Just Begun
Talib Kweli ft. Mos Def J. Cole and Jay Electronica Lyrics

We've only just begun
This song is just starting, let's get into it

Oh, yes, indeed, I like this, I like this
The artist enjoys the beat of the song

Hey, yo, Hi-Tek, do me a favor, man
The artist addresses the producer of the song

Speed it up a little bit
The artist wants the beat to be faster

From the intro you know I'm so influential 'cause I'm glowing like a candle
The artist is well-known and respected because of his talent and charisma

The focus is so essential, dog; what you tryna get into?
It's important to have a clear goal in mind and to focus on it

I steady the flow, ready to blow like snotty tissue
The artist is confident and ready to perform well

They snitching like Donnie Brasco, I'm counting like Monte Cristo
People are telling on each other like in the movie 'Donnie Brasco,' while the artist is counting money like the main character in 'The Count of Monte Cristo'

The ghetto full of betrayal like Iago and Othello
The artist compares the ghetto to characters from Shakespeare's tragedies who experience betrayal and destruction

Your fellow neighbor will slay you; they'll smoke you like cigarillos
People from the same neighborhood can be dangerous and turn on each other

Police want that info--they'll grill 'em like Portabellos
The authorities are pressuring people to give them information

I'm murdering instrumentals 'cause I rap with the conscience
The artist is rapping with a message and emotion, which brings life to the beat like a murder brings life to an investigation

Of felons, killers, and monsters, so revealing and honest
The artist is telling stories from the perspective of people who are usually shunned by society, and he's doing it in an honest way

We're still feeling the promise; some nights I kill 'em with kindness
The artist feels that there are still good things that can happen, even though there are a lot of negative situations in the world

Hitting like Muhammad Ali; you more like Tatyana
The artist is powerful and strong like a famous boxer, while his audience is weaker.

All this is probably Karma: you dishonored the father
Bad things happen as a result of bad actions, and it's important to respect authority

Whether it's God almighty or the almighty dollar
People worship different things - some are spiritual, while others are only motivated by money

We follow the prophets like Islamics or the Dalai Lama
Some people dedicate themselves to certain religions or spiritual leaders and follow their teachings

Your bullet points so hollow they could probably pierce body armor
Your arguments or statements are weak and ineffective, and they won't hold up under scrutiny.

Look in the scope; my people still a target
The artist's community is still under threat and scrutiny despite efforts to improve their situation.

Smile on my face, tears of a sad clown
The artist is happy on the surface but is also experiencing sadness.

Feeling out of place as I whistle a cab down
The artist is trying to fit into a place that doesn't accept him.

If I tip extra, can I huff a cig'?
Can I smoke a cigarette inside the cab if I give the driver a good tip?

Blow my smoke out the window, dropping ashes on the bridge
The artist is smoking and dropping ashes out the window of the cab.

Uh, I'm in New York now like Akeem and Semi was
The artist is in New York like the main characters from 'Coming to America.'

Tryna get the lobby door open from a semi-buzz
The artist is trying to open the door to a building while he's a bit drunk.

I just wanna go to the slum
The artist wants to go to a poor neighborhood for some reason.

And throw my money on the floor like the Notorious B-U-M, uh
The artist wants to be generous with his money like the rapper Notorious B.I.G.

Build a home, teach a class, start a revolution
The artist wants to make a significant impact on society.

Free the mind, heal the body, talking evolution
The artist wants to empower people to think for themselves and take care of themselves.

This that black Elohim, Anunnaki rap
This is a rap song referencing ancient gods and their relevance to black culture.

That Farrakhan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Qaddafi rap
This is a rap song referencing important black figures like Farrakhan, Olajuwon, and Qaddafi.

I dedicate this to my niggas in New Orleans
The artist is dedicating this song to his friends in New Orleans.

Rocking black and gold stocking caps and fleur-de-lis Shockey hats
The people he's dedicating the song to are wearing particular types of hats.

I'm in the coatroom, screaming 'who that?' on the double
The artist is in a coatroom and excited to see someone he knows.

Serving gumbo with a shovel, dog, I'm on another level
The artist is doing something that's traditionally done with a spoon or ladle but is using a shovel - showing that he's different.

Me and Kweli come together like two pieces of metal
The artist and Kweli make a good pair because they complement each other.

We magnetizing the ghetto
The artist and Kweli's music has a strong pull on people from the ghetto.

Yeah, now here's the memo
The artist is about to present a message that's important for people to hear.

I'm a rebel without a cause, a bezel without no flaws
The artist is rebellious and challenges the status quo. He also has a diamond watch without any imperfections.

And, shorty, you straight; bet you look way better without no drawers
The artist enjoys looking at women and thinks they look better without clothes.

Let's sweat out this alcohol; bet I'm about to ball
The artist wants to dance and have a good time.

And never let up; look how I just crept up without applause
The artist is confident in his skills and doesn't need outside validation.

Fed up with all the frauds and left y'all without a job
The artist is tired of fake people getting ahead and leaving others behind.

The center of attention; this is clever; I'm Pau Gasol
The artist is in the spotlight and compares himself to a famous basketball player who was skilled and influential.

Really though I'm LeBron, really don't got my mind
The artist is comparing himself to another famous basketball player, LeBron James.

On this new school of rappers I will really go Columbine
The artist will come for the new generation of rappers like the Columbine shooters went after their school.

And throw up the diamond sign; boy, you know I'm-a shine
The artist signals that he's part of the Roc-a-Fella record label and he's successful.

Flow is in Ramadan 'cause couple years ago the game had they pajamas on
The artist has improved his flow and skills, which he compares to Muslims who fast during Ramadan. Meanwhile, other rappers were too comfortable and not improving.

But now they on my dick; man, I should throw a condom on
Other rappers are copying his style, and it's becoming annoying.

'Cause a nigga coming raw like I ain't got one on
The artist is performing without any editing or filters, meaning he's raw and truthful.

And I ain't stopping nor copping no pleas; I just lock and load, squeeze
The artist won't stop or apologize for anything - he's just pushing forward.

Dog, I'm on a higher level; I'm on top of nosebleeds
The artist is achieving great success and taking over the music industry.

Niggas say they sick, but when they rock, they don't sneeze
Other rappers claim to be unique and innovative, but they don't stand out.

Like the nigga on the block waving his glock, but won't squeeze
Some people talk a big game but don't follow through on their promises or threats.

Please
The artist finishes with a plea or request.

Hold your applause until the ceremony end
Don't celebrate prematurely.

Yours truly, truly blessed, yet again a noble planted
The artist feels blessed and is grateful for his success. He also plans to do good with his position.

Super magic, abracadabra kid
The artist is impressive and skilled.

Mysterious master Jim, blacker pen, arrowhead
The artist is mysterious and effective in his art. He's also skilled with writing and rapping.

With the long-barrel stem and his apparel fresh
The artist has a good flow and high fashion sense.

Harbor lights shining out the black power grid
The artist shines light and hope on a dark, oppressive time for black people.

With the Black Power grip, and pure power don't power trip
The artist is strong and empowered, but he needs to use his power wisely and responsibly.

Push the cellar ceiling up and make the tower tip
The artist wants to break through barriers and push upward to greater success.

The Gladwell point and Babylon polish
The artist is intellectual and makes quality music.

All about nothing where it's all about the dollar
People are focused on money instead of important things.

And mansions on the fault line of a shaky market
People are investing in expensive homes in an unstable economy.

The Devil at the dance hall thirsty for a partner
Evils things or people are always present, waiting to harm others.

Get off him; there is not a parcel or a portion
Don't involve yourself in situations that don't concern you.

Or a measure of a fortune more awesome
There is nothing better than having an amazing fortune.

Gorgeous, the funky Four Horsemen and one more
The artist and his collaborators are talented and impressive.

With Hi-Tek on the score, once more, of course
The artist works well with his producer and is excited to collaborate again.

You're welcome, thanks
The artist and his team are providing entertainment, and their audience is grateful for it.

Appreciation for your participation
The artist thanks his fans for being a part of the music.

Special dedication
The artist adds meaning to the song by dedicating it to someone or something.

Celebration, bitches
The artist and his fans are having a good time.