Michael & Quincy
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeah
N-N-N-N-Nas
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Get your eardrum de-virignized
While the music is
Hahaha
Eardrums de-virginized from the words of mind (mind)
Just a word of advice, you can't murder Nas (Nas)
All my niggas certified, we got certain ties (ties)
Streets was an office, we didn't need a shirt and tie (tie)
In my AMI, weather like the version Niles (Niles)
I ain't got no jewelry on, 'cause I'm made of ice (ice)
Element surprise, move with the passion of Christ (Christ)
To Porto Fino, sittin' high in the cliff
From a younger dude with a crew and we was workin' the shift
Y'all South Park cartoon characters, I'm convinced
They never been scared to doubt, while stayin' karma to twist
I creeped in a jean jacket, headband and Nikes
I ain't like to dodge fights, as I rode my bike
And I was lookin' at these people, thinkin' they just might
Make me come out my cool character, break through the smooth barriers
Go crazy, CeeLo Green, Gnarls Barkley
Before I even pull to the spot, they try to park me
I'm used to dark seas, that's why I spark green
Why I pour wine, they don't stock these, I gotta order mine (order mine)
Malcolm X departed at the Audubon
Seen so many slaughtered, I'm numb, never mortified
All-black Audemar, you claim yours was one of one
We timepiece monsters, every season, we be on the hunt
Jeepers, creepers, America's a baby that's teethin'Shittin' on itself, cryin' for it's next feedin'
As odd as it gets, it's not even a toddler yet
Gang members got nothin' on these congressmen
Plus Ray Liota and James Condad
Iconic actors, who were redemption for these mob guys
We easin' on down the road for the third win
Who's bad? It's up and it's stuck, feel the whirlwind
Like young Quincy Jones, stuck outside the club
'Til Ray Charles snuck him in, ah, to be young again
But right now, it's like I got the power of a hundred men
Nas'll hit like Michael and Quincey on the run again (run again)
Eardrums devirginized from the words of mind (mind)
Just a word of advice, you can't murder Nas (Nas)
All my niggas certified, we got certain ties (certain ties)
I'm activated, my hand might spark flames
Aviator frames, bandages, lambin', this a stage
From a stretcher, I wave
Even if I never had two arms full of Grammys
Or a sponsor from Pepsi, I'll still be honorary
Like Quincey on the trumpet, Hit-Boy on the drum kit
Nasty like Michael, on the vocals, I overdub it (come on)
Bouncin' off the wall, always startin' somethin'
Behind the scenes of the Thriller video, big budgets (big budgets)
Moonwalkin', smooth criminal talkin' (smooth talk)
I'm changin' colors right now, 'til I'm dark-skinned ('til I'm dark-skinned)
Adam Clayton Powell, complexion of Baldwins
Annie, are you okay, watchin' me transformin'? (Shamone)
Pinky ring glitter like the socks and the glove
Know some money-gettin' thugs that could buy The Beatles' pub
That's what I really call coppin' white, re-in' up (re-in' up)
Haha
The lyrics of "Michael & Quincy" by Nas & Hit-Boy offer a deep dive into various themes, showcasing Nas' lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. The opening verses set the tone for the song as Nas invites listeners to have their "eardrums de-virginized" by the powerful words and music he is about to deliver. He cheekily references his own name multiple times, emphasizing his iconic status in the rap game.
Nas delves into his past experiences and upbringing in the streets, highlighting the camaraderie and loyalty among his crew. He paints a vivid picture of a gritty yet authentic environment where success is earned through hard work and dedication, rather than flashy jewelry or superficial displays of wealth. Nas juxtaposes his humble beginnings with his current status as a seasoned artist in the industry, drawing parallels to biblical imagery like the passion of Christ.
The lyrics delve deeper into societal commentary, with Nas touching on themes of racial injustice, political corruption, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. He references historical figures like Malcolm X and iconic actors like Ray Liota, drawing parallels between the underworld of organized crime and the deceitful practices of modern-day politicians. Nas uses vivid imagery and clever wordplay to paint a vivid picture of a chaotic and flawed society that is still in its early stages of development.
As the song progresses, Nas pays homage to legendary musicians Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, drawing parallels between their creative genius and his own artistry. He likens himself to Michael on the vocals, while Hit-Boy provides the drum kit, creating a seamless blend of classic and contemporary musical influences. Nas showcases his versatility and creativity as an artist, effortlessly transitioning between different personas and styles, much like the musical legends he admires. Overall, "Michael & Quincy" is a thought-provoking and introspective track that showcases Nas at the top of his game, blending personal reflection with societal critique in a masterful way.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, yeah
A chant to build energy and excitement.
N-N-N-N-Nas
A declaration of his identity and presence.
Get your eardrum de-virginized
Prepare to experience a profound awakening through the music.
While the music is
The moment to absorb this impactful sound.
Hahaha
An expression of confidence and amusement.
Eardrums de-virginized from the words of mind (mind)
His lyrics are powerful enough to awaken listeners’ senses.
Just a word of advice, you can't murder Nas (Nas)
It's a reminder that his talent and legacy are untouchable.
All my niggas certified, we got certain ties (ties)
His crew is genuine and they share strong connections.
Streets was an office, we didn't need a shirt and tie (tie)
They operated in the street life like a professional business, informal yet serious.
In my AMI, weather like the version Niles (Niles)
Refers to a state of mind that's deeply reflective but also aware of his surroundings.
I ain't got no jewelry on, 'cause I'm made of ice (ice)
His cool demeanor surpasses material possessions.
Element surprise, move with the passion of Christ (Christ)
He approaches life with unexpected vigor and deep conviction.
To Porto Fino, sittin' high in the cliff
Imagining himself in a luxurious, elevated place.
From a younger dude with a crew and we was workin' the shift
Reflecting on his past where he and his friends hustled together.
Y'all South Park cartoon characters, I'm convinced
Critiquing others as superficial or lacking depth.
They never been scared to doubt, while stayin' karma to twist
People are reckless in their negativity, not realizing it can come back around.
I creeped in a jean jacket, headband and Nikes
Describing his humble, relatable style while growing up.
I ain't like to dodge fights, as I rode my bike
He wasn't afraid to confront challenges during his youth.
And I was lookin' at these people, thinkin' they just might
Observing others and pondering their potential actions.
Make me come out my cool character, break through the smooth barriers
Contemplating whether they could provoke him to act out of his calm nature.
Go crazy, CeeLo Green, Gnarls Barkley
Referencing an artist known for wild performances, symbolizing a peak intensity in life.
Before I even pull to the spot, they try to park me
People often judge or approach him even before he arrives, showing his presence is strong.
I'm used to dark seas, that's why I spark green
He’s grown accustomed to difficult times, using that to fuel his creativity and growth.
Why I pour wine, they don't stock these, I gotta order mine (order mine)
Indicating his refined tastes and the uniqueness of his selections.
Malcolm X departed at the Audubon
Referencing a significant moment in history of a civil rights leader.
Seen so many slaughtered, I'm numb, never mortified
Acknowledging the violence he has witnessed, now desensitized to it.
All-black Audemar, you claim yours was one of one
Discussing luxury watches and the uniqueness often claimed by others.
We timepiece monsters, every season, we be on the hunt
They are relentless in their pursuit of success, always on the rise.
Jeepers, creepers, America's a baby that's teethin'
Criticizing America’s struggles, likening it to a restless infant.
Shittin' on itself, cryin' for it's next feedin'
Describing the societal issues and demands for attention and care.
As odd as it gets, it's not even a toddler yet
Highlighting the immaturity of the nation's issues.
Gang members got nothin' on these congressmen
Suggesting that politicians are more corrupt than street gangs.
Plus Ray Liota and James Condad
Referring to well-known actors who embodied complex male roles.
Iconic actors, who were redemption for these mob guys
Discussing how these actors portrayed complex characters, giving them depth.
We easin' on down the road for the third win
Navigating smoothly towards achieving further success.
Who's bad? It's up and it's stuck, feel the whirlwind
Questioning who has the dominance in the situation, while conveying a powerful energy.
Like young Quincy Jones, stuck outside the club
Referencing a moment of waiting and anticipation, paralleling famous musicians’ experiences.
’Til Ray Charles snuck him in, ah, to be young again
Reflecting on a moment of opportunity and nostalgia for youth.
But right now, it's like I got the power of a hundred men
Feeling an immense sense of strength and influence in his current state.
Nas'll hit like Michael and Quincey on the run again (run again)
Acknowledging his prowess and impact akin to legendary music icons.
I'm activated, my hand might spark flames
He is energized and ready to create, igniting passion through his art.
Aviator frames, bandages, lambin', this a stage
Wearing stylish sunglasses while presenting his life as a performance.
From a stretcher, I wave
Acknowledging struggles but still embracing the audience.
Even if I never had two arms full of Grammys
Expressing that accolades won't define his worth.
Or a sponsor from Pepsi, I'll still be honorary
Stating that external validation doesn’t diminish his value.
Like Quincey on the trumpet, Hit-Boy on the drum kit
Referencing the legendary collaborators that combine their exceptional talents.
Nasty like Michael, on the vocals, I overdub it (come on)
He provides vocal overlays that can match the intensity of pop legends.
Bouncin' off the wall, always startin' somethin'
Being energetic and constantly creating new ideas.
Behind the scenes of the Thriller video, big budgets (big budgets)
Discussing the high production values in the music industry.
Moonwalkin', smooth criminal talkin' (smooth talk)
Referencing iconic dance moves and speaking with charm.
I'm changin' colors right now, 'til I'm dark-skinned ('til I'm dark-skinned)
Transforming his individuality and identity throughout his career.
Adam Clayton Powell, complexion of Baldwins
Referencing notable figures with influence while acknowledging shared traits.
Annie, are you okay, watchin' me transformin'? (Shamone)
Alluding to the famous song while inviting curiosity about his evolution.
Pinky ring glitter like the socks and the glove
Describing his flashy style reminiscent of iconic performers.
Know some money-gettin' thugs that could buy The Beatles' pub
Indicating the wealth of those around him, capable of making significant purchases.
That's what I really call coppin' white, re-in' up (re-in' up)
Using a street term to discuss the acquisition of goods, while hinting at drug culture.
Haha
A final laugh that underscores the confidence in his success and narrative.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., EMPIRE PUBLISHING
Written by: Chauncey Hollis Jr., Nasir Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Baganasta
Nas gave flowers 🎉 while he was still alive. #RIPQuincy
@darkpoolgamesCODM
Rest in peace Quincy Jones who passed away today. From everyone at DarkPool Games, thank you Nas for the homage ❤
@andrew_kboyy
Thank you Nas for giving Quincy his flowers
@MagnusVonGrapple
Nas deserved another Grammy for KD3. Also had to come back to say Rest in Peace Quincy
@peaceprodigy
Agreed!!
I don't hate on Killer Mike but Nas should've took that Rap album of the year award again
@karlovanjak2576
JID- The Forever Story
@MichaelJacksonMultiverse
RIP Quincy Jones
@dumilemzimela6461
Rest in Power Quincy Jones!
@c.s.hadebe1062
Nas rapping at this level at almost 50 cements his status as the greatest rapper in history. UNBELIEVABLE run of lyrical form. This is a privilege to witness.
@theicewitch9328
He not the greatest but he one of the greatest. He up there with Marshall definitely.