Zulu Tolstoy
Rap Odyssey: Triumphs and Trials in Zulu Tolstoy's Verse
Lyrics
Wrote a story about a rapper writing
Introduction to a narrative about a rapper writing.
A story rap about his
A rapper creating a story rap about his experiences.
Shorty trying to rap his way up out the trap
Describes a person (Shorty) trying to escape a difficult situation through rap.
Plenty hoes, gats, run-of-the-mill
Mentions the common themes in rap: women, guns, and typical subjects.
But flow ill, Voice old cognac
Praises the rapper's skill despite the clichéd content. Voice compared to aged cognac.
He'd say "no homo" if this was his track
References the rapper's hypothetical use of "no homo" to assert his masculinity.
So I'm writing about him writing
The narrator is writing about the rapper's writing.
About him writing about that
The rapper writes about his experiences within the rap world.
Felt it fell flat, took a break, but
The narrator feels the story lacked impact, took a break, but the rapper persisted.
He kept going like "Sorry, B
Reference to the rapper's commitment to his music despite setbacks.
I got an album to rap"
The rapper prioritizes his album over distractions.
Two decent sixteens, chorus cooked crack
The rapper has two good sixteen-bar verses, and the chorus is powerful.
Ended up not using it, not like it was wack
Despite quality, the material is unused for unknown reasons.
Just something off with the hats
Something feels off about the production, particularly the hats (percussion).
Producer caught feelings, took the beat back
Producer withdraws the beat due to personal reasons.
Tape bricked bad, he quit, mad
The mixtape faces significant issues, leading to frustration and quitting.
Meanwhile, shorty from his song
Another character from the rapper's song is finding success.
Still rapping, buzzin'
Shorty is gaining popularity in the music industry.
This really might happen
The rapper contemplates the possibility of Shorty's success.
Taking meetings in Manhattan
Shorty is progressing in the music industry, attending meetings in Manhattan.
Single has traction
Shorty's single is gaining attention and popularity.
Hip-Hop cops trying to catch him packing
Law enforcement is monitoring Shorty for potential illegal activities.
Dusty old warrants dug out file cabinets
Legal issues from the past resurface for Shorty.
That's that good hate
Refers to intense dislike or jealousy directed at Shorty's success.
Every time the phone ring
Every phone call brings potential opportunities or challenges.
Might could be Drake missed South By
Speculation about missed opportunities, like an invitation from Drake.
Whitey wouldn't let him out the state
Racial bias prevents Shorty from leaving the state.
Stayed home at the gate
Shorty is confined to his local environment.
Wrote a hook on his phone and knew
Shorty creates a compelling hook on his phone, recognizing its greatness.
Right away it was fucking great
Immediate recognition of the hook's quality.
"The good book says that he that lives by
Quotes discussing the inevitability and enduring nature of war, possibly reflecting on Shorty's struggles.
The sword shall perish by the sword
-Said the black what right man would
-Have it any other way?
-It makes no difference what men think of
-War war endures as well ask
-Men what they think of stone war
-Was always here before man was
-War waited for him"
War has existed since before humanity and awaits its manifestation in individuals.
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