Meet Joe Black
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics
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When the QB chain birthed most the chains in the game?
No post office, we stampin' time
Took a slice out of the Big Apple, made apple pies
Family-size
Leather bombers and Nike Sacais
Dangerous corners, you better pray that tomorrow arrives
Rap Sugar Ray Robinson, nothin' sweetY'all too out of shape to even box with me
Heavyweight, I know my way around the ring
Just like shorty know her way around the store
Makin' hits with Hit-Boy, all he gotta do is hit record
Record breakin' news, had to show up just to fill the void
Confused spoiled little boys, y'all better keep your poise
Leave me out of the weasel shit
Be cool when you see me, I'm hot at all that rap diva shit
The hood know you pussy, so we don't buy or believe in it
Locked in on the instrumental, I took back the key to this
Uh
Run me the keys, run me the Bs, run me that float back (run me that float back)
Your top three, I'm not number one, how could you post that? (Post that)
I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that
I'm not the one to go at, you fuck around meet Joe Black (meet Joe Black)
Run me the keys, run me the Bs, run me that float back (what I'm sayin'?)
Your top three, I'm not number one, how could you post that? (Uh)
I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that (yeah)
I'm not the one to go at, you fuck around meet Joe Black
What I'm sayin', people sayin' what's already been said
Predictions, I don't listen, it's already in my head
No funny shit
Your most hungry place, I was past that at twenty-eight
Underground tapes, that's my ASCAP and publishing stakesAs we slide in the G-ride
I been gettin' criticized, it's keepin' me energized
Create with a business mind, I'm from where killers reside
A wild hood, only knew goons since my childhood
Niggas say anything in they raps 'cause it sound good
Don't even mean what they say, horrible outlook
Y'all ain't really 'bout this, house nigs
Y'all was in the house with it
We don't respect fake jewelry and silly outfits
Window down, blowin' out kush
Grey tints, New York's J Prince on Houston Street
I caught the bounce before my nigga even bounced the beat
I took the hard way in this shit, man, it's the route for me
Uh
Run me the keys, run me the Bs, run me that float back (run me that float back)
Your top three, I'm not number one, how could you post that? (Post that)
I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that
I'm not the one to go at, you fuck around meet Joe Black (meet Joe Black)
Run me the keys, run me the Bs, run me that float back (run me that float back)
Your top three, I'm not number one, how could you post that? (Post that)
I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that
I'm not the one to go at, you fuck around meet Joe Black (meet Joe Black)
Why would I ever have to cop a chain again
When the QB chain birthed most the chains in the game?
Why would I?
For real talk, the nigga who killed hip hop for real is Nas, dawg
That nigga killed hip hop ("hip-hop is dead")
That nigga went and told everybody about it
He came out publicly and said, "hip-hop is dead"
In the lyrics of "Meet Joe Black" by Nas & Hit-Boy, Nas explores his place in the hip-hop landscape and reflects on his impact and legacy within the industry. He begins by questioning the necessity of wearing expensive jewelry ("cop a chain") when he already holds significant influence as a pioneer from Queensbridge ("QB chain birthed most the chains in the game"). Nas emphasizes that his achievements speak for themselves and he doesn't need material possessions to validate his status.
Nas goes on to highlight the importance of time and legacy, symbolized by references to stamps and apple pies. He draws parallels between his musical creations ("took a slice out of the Big Apple, made apple pies") and the importance of leaving a mark that transcends generations. Nas juxtaposes this with the dangers and uncertainties of his environment, urging listeners to be prepared for whatever challenges may come their way.
The lyrics also touch upon Nas' prowess as a lyricist and his confidence in his skills. He compares himself to legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, emphasizing his ability to navigate the competitive rap industry with ease. Nas asserts his dominance in the rap game, warning competitors that they are not on his level and should not attempt to challenge him.
Throughout the song, Nas conveys a sense of resilience and determination in the face of criticism and doubt. He addresses the superficiality and insincerity he perceives in the industry, particularly in the portrayal of wealth and image. Nas values authenticity and real experience over fabricated personas, asserting his uncompromising stance on his artistry and integrity. Ultimately, Nas asserts his position as a force to be reckoned with, warning those who underestimate him that they may face the consequences of underestimating his impact ("you fuck around meet Joe Black").
Line by Line Meaning
Why would I ever have to cop a chain again
Why would I need to buy flashy jewelry again when the symbol of my hometown (QB chain) inspired most of the chains in the rap game?
How could you post that?
How can you share something claiming I'm not the best when I clearly wear the crown and own the city?
Y'all better keep your poise
You should stay composed and respectful because I won't tolerate disrespectful behavior.
You fuck around meet Joe Black
If you keep pushing me, you might end up facing the consequences (meeting Joe Black, referring to a dark ending).
I took back the key to this
I regained control of the music industry with my skills and talent.
Run me that float back
Give me back what's rightfully mine (recognition, top spot).
It's already in my head
Predictions and criticisms don't phase me because I stay ahead mentally.
Don't even mean what they say, horrible outlook
Many rappers don't live what they rap about, showing a sad state of affairs in the industry.
You fuck around meet Joe Black
If you continue with disrespectful behavior, you might face severe consequences.
Why would I ever have to cop a chain again
Why would I need to buy flashy jewelry again when the symbol of my hometown (QB chain) inspired most of the chains in the rap game?
"hip-hop is dead"
Nas declaring that hip-hop has deteriorated and lost its essence due to various reasons.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Chauncey Hollis Jr., Nasir Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thedudebneasy4928
can't believe i been listening to him since i was 14, im now 41... This is greatness
@ahmadsumadi1292
Same here man. Greatest thing is I didn’t know this dropped and my sold called me while I was at work to tell me it’s out. He’s 14.
@lovememoremeticulous4378
The same, this shit is crazy like wow, feel like the first time I heard him at his peak in 94 - 96
@attyriqraheem6401
Go LosVagas Raiders 22-20 We in
@infiniteg7852
I’m 43, I’ve been listening to him since 13
@MovingNutritiously
My uncle introduce me to Nas when I was 14, I'm 44 and still feel like the first time. The guy is Legend 🔥
@GRNSdatboisheed
This is the most Nas beat i ever heard
@walterakillah6985
This flow and pen are INSANE. Africa relates to this intelligence. Our own
@xavierlogistics4057
Distant Relatives ✊🏾
@walterakillah6985
@@xavierlogistics4057 Love from Home