Selfish
Kanye West Vs. J.A.M.E.S Watts Lyrics
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Hmm
Eff that
(Quincy, tell 'em)
Armed and dangerous, don't call me up for favors
Flexin' thousands in your pictures, man, you ain't got no shame (no shame)
Providin' for the family, it's what's gangster, you guys lame
Catch another plane
Skydweller on me plain
I'm humble just to be here, can't be movin' like I'm vain
Got love for all my brothers, man, I hope they feel the same
Came out from the trap and also came, I didn't stay
Destined to be great, maybe it's just luck
Maybe it's my fate, maybe it was destiny, the way I'm gettin' paid
If it wasn't rap then I know crap would get me paid
Hold on, wait
I'm in another plane, I'm flyin' to the States
AP on my wrist and yet again, this shit is plain
Cut some people off the hook 'cause they were gettin' bait
Lookin' through the window, think of time I had to pay
Back to reality, drop another tape
Make music for my sanity, speak up, I ain't afraid
Speak for all the trappers that come from all the states
Let's do this shit together so our families can be safe (yeah, yeah)
Everybody's greedy, only think about that self
When I started in the game, I had to focus on myself
I had to focus on myself (I had to focus on myself)
I had to focus on my-
Sometimes you gotta be selfish
Especially when you got a purpose
When I'm alone, I still made them feel nervous
All them hard years, I had to earn it
Still got old money that I'm countin' (countin')
Blood, sweat and tears, just to earn it (blood, sweat and tears)
Still got old money that I'm countin'
Blood, sweat and tears, just to earn it
Blood, sweat and tears, just to earn it
Blood, sweat and tears, just to earn it
Blood, sweat and tears, just to earn it
Blood, sweat and tears (that's it)
The lyrics of this song touch on themes of self-preservation, ambition, and the sacrifices one makes to achieve success. The opening line, "Why the fuck would I do things for other people when they don't do things for me?" conveys a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the idea of helping others without reciprocity. The artist questions the worth of investing energy into people who do not show the same level of support or appreciation.
The following lines, "Armed and dangerous, don't call me up for favors, Flexin' thousands in your pictures, man, you ain't got no shame," set a tone of defiance and self-assuredness. The artist is asserting their independence and refusing to be taken advantage of. They criticize those who flaunt material possessions without genuine substance or integrity.
The artist emphasizes the importance of providing for one's family, highlighting it as a symbol of true strength and authenticity. They contrast themselves with others who may have access to the same resources but lack the same sense of responsibility. The repetition of the line "You've got yay and I've got yay but our yay ain't the same" suggests that although they may be engaged in similar activities, their motivations and values differ significantly.
Throughout the song, there is a thread of determination and perseverance. The artist speaks of being destined for greatness and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve success. They acknowledge the possibility of luck or fate playing a role in their journey but also recognize their own efforts and hard work. The references to catching planes and wearing expensive watches portray a sense of accomplishment and the rewards that come from their dedication to their craft.
The artist also touches on the need for self-care and mental well-being in the midst of their demanding lifestyle. They express a willingness to speak up and advocate for themselves and others who come from similar backgrounds. The line "Make music for my sanity, speak up, I ain't afraid" suggests that their art serves as an outlet and a means of expressing their perspective on the world.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of sometimes being selfish when one has a purpose or goal to pursue. It speaks to the necessity of prioritizing oneself and focusing on personal growth and achievement. The artist acknowledges the sacrifices they have made, symbolized by "blood, sweat, and tears," to earn their success and reminds listeners of the dedication required to reach their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Armed and dangerous, don't call me up for favors
I am assertive and powerful, don't expect me to do favors for you.
Flexin' thousands in your pictures, man, you ain't got no shame (no shame)
Showing off your wealth in photos, without any sense of shame.
Providin' for the family, it's what's gangster, you guys lame
Supporting and caring for your family is true gangster, you guys lack true substance.
You've got yay and I've got yay but our yay ain't the same (yay ain't the same)
We both have success or achievements, but the nature of our success is not comparable.
Catch another plane
Move on to the next opportunity or adventure.
Skydweller on me plain
I have a luxurious Skydweller watch while flying on a private plane.
I'm humble just to be here, can't be movin' like I'm vain
I appreciate and show humility for the opportunities I have, I won't act conceited.
Got love for all my brothers, man, I hope they feel the same
I genuinely care for my peers and wish they reciprocate the same love.
Came out from the trap and also came, I didn't stay
I emerged from a difficult situation or environment, and I didn't remain stuck there.
Destined to be great, maybe it's just luck
I have a predetermined fate to achieve greatness, or perhaps it's just mere luck.
Maybe it's my fate, maybe it was destiny, the way I'm gettin' paid
My fortune and financial success could be attributed to my predetermined destiny.
If it wasn't rap then I know crap would get me paid
If I weren't a rapper, I believe engaging in undesirable activities would still bring me financial gain.
Hold on, wait
Pause and wait a moment.
I'm in another plane, I'm flyin' to the States
I am currently traveling on another plane, heading to the United States.
AP on my wrist and yet again, this shit is plain
I have a luxurious Audemars Piguet watch on my wrist, emphasizing its simplicity.
Cut some people off the hook 'cause they were gettin' bait
I ended relationships with certain individuals because they were trying to deceive or manipulate me.
Lookin' through the window, think of time I had to pay
Reflecting through the window, recalling the hardships and sacrifices I had to endure.
Back to reality, drop another tape
Returning to the real world, releasing another music project.
Make music for my sanity, speak up, I ain't afraid
Creating music is therapeutic for my mental well-being, expressing myself without fear.
Speak for all the trappers that come from all the states
I am a representative for individuals involved in illegal activities from various regions.
Let's do this shit together so our families can be safe (yeah, yeah)
Let's collaborate and support one another to ensure the safety and well-being of our families.
Everybody's greedy, only think about that self
Most people are selfish, solely focused on their own interests.
When I started in the game, I had to focus on myself
At the beginning of my career, I had to prioritize my own success and well-being.
Sometimes you gotta be selfish
Occasionally, it is necessary to prioritize one's own needs or desires.
Especially when you got a purpose
This is particularly important when you have a clear goal or purpose in life.
When I'm alone, I still made them feel nervous
Even when I am by myself, I have the ability to intimidate or unsettle others.
All them hard years, I had to earn it
All the difficult years I've experienced, I had to work hard to achieve what I have.
Still got old money that I'm countin' (countin')
I still have a significant amount of money earned from past ventures that I am currently counting.
Blood, sweat and tears, just to earn it (blood, sweat and tears)
I put in immense effort and faced numerous challenges to acquire my success, symbolized by blood, sweat, and tears.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: M Huncho, Quincy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ANIMALFRIES
damn this was a classic remix from back in the day. used to bump this shit so hard. james watts had a couple other fire remixes too. wonder where he at these days.