Nursery Rhyme
Joell Ortiz Lyrics

One-two one-two
Introductory line to signify the beginning of a new nursery rhyme

I said ah-one-two one-two
Repetition of the introductory line

Right about now is the time
Indication that the nursery rhyme is about to begin

I kick a nursery rhyme (uh)
Introduction to the nursery rhyme with the artist taking charge of the performance

Hickory dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock
Using a known nursery rhyme to show superiority in wordplay and to begin the performance on a high note

So it's time to get the cheese, y'all be rhymin' like yo please
Using cheese as a metaphor for success and pointing out the mediocrity of other rappers

I got that second bowel flow, I'm rhymin' with the ease
Showcasing the artist's effortless flow and lyrical prowess

You never see me on lists inside these magazines
Acknowledging the lack of recognition the artist receives from mainstream media despite his talent

But I'm 'The Source' of rap discussions, they Vibe-in with Ortiz
Reference to lesser-known but respected publications that praise the artist's musical ability

In my 'XXL' shirt, lion over my jeans
Describing the artist's fashion sense and sense of pride and confidence

It's like I'm fightin' in Europe, I'm fire overseas!
Using a metaphor to show the artist's global appeal and exceptional ability

Hip-Hop's messiah, bring your sire to his knees
Self-praise for the artist's musical superiority and the impact he has on Hip-Hop

I'm 'nevaeh' in reverse, paradise in the P's
Playing with the word 'nevaeh' which means 'heaven' spelled backward while referencing his origin in Brooklyn (starts with P)

I'm Iron Mike in the '80s in the black trunks
Taking inspiration from boxer Mike Tyson to depict his strength and dominance in rap

Act pump ya lyin' on your back slump, all my lions pack punch
Challenging other rappers to keep up with his aggressive style and the strength of his words

Who wan' be rap lunch? Me make your snack chump
Asserting his dominance and warning other rappers not to mess with him

Ya likkle pistol pack pack pump, me mac dump!
Using gun references to add to the aggressive nature of his rap and warning other rappers not to mess with him

Fast munch, I reckon you stay away from the wreckin' ball
Suggesting that other rappers stay out of his way to avoid getting destroyed

If I swing in your direction I'll level you all like a measured wall
Using a metaphor for the artist's strength and ability to destroy other rappers

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout
Using another known nursery rhyme to add to the performance and appeal to the audience

Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Adding the artist's own twist to the known nursery rhyme

I'm the definition of ill, Jack and Jill went up the hill
Using another popular nursery rhyme to add to the appeal of the performance

To fetch a pail of water, I took Jack's crown and pushed him down
Adding a unique twist to the nursery rhyme and showing the artist's dominance and skill

I manslaughter all around the damn border
Using violent imagery to add to the aggressive nature of his rap

Optimus in his 'Prime', a fuckin' Transformer!
Using popular TV characters to relate to his audience and add to the appeal of his lyrics

Walk in any club I'm the subject of camcorders
Showing his popularity and the attention he receives from the public and media

So I'm slidin' out the back e'ry night with a man's daughter
Boasting about his ability to seduce women and his sexual desires

Puttin' my you-know-what, you know where
Using innuendos to insinuate sexual activity

No not down there, in between both ears
Revealing that his sexual prowess lies in his mental abilities and lyrical talent

Leave my seeds on they nose hairs, oh yeah I go there
Continuing with the sexual innuendos and boasting about his skills and experience

What the fuck you expect? I fuck necks 'til they throat tears
Using vulgar language to add to the aggression and assert his dominance and sexual prowess

Embody the projects, symbolize the struggle
Paying homage to his origins in the projects and representing the struggles he faced

Where the kids pawn my object to minimize the trouble
Showing the difficult conditions he grew up in and how he overcame them

I been in rides with duffle bags stuffed with the crack
Revealing his past involvement in illegal activity

Few years later I put them same drugs on the track
Using his previous experience to fuel his current success in the music industry

Got the globe hot from coca in a flow you can't toca
Boasting about his global success and the impact he has on the music industry

So listen close chocha, cllate la boca
Using Spanish to tell his audience to listen closely and pay attention

Twinkle twinkle little star
Starting another nursery rhyme to add to the performance and appeal to the audience

How I wonder what you are
Adding the artist's own twist to the known nursery rhyme

Goddamn I'm the man, Mary had a little lamb
Using another popular nursery rhyme to add to the performance

Whose fleece was white as snow
Adding his own twist to the known nursery rhyme

I skinned him and ROCKED that lil' nigga to my show
Using violent imagery to show his dominance and skill as a rapper

I be dipper than an O-, R-E-O cookie I'ma milk 'em for this dough
Using a metaphor to show his ability to take advantage of situations and make money

I'm a pilgrim with the hoes - I could rock a Plymouth Sundance
Using an outdated car model to show his skill and dominance over women

In dumb pants and still thank her for givin me a blow, job
Boasting about his ability to seduce women and receive sexual favors

No prob, they go home I go.. hard
Using a play on words to show that he is dedicated to his craft and puts in the effort to succeed

And find another broad to Humphrey, Bo-gart
Using popular movie characters to relate to his audience and add to the appeal of his lyrics

John Rambo got ammo for whole squads
Using violent imagery to add to the aggression of his lyrics

I rhyme over a banjo and handle yo' bars
Showing his versatility as a rapper and ability to handle any beat

I'm high and won't fall like a dope nod
Using a metaphor to show his ability to stay on top despite adversity

I'm outta here, every rhyme's a postdated postcard
Using a play on words to show that his lyrics are timeless and memorable

Don't mention my name, just keep playin yo' part
Warning other rappers not to mess with him and to focus on their own careers

Cause I got a Gang of Wolves, Amadeus Mozart's
Using a play on words to show his crew and their musical ability

I don't smile, ain't gon' set it
Showing his seriousness and determination in his craft

See you in the hospital spellin' yaowa, Yo' Ass On Wild Anesthetics!
Using violent imagery to show what he is capable of and warning other rappers not to mess with him

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
Adding another nursery rhyme to the performance and appeal to the audience

And on this farm he had you ducks, garbage with your flow
Insulting other rappers and showing their lack of talent compared to his own

Y'all can't fuck with Joell
Asserting his dominance and skill over other rappers

That nigga's nice!
Acknowledging his own superiority and talent

Y'all just be sayin stuff that only he can understand
Using sarcasm to further insult other rappers and show his own superior intellect

Ha ha, the little kids, hehe
Ending the performance with a playful and humorous tone