murder for capital
The city is plagued by murders committed for financial gain

Heard about at least three killings this afternoon
News of murders is all too common

Looking at the news like "damn I was just with him after school"
The reality of how close to home the issue hits

No shop class but half the school got a tool
More attention should be given to education rather than providing weapons

And a "I could die any day"-type attitude
A sense of hopelessness surrounds the community

Plus his little brother got shot reppin' his avenue
Innocent bystanders are also affected by the violence

It’s time for us to stop and redefine black power
We need to redefine our understanding of what it means to be powerful as black people

Forty one souls murdered in fifty hours
The horrifying frequency of the murders

Is it genocide?
Questioning if this issue can be considered a form of genocide

'Cause I can still hear his mama cry
The emotional impact on families is devastating

Know the family traumatized
Families are left with lasting trauma from the loss of loved ones

Shots left holes in his face about piranha-sized
Graphic description of the violence that results from these murders

The old pastor closed the cold casket
Highlighting the role of religion in mourning and funeral traditions

And said the church ain’t got enough room for all the tombs
The frequency of deaths has surpassed the capacity of the church to hold funerals

It’s a war going on outside we ain’t safe from
The dangers of living in violence-plagued neighborhoods

I feel the pain in my city wherever I go
The pervasive trauma of the issue affecting everyone in the community

Three hundred and fourteen soldiers died in Iraq,
Highlighting the disproportionate loss of life within the same time frame in a different context

Five hundred and nine died in Chicago
Highlighting the significant loss of life in Chicago in the same time frame

I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died
Referencing a well-known moment in black history and activism

Uh, real niggas just multiply
Praising those who stand up for their community and fighting against the system

And they say by 21 I was supposed to die
Reflecting on the systemic issues and violence that young black people face

So I’m out here celebrating my post-demise
Overcoming these issues and celebrating life despite them

If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival
Metaphor for how internal conflict can ruin the community

You're gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you
Internalized oppression is damaging to the community

What up, Blood? What up, cous'? It’s all black, I love us
Expressing love and unity within the black community

It’s a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs
Celebrating black people's excellence and expressing it in luxurious ways

Black excellence, opulence, decadence
Celebrating black people's achievements and wealth

Tuxes next to the president, I’m present
Highlighting black people's presence and representation in high society

I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris
Displaying the luxury fashion that black people can also enjoy

In sheepskin coats, I silence the lambs
Wearing luxurious garments and being unapologetically confident

Do you know who I am, Clarice?
Asking if anyone can match their wealth and power

No cheap cologne whenever I “shh-shh”
Even their fragrance is expensive and high-quality

Success never smelled so sweet
Achievement and success feel amazing

I stink of success, the new black elite
Proudly displaying their success as part of a new elite group of black people

They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast
Racists assign negative connotations to black success and wealth

I repeat: my religion is the beat
Music and success are their religion and means of worship

My verse is like church, my Jesus piece
Music and jewelry become symbols of their religious devotion to success

Now please, domino, domino
Switching from discussing wealth to social justice issues and the importance of domino effects

Only spot a few blacks the higher I go
The higher up in society, the fewer black people there are, highlighting continued systemic inequality

What’s up to Will? Shout out to O
Giving shoutouts to their friends and colleagues

That ain’t enough.. we gonna need a million more
The need for more black people in positions of power and influence is crucial for societal change

"Kick in the door" Biggie flow
Referencing Biggie's hit song and using it to assert their dominance and entry into high society

I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go
Despite their success, the status quo and systemic inequality remain unchallenged

Yeah it’s all messed up when it’s nowhere to go
Acknowledging the frustration and hopelessness that comes from wanting to create change without knowing how

So we won’t take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P
Continuing to work towards achieving positions of power and influence

From parolees to hold G’s, sold keys, low keys
Celebrating the diversity of black people and their paths to success

We like the promised land of the OG’s
Comparing the success of the black community to the promised land of the Old Testament

In the past if you picture events like a black tie
Highlighting the lack of representation of black people in high society events in the past

What the last thing you expect to see, black guys?
Questioning why black people were not represented in high society social events in the past

What’s the life expectancy for black guys?
Highlighting the systemic inequality and shorter life expectancy for black men

The system’s working effectively, that’s why!
Sarcastically pointing out that the system is working to maintain systemic inequality and violence

I’ll be a real man and take care of your son
Promising to take care of the next generation and create a better future

Every problem you had before this day is now done
Promising to create a better future and tackle systemic issues head-on

New crib, watch a movie cause ain’t nothin' on the news but the blues
Highlighting the need for self-care and relaxation amidst the constant bad news and trauma

Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci, now ain’t nothing new but your shoes
Celebrating wealth and success with material possessions in a society where systemic inequality makes it an accomplishment for black people

Sunday morning, praise the Lord
Highlighting the importance of faith and religion in the black community even amidst systemic issues

You're the girl that Jesus had been saving me for
Expressing deep love and devotion to a significant other

So let’s savor this moment and take it to the floor
Celebrating and cherishing the present moment

Black excellence, truly yours
A sign off and affirmation of black excellence and success