The Hard Margin
Mos Def Lyrics

See, now why'all cats think I'm playing haha
The singer is annoyed that others do not take him seriously, despite his efforts.

(???) can't see yo, see yo, see you too
The singer suggests that others may not be aware of their own shortcomings and flaws.

It's not easy, it's not easy to see all you haha
The singer acknowledges that it can be difficult to perceive the true nature of people's characters.

See good, you know?
The artist urges others to recognize the positive traits in themselves and others.

If you can shop, you know
The artist implies that those who have the means to purchase goods and services possess a degree of privilege.

Hotter than the summer at Kajasa
The singer suggests that their current situation is characterized by intense heat, discomfort, or turmoil.

Where Francis Coppola and Dennis Hopper burned down the Don Store Opera
The singer references a historical event involving two film directors setting fire to a building, potentially indicating an act of rebellion or destruction.

Hijack ya sponsor
The artist implies that they are capable of taking control of someone else's affairs or resources.

Some surrender greens, yet we remain unconquered
The artist suggests that while others may give in to temptation or adversity, they themselves have not been defeated.

The Black Star galactical, contemporary, classical, magical
The artist describes their collective as innovative, diverse, and powerful.

Mr. Tim's other hand slappin you
The singer references a hypothetical violent act committed by an unknown party.

Tread the narrow passage through the regulator habitats
The artist suggests they must navigate a difficult and restrictive environment.

Place where ain't no crackers at
The singer implies that their surroundings lack white people, potentially indicating a degree of racial tension or division.

Place where all the crackas at, outer city limits
The singer contradicts their previous statement, potentially indicating a mocking or sarcastic tone.

Hotter than the Red Light District
The singer implies that their current situation is characterized by intense heat, discomfort, or turmoil.

Dealin rap flows, strictly cash flow business
The artist describes their art as a profitable and uncompromising enterprise.

Stakes is high like astrophysics
The artist suggests that the risks or challenges they face are immense and complex.

Play with mine, you'll have no winnings
The singer warns that those who attempt to compete with or undermine them will ultimately fail.

Let these mother scratchers know from go ginnin
The singer implies that they will assert themselves from the very beginning of any encounter or conflict.

They better move slow like old women
The artist suggests that their opponents should proceed cautiously or hesitantly.

We want the whole cake, whole milk and no skimmin
The artist demands full compensation or recognition for their efforts or accomplishments.

Hand crafted flows wove in silk or linen
The artist implies that their art is intricately designed and refined, likening it to fine textiles.

Word is war/wore like denim, we textile blendin
The singer uses a play on words to suggest that their speech is both powerful and woven with multiple meanings.

Topper say top spinnin
The artist makes an unclear reference to an unknown phenomenon or concept.

Transcribe the document, prominent on all continents
The singer suggests that their message or influence has spread globally.

Black Star congregates and dominates
The singer asserts the power and superiority of their collective.

Burn through your armor plates
The singer implies that their words or actions can effectively overcome obstacles or defenses.

Pipin hot and we not from concentrate
The artist suggests that they are authentically passionate and energetic.

Make the mass mob the market place
The artist implies that they are capable of drawing a large following and influencing popular culture or trends.

'cause we rock the black market tapes
The singer references their ability to distribute and sell their art through alternative means or channels.

Movin the crowd like cattle from here to Picadilly Circus
The singer implies that they are capable of drawing a large following and influencing popular culture or trends.

Try to battle us, it's clearly silly and worthless
The artist asserts their superiority and underestimates the abilities of their opponents.

You really can't hurt us and it's ridiculous to try
The artist believes that they are impervious to harm or criticism.

So stick us with us unless you want to die and not know why
The artist implies that opponents who engage with them will be met with deadly force and may not understand the reason for their defeat.

Yo we spray you with ambition like an inner drive by
The singer uses a play on words to suggest that they inspire others with their energy and ambition.

Feel the pain of my rain when I snatch the sun out your sky
The artist suggests that their actions or presence can cause discomfort or hardship for others.

Thinkin you fly, signin contracts with the devil, bust guys iller
The singer criticizes those who are overconfident or immoral in their actions or dealings.

We flatten your town like Godzilla
The singer implies that they are capable of causing widespread destruction or chaos.

Whether guilt is a skrilla, Franks or banks, five pence or ten cents
The singer suggests that their motives or intentions are irrelevant or unknown.

Whatever the currency we currently intense like great sex
The artist implies that their performance or output is passionate and successful.

You make bets before you gamble your life away
The artist suggests that others often make poor choices or decisions that put them in danger or jeopardy.

On mics I break up vets like fights
The singer suggests that they are skilled at defeating experienced opponents in the realm of music or rap battles.

Crumble up rookies like cookies
The singer implies that they can easily defeat inexperienced opponents.

Lest why'all can deal with them bookies
The artist suggests that they have connections or experience in the world of gambling or betting.

Aww sooky sooky, now looky looky here
The artist makes an unclear or sarcastic reference to an unknown phenomenon or concept.

Yo you softer than pink cashmere
The artist criticizes their opponent for being weak or ineffective.

Just catchin up with rhymes that I fuckin dropped last year
The singer implies that they are far ahead of their opponents and have already achieved what others aspire to do.

I flow clear like Evian, tap on that ass like Savion
The artist implies that their performance or output is smooth, clear, and precise.

My style's way beyond the average rhyme savage
The singer asserts their skills and abilities exceed those of typical rap artists.

The shit that they be on, it ain't doin no damage
The singer suggests that others' work or output is ineffective or unimpressive.

If lyrical skills is food then them niggaz is famished
The singer uses a metaphor to suggest that others lack the necessary talent or skill to succeed in their craft.

They can't manage so their shit is poorly represented
The artist suggests that others' work or output is not properly interpreted, shared, or received.

Necessity's the mother of everything that's embedded
The artist suggests that their success, talent, or skill is a product of internalized motivation or need.

I came up with the style to see right through your smile
The singer suggests that their unique style of music is capable of uncovering hidden truths or exposing insincere individuals.

My rhyme is true and leave you kinda blue like Miles
The singer references musician Miles Davis as a comparison for their ability to inspire or affect emotions in their listeners.

Pick my gun up and run up on you just like the river Nile
The artist uses a metaphor to suggest that their verbal or artistic assault is like a natural or unstoppable force.

Bringin life to the mic like midwives deliver child
The artist implies that their art is a powerful and life-giving force.

Now the stakes is high so I'ma take you there
The artist implies that the situation is intense or risky and that they are capable of meeting the challenge.

That beef will get you all bloody 'cause your steaks is rare
The singer uses a play on words to suggest that their opponents are inexperienced or underprepared.

The hard margin
The artist repeats a phrase and title from earlier in the song, potentially as a form of emphasis or closure.

Why you startin? Your life get finished
The singer warns that those who oppose them will suffer serious consequences or defeat.

Corny cats, no experience, green like spinach
The singer mocks their opponents for their lack of skill or knowledge.

Lookin diminished and malnourished
The singer implies that their opponents are weak, fragile, or lacking in resources.

Me and Mos flourish
The artist asserts their own success and partnership with Mos Def.

The illest shit ever dropped by American tourists
The artist suggests that their art is powerful, groundbreaking, and influential.