Hold It Now
Rhythmic Resurrection: Talib Kweli's Proclamation of Artistic Dominance
Lyrics
Got a buzz like I'm Georgia Tech
Feeling a strong energy or excitement similar to the vibrant atmosphere of Georgia Tech (a university known for its tech, energy, and spirit).
They're still cheering like I'm all that's left
Receiving applause or support as if being celebrated despite being one of the few remaining.
The air is toxic when you draw your breath
The environment becomes unhealthy or negative when you take a breath, perhaps referring to a toxic atmosphere or situation.
Resurrect the music, I'm snatching it from claws of death
Reviving and reclaiming music from its decline or demise.
Vital signs are improving, I make em lay down
Improving the vital signs of the music industry or scene, making people pay attention or respect.
An idle mind is usually described as the devil's playground
An idle mind is often associated with negative influences, implying that staying active prevents negative thoughts or actions.
My rep established I'm rapping just for the sport of it
Having already established a reputation, rapping for the love and enjoyment of it rather than solely for success or recognition.
Been nice for a career, you just barely grasping the thought of it
Having a long-standing skill and experience in the field compared to someone who is just starting to comprehend it.
Indebted to the hood like a Rush Card
Owing a debt to the community or neighborhood, similar to an obligation to a financial service like Rush Card.
Support her like push-up bras and lumbars
Offering support akin to the way push-up bras provide physical support.
Except I'm never sitting, I'm ever-living like Mummm-Ra, I'm the sun god
Comparing eternal existence to Mum-Ra, a character known for immortality; asserting a god-like presence in the rap game.
Smart as a whip, but forever rippin it dumb-hard
Intelligent yet consistently delivering lyrics with a raw, hard-hitting style.
I see you fronting with your dollar store shades on
Criticizing someone for pretending or showing off with cheap, fake sunglasses.
Faker than abs that's sprayed, artificial as rayon
Being as fake as abs achieved through spray-on techniques, or as artificial as rayon fabric.
Run a set of fine you questify like ray don
Using wordplay to describe dissecting and analyzing opponents like running a set of fine-quality goods; referencing Raekwon, a rapper.
Shung when I'm forming like voultron of young Raekwon
Being strong and united like the fictional character Voltron or Raekwon, combining elements to form a powerful entity.
Mix in a bit of KRS-One and Q-tip
Mixing influences from KRS-One and Q-tip, prominent figures in hip-hop, to create a unique style.
Rock him some of that ice cube, now who's this
Referencing various influential rappers like Rakim, Ice Cube, questioning who matches the caliber.
No one as gifted as this, so magnificent
Asserting superiority and uniqueness in skill and talent.
Classically consistent, I'm nasty as black licorice
Being consistently exceptional and edgy, akin to the polarizing taste of black licorice.
Coldest, but I get the room hotter than bikram yoga
Having a chilling effect while also igniting the atmosphere, metaphorically likening presence to the intensity of hot yoga.
Seen the show, you know I make the people move like an eviction notice
Having a captivating performance that mobilizes the audience, making them move intensely like a forced eviction.
I'm focused, I'm Moses when the mic is on
Focused and in control, likening oneself to Moses with the microphone as a symbol of power.
That's why these rappers scatter like roaches when the light is on
Causing other rappers to scatter or flee in fear, like roaches when exposed to light.
Hold it now, I hold it down
Asserting dominance or control over a situation, maintaining a strong position.
I'm staying where I'm at, you better go around
Staying firm in one's place, advising others to find an alternate route or method.
You know the voice and you know the sound
Recognizable through both voice and style.
I rip the microphone and then I throw it down
Taking charge of the microphone and delivering a powerful performance.
Hold it now, I hold it down
Reiterating the assertion of control or dominance.
I'm staying where I'm at, you better go around
Continuing to maintain one's position, suggesting that others should find an alternative.
You know the voice and you know the sound
Emphasizing recognition through voice and distinctive sound.
I rip the microphone and then I throw it down
Taking charge of the microphone and delivering a powerful performance.
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