Songs of the Summer: 2012 Edition

Now I know summer's been done for a bit now. Sorry for this being a little late. But I think I've complied a great list of songs that I listened to the most and influenced me over this summer. From an unlikely pop song, to getting more into an artist I love, discovering a new group I adore and to the song that was playing when I finally met two of my best friends one Sunday night in August.

Story of the Year- "Just Close Your Eyes" from WWE The Music: A New Day, Vol. 10

You may not have heard me talk about this song much. But it's one of WWE's best right now, and for me all time to be honest. I love Christan. Also I love the style, pace and lyrics of this song. I managed to pop this on quite a bit over the summer. 

"Never thought I would be here, so high in the air.

This was my unanswered prayer.

Defined by another, so much wasted time, 

Out of the darkness, each breath that I take will be mine.

If you close your eyes, Your life, a naked truth revealed, 

Dreams you never lived and scars never healed

(Scars never healed)

In the darkness life will take you to the other side, 

And find me waiting there you'll see if you just close your eyes.

If you just close your eyes.

(If you just close your eyes)"

The Lonely Island feat Justin Timberlake- "Motherlover" from Turtleneck & Chain

Haha, I love The Lonely Island.  Justin Timberlake has always been okay to me as well. Put them together for "Dick in a Box", "3 Way (The Golden Rule)" and this and you've got my sides laughing out of my body into orbit.

"[Andy Samberg:] Break it down

[Andy Samberg:] It would be my honor to be your new step-father 

[Justin Timberlake:] It would be my honor to be your new step-father 

[Andy Samberg:] While your in my mother make me another brother.

And while I'm in your mother I'll never use a rubber 

[Justin Timberlake:] OH! 

Cause every Mothers Day needs a Mothers Night 

If doing it is wrong, I don't wanna be right 

I'm callin on you cause I can't do it myself 

To me you're like a brother, so be my mother lover 

They blessed us both with the gift of life 

She brought you in this world so Imma sex her right 

This is the second best idea that we've ever had 

The choice can be no other 

Be my mother lover"

Hollywood Undead- "Everywhere I Go" from Swan Songs

We move from comedy. To comedy rap of sorts. Hollywood Undead was always a group, which well...I liked Swan Songs and I keep going back to it. The rapping is good, crazy, funny and sometimes heartfelt. But when I have to pick one HU song, it'll always be this one

"When I start drinking

My dick does all my thinking

Hoes want to be scene with me

And I like their big thick titties

D-Cups with extra filling

Take it out let me lick it quickly

Calm down it's just a hickie

I'll blame it on this whisky sipping gets me tipsy

Drink fast and enjoy your buzz

Take back streets to avoid the fuzz

I wanna take you home but your friends won't let ya'

I got a 40 in my Ford Fiesta

Buy beer

Or pay the rent

My signing bonus was quickly spent

So I'll beat my meat like I'm a fuckin' butcher

And I'll punk the pussy like I'm Ashton Kutcher!"

KiD CuDi- "Soundtrack 2 My Life" from Man on the Moon: The End of Day

We're at the part of this list with songs I'll always go back to. I've loved this album since I first laid ears on it. And over the past year this song has emerged as THE best off the album for me. Also I'd gander to say this is one of my favorite tracks of all time.

"The moon will illuminate my room and soon I'm consumed by my doom

Once upon a time nobody gave a fuck

It's all said and done and my cock's been sucked

So now I'm in the cut, alcohol in the wound

My hearts an open sore that I hope heals soon

I live in a cocoon opposite of Cancun

Where it is never sunny, the dark side of the moon

So it's more than life, I try to shed some light on a man

Not many people of this planet understand

I've got some issues that nobody can see

And all of these emotions are pouring out of me

I bring them to the light for you

It's only right

This is the soundtrack to my life, the soundtrack to my life

It's close to go and trying some coke

And a happy ending is slitting my throat

Ignorance the coke man

Ignorance is bliss

Ignorance is love, and I need that shit

If I never did shows, then I'd probably be a myth

If I cared about the blogs, then I'd probably be a jackass

Don't give a shit what people talkin' bout fam

Haters shake my hand but I keep the sanitizer on deck

Hope I really get to see 30

Wanna settle down, stop being so flirty

Most of the clean faces be the most dirty

I just need a thoroughbred, cook when I'm hungry

Ass all chunky, brain is insanity

Only things that calm me down, pussy and some Cali trees

And I get both, never truly satisfied

I am happy, that's just the saddest lie"

Childish Gambino- "Heartbeat" from Camp

I've been listening to Camp for close to a year now. But I don't think more than I have this summer. I bought my physical copy release day and never looked back. I love Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, in whatever he does. Whether it be comedy, acting or in this case rapping.

"So we're done? This the real shit?

We used to hold hands like field trips

I'm a jerk, but your dude is a real dick

I read his posts on your wall and I feel sick

He ain't cool, he ball and all that

But he just a fake nigga who blog in all caps

You couldn't wait to date

I'm going straight for your thighs like the cake you ate

I give a fuck about the niggas that you say you hate

You know that I’m the best when I’m a-ffection-ate

I'm the best that you had, face it

J and Keyshia are related, racist

I give you money, then you burn it, like you made off

She ain't a killer, but she'd fucking blow your head off

I know he wondering, "What the fuck you hiding?"

That we dated like raps about Bin Laden

Ayo, fuck this

Are we dating? Are we fucking?

Are we best friends? Are we something in between that?

I wish we never fucked, and I mean that"

Downstait- "I'm Here To Show The World"

The best WWE theme right now in my opinion and Ziggler is the third best wrestler and entertainer in the company. I got to see Ziggler live and hear this song when I went to Raw in August. Truly one of the best moments of the summer and a memory I'll always have.

"I hold your life here in my hands

Though you try hard to understand

Your little mind won't turn

Those little wheels will burn

You'll recognise just who I am

Bring it on

Do what I say "Better watch what I do"

Better heed the warning I'm here to give you

If you ever doubted me, you don't have a clue

I'm here to show the world

I'm here to show the world"

Childish Gambino- "Backpackers" from Camp

This is the other Gambino song I've grown to love. Much different than the emotional "Heartbeat", "Backpackers" shows off Gambino's rap and lyrical prowess. Plus it's beat is awesome. This album is amazing.

"Alright it's Childish baby

Mr. Talk-about-his-dick-again

Nerdy ass black kid

Yeah whatever man I'm sick of him

That well spoken token

Who ain't been heard

The only white rapper who's allowed to say the n-word

I buy a bunch of 'em and put it on my black card

Now I got some street cred

Use it 'til it's maxed out

I got a girl on my arm dude, show respect

Something crazy, an Asian, Virginia Tech

She too fine

I do dimes

If not that, I'm walking out with 2 fives

Change my ID for the cops, it's not enough yet

Black male in short shorts, I'm double suspect

Ballin' since '83

Half of 'em say gay

Maybe that's the reason I like Lady What-baby's-say

I'm a problem

I'm lame as fuck homie

But I rap like these niggas ain't got shit on me

Fuck the cool kids

Not Chuck Inglish, but people who think

That hatin on me makes them distinguished

Like, "What is this nigga doin rap is for real blacks

I hate that fucking faggot man he think that we feel that"

Or

"I wrote on rape culture my junior year at Brown

So I'm allowed

To say what all his raps are about"

You better shut your mouth

Before I fuck it

You really hate my lyrics?

Or Kid Cudi's? Nigga"

Carly Rae Jepsen- "Call Me Maybe" from Curiosity and Kiss

Carly is cute and this song is catchy as hell. Just ask...well anyone. For a solid month you could hear this song, or a joke about this song, or one of us singing the song in ANY Skype call I was a part of. At least, once you've grown to hate it's catchy-ness, you can realize it's a decent enough song.

"Your stare was holdin',

Ripped jeans, skin was showin'

Hot night, wind was blowin'

Where you think you're going, baby?

Hey, I just met you,

And this is crazy,

But here's my number,

So call me, maybe?

It's hard to look right,

At you baby,

But here's my number,

So call me, maybe?

Hey, I just met you,

And this is crazy,

But here's my number,

So call me, maybe?

And all the other boys,

Try to chase me,

But here's my number,

So call me, maybe?"

fun.- "Some Nights" from Some Nights

There's some songs and bands out there that just strike a chord with you. On every level. This is that song (and band) for me. The music, the singing, the lyrics and the message. Just all resound in me and makes me wanna listen to it like five times after I've listened to it once.

"But I still wake up, I still see your ghost

Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh

What do I stand for? What do I stand for?

Most nights, I don't know... (come on)

No. When I see stars, when I see, when I see stars, that's all they are

When I hear songs, they sound like this one, so come on

Oh, come on. Oh, come on, OH COME ON!

Well, that is it guys, that is all - five minutes in and I'm bored again

Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands

This one is not for the folks at home; Sorry to leave, mom, I had to go

Who the fuck wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?

The other night, you wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me

I called you up, but we'd both agree

It's for the best you didn't listen

It's for the best we get our distance... oh...

It's for the best you didn't listen

It's for the best we get our distance... oh..."

Jay-Z & Kanye West- "Niggas In Paris" from Watch the Throne

I flew up to Chicago over the summer. For a few days. First time on a plane as well. I got to meet, hang out, and bond with two of the greatest people to enter my life over the past two years. This song was played for me and cookies were slung at me as I got into the car when I first met them as got to a brand new city. The epitome of memories happens when I hear this now.

"She said Ye can we get married at the mall?

I said look you need to crawl ‘fore you ball

Come and meet me in the bathroom stall

And show me why you deserve to have it all

Ball so hard

That shit cray (that shit cray), ain’t it Jay?

Ball so hard

What she order (what she order), fish filet

Ball so hard

Your whip so cold, this old thing

Ball so hard

Act like you’ll never be around muhfuckas like this again

Bougie girl, grab her hand

Fuck that bitch she don’t wanna dance

Excuse my French but I’m in France (I’m just sayin’)

Prince William’s ain’t do it right if you ask me

Cause I was him I would have married Kate & Ashley

What's Gucci my nigga?

What's Louie my killa?

What's drugs my deala?

What's that jacket, Margiela?

Doctors say I’m the illest

Cause I’m suffering from realness

Got my niggas in Paris

And they going gorillas, huh!"

Song of the Day #199

Jay-Z & Kanye West feat. Swizz Beatz- "Welcome to the Jungle" from Watch the Throne

"Black Axl Rose, move halfs and wholes

Come down to the jungle, just ask for Hov

Move blocks and squares, move apples and pears

Work pots and pans, just to cop me some Airs

My uncle died, my daddy did too

Paralyzed by the pain, I can barely move

My nephew gone, my heart is torn

Sometimes I look to the sky, ask why I was born

My faith in God, every day is hard

Every night is worse, that's why I pray so hard

Why I pray so hard, this is crazy God

Just when I thought I had everything, I lost it all

So que sera, get a case of Ciroc

Let it chase the pain, before it goes too far

My dreams is big, reality set in
Let off a clip from a automatic weapon,
Through shots in the door, it died in Vegas
Though it fought so hard, I knew it wouldn't make it
I'm a tortured soul, I live in disguise
Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5
I died in my sleep, I'm still Big Pimpin
I ball at the mall, beginning of the ending
Where the fuck is the sun?
It's been a while, momma, look at ya son
What happened to my smile?
My tears is tatted, my rag in my pocket
I'm just looking for love, I know somebody got it
Champagne for the pain, weed for the low
God damn I'm so high, where the fuck did I go?
I'm losing myself, I'm stuck in the moment
I look in the mirror, my only opponent
Where the fuck is the press? Where the fuck is the Press?
Either they know or don't care I'm fucking depressed
No crying in public, just lying to judges
Risking my life, I'm already dying, so fuck it well"

Song(s) of the Day #197

Kid Cudi- "Creepers" from Cruel Summer

"I don't love who I am so I'm workin' on a fix

I don't need a bitch trying to tear my mind on my grip

If I had one wish it'd be to have more wishes, duh

Fuck tryna make it rhyme throw them stones, with your bitch ass

Cutting me deep and even though I bleed I stand alone

Alone I'll be, heart of a lion still shining on your sucka ass

Work it, work it, work it, for inner peace

Fightin' for the freedom of my soul, I can hear the speech

Yeah I mumble while I'm trippin on so many pills

Hah, they figured that, they know I'm ill"

Kanye West feat. Big Sean & Jay-Z- "Clique" from Cruel Summer

"Break records at Louie, ate breakfast at Gucci

My girl a superstar all from a home movie

Bow on our arrival - the Un-American idols

What niggas did in Paris, got em' hanging off the Eiffel

Yeah I'm talking business, we talking CIA

I'm talking George Tenet, I seen him the other day

He asked me about my Maybach, think he had the same

Except mine tinted and his might have been rented

You know white people get money don't spend it

Or maybe they get money, buy a business

I rather buy 80 gold chains and go ig'nant

I know Spike Lee gone kill me but let me finish

Blame it on the pigment, we living no limits

Them gold Master P ceilings was just a figment

Of our imagination, MTV cribs

Now I'm looking at a crib right next to where TC lives

That's Tom Cruise, whatever she accuse

He wasn't really drunk he just had a frew brews

Pass the refreshments, a cool, cool beverage

Everything I do need a news crew's presence

Speedboat swerve, homie watch out for the waves

I'm way too black to burn from sun rays

So I just meditate at the home in Pompei

About how I could build a new Rome in one day

Everytime I'm in Vegas they screaming like he's Elvis

But I just wanna design hotels and nail it

Shit is real, got me feeling Israelian

Like Bar Refaeli, Gisele, nah that's Brazilian

Went through, deep depression when my momma passed

Suicide, what kinda talk is that

But I been talking to God for so long

And if you look at my life I guess he's talking back

Fucking with my clique"

Song(s) of the Day #192

Jay Z &Kanye West-  "New Day" from Watch the Throne

"(Sun in the sky, you know how I feel)

(Breeze driftin’ on by, you know how I feel)

(Breeze driftin’ on by, you know how I feel)

(It’s a new life for me)

(It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day)

(It’s a new life for me)

(Oooh, oooh)

(And I’m feelin’…)

(Birds flyin’ high, you know how I feel)"

Childish Gambino- "L.E.S." from Camp

"Ooh girl, I wanna know

Are you ready to cry, cause I'm no good, no good

Ooh girl, I wanna try

I'm an awful guy and I'm always away

And I'm tryin' to say

I'mma piece of shit

Believe in this

I'm tellin' you

Cause we barely knew, what we had

I'm not that bad, the fun we had

Ooh"

Song(s) of the Day #186

Can you say Chi-City?

Jay-Z & Kanye West- "Niggas In Paris" from Watch the Throne

KiD CuDi feat. MGMT and Ratatat- "Pursuit of Happiness" from Man on the Moon: The End of Day

Hollywood Undead- "Bottle and a Gun" from Swan Songs

Song of the Day #162

Jay-Z and Kanye West- "Welcome to the Jungle" from Watch The Throne

"[Swizz:]

Welcome to the jungle

Welcome to the jungle well

[x2]

[Kanye West:]

I asked her where she wanna be when she 25.

She turned around and looked at me and she said "alive"

[Swizz:]

Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well

[Jay-Z:]

Black Axl Rose, move halfs and wholes

Come down to the jungle, just ask for Hov

Move blocks and squares, move apples and pears

Work pots and pans, just to cop me some Airs

My uncle died, my daddy did too

Paralyzed by the pain, I can barely move

My nephew gone, my heart is torn

Sometimes I look to the sky, ask why I was born

My faith in God, every day is hard

Every night is worse, that's why I pray so hard

[Kanye West:]

Why I pray so hard, this is crazy God

Just when I thought I had everything, I lost it all

So que sera, get a case of Ciroc

Let it chase the pain, before it goes too far

[Jay-Z:]

My dreams is big, reality set in

Let off a clip from a automatic weapon,

Through shots in the door, it died in Vegas

Though it fought so hard, I knew it wouldn't make it

I'm a tortured soul, I live in disguise

Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5

I died in my sleep, I'm still Big Pimpin

I ball at the mall, beginning of the ending

Where the fuck is the sun?

It's been a while, momma, look at ya son

What happened to my smile?

My tears is tatted, my rag in my pocket

I'm just looking for love, I know somebody got it

Champagne for the pain, weed for the low

God damn I'm so high, where the fuck did I go?

I'm losing myself, I'm stuck in the moment

I look in the mirror, my only opponent

Where the fuck is the press? Where the fuck is the Press?

Either they know or don't care I'm fucking depressed

No crying in public, just lying to judges

Risking my life, I'm already dying, so fuck it well

[Swizz:]

Welcome to the jungle, welcome to the jungle well

Goddammit!"

A Day in Music #6

Simple Plan- "You Suck At Love" from Get Your Heart On!

Carly Rae Jepsen- "Call Me Maybe" from Curiosity

Kanye West feat Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj- "Monster" from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Childish Gambino- "Heartbeat" from Camp

Quad City DJ's- "Space Jam" from The Space Jam OST

Stacey Q- "Two of Hearts" from Better Than Heaven

Jackson 5- "ABC" from ABC

Alanis Morissette- "Everything" from So-Called Chaos

Song of the Day #134

Kanye West feat. Jay-Z, Pusha T, CyHi Da Prynce, Swizz Beatz and RZA- "So Appalled" from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Song of the Day #131

No words I can write can express how prefect this song is.

Kanye West feat. Jay-Z and J. Ivy- "Never Let Me Down" from The College Dropout

Song of the Day #125

Jay-Z- "IZZO (H.O.V.A.)" from The Blueprint

FJ's Favorite "Mother" Songs

Okay so it is Mothers Day, for the next couple of hours at the very least, and there is a top five of songs related  to moms that I listen to on a semi-regular basis. Most are rap (oh man whata HUGE surprise), a couple are comedy, and my honorable mention is kinda outta nowhere and may leave you wondering why I own and/or even listen to the song haha.

Honorable Mention

Danzig- "Mother" from Danzig

5. The Lonely Island- "Mama" from Turtleneck & Chain

4. Jay-Z- "Blueprint (Mama Loves Me)" from The Blueprint

3. The Lonely Island- "Motherlover" from Turtleneck & Chain

2. Tupac- "Dear Mama" from Me Against The World

1. Kanye West- "Hey Mama" from Late Registration

Song of the Day #99

I remember listening to this just before the release TBP3. Thought it was the weaker of the two Kanye features on the album. Now I adore this simple little song. Short, to the point, and I can just pop it on if I need to calm down some. "And I made myself so easy to love."

Jay-Z feat. Kanye West- "Hate" from The Blueprint 3

"[Kanye West]

How much they hate it? very!

Kiss girls like Katy Perry

I am never sprung, but I Spring 'er, Jerry

Don’t try this at home: results may vary

King like T.I., but in the Chi, Larry...

[Jay-Z]

Hoover, Hova

Both are American Gangsters

You choose who's colder

Rappers get nasty in the booth but I'm grosser

I can’t even stomach myself, ulcer!

More realer cause I’m closer

Had girlies in girdles weighing more than they supposed to

Poser, no sir

My hustle, so Russell

I stretch work, yoga

You know I got it down, dog

Al Roker, I used to knock pounds off

It ain’t nothing for me to knock some nouns off

At these MC’s praying for my downfall

They just haters, I wave at you

I’m so player

I’ll never be done, I’m so rare

[Kanye West]

We killing the game, it's not fair

You muthafuckers stay right there

Cause we too high up in the air

We blasting off just like a laser

Nigga, pee-une, pee-une, pee-une

Get back, gimme room room room

DB9 like vroom, vroom, vroom

Young Hov, what we doin, doin, doin?

[Jay-Z]

We ballin', bitches

Eating ya'll food leaving dishes

Why these niggas always talking Lear talk, 'Ye?

Why I never see em at the Clearport, 'Ye?

Why always hear they at the airport?

While I fly daily like I’m in the Air Force?

Therefore, please stop talking my ears off

Millionaire talk

You haters, you mad at me cause your paper

Need to get its motherfucking weight up

Hold up

Wait up, I ain’t done

Name one thing I ain’t done

It hurts when you say that I ain't the one

You haters

How do I gain your favor

I need to know cause I care

I need you to love me, I swear, look here!

See 'Ye is running the Chi like Gale Sayers

I'm running New York, I got the mayor on my pager

You can’t fade us, you haters

I need you, stay there

I breathe you like air

Yeah-yuh, yeah-yeah-yeah yeah-yuh"

Song of the Day #81

"This beat deserves Hennessey, a bad bitch

And a bag of weed; the Holy Trinity

In the mirror where I see my only enemy

Your life’s cursed, well mine’s an obscenity"

This beat is divine was well.

Kanye West & Jay-Z feat Curtis Mayfield- "The Joy" from Watch the Throne

Song of the Day #72

"What's a God to a non-believer, who don't believe in anything?

Will he make it out alive, alright alright, no church in the wild"

Kanye West & Jay-Z feat. Frank Ocean- "No Church in the Wild" from Watch The Throne

A Day In Music #4

Not much listening to music today, but I did drive a bit. And rather than just choose one of these songs as my song of the day I'm doing this. I popped in Kanye West & Jay-Z's Watch the Throne as I ran to get dinner for me and mom. Love the record and love all these songs to death.

Kanye West & Jay-Z feat. Frank Ocean- "No Church In The Wild"

Kanye West & Jay-Z- "Niggas In Paris"

Kanye West & Jay-Z feat. Otis Redding- "Otis"

Kanye West & Jay-Z- "Gotta Have It"

Kanye West & Jay-Z feat Swizz Beatz- "Welcome to the Jungle"

Kanye West & Jay-Z- "Who Gon Stop Me"

Song(s) of the Day #45/46

I was going to post this on Monday night when Chris Jericho made his return to the WWE Raw after a one year absence from the company to take a break and tour with his band Fozzy. Y2J is definitely one of the best wrestlers of all time. In-ring and on the mic he's simply amazing and his match (and whole feud) with Shawn Michaels leading into Wrestlemania 19 may be the best build up to my favorite of all time. Anywho here's his theme song!

WWE Superstar Chris Jericho's Theme Song

"Break the walls downnnnnn

Break down the walls!"

Also the past two days now this song has been rattling through my head. The chorus, sing by Mr. Hudson is simple, but so very effective. Also the verses by Jay-Z and Kanye swapping lines during them sound cool and it's a very nice way to end the main part of the album before the bonus content. It's no surprise ANOTHER Watch the Throne song is here. This album is simply amazing.

Jay-Z & Kanye West- "Why I Love You" from Watch the Throne

"I love you so

But why I love you, I'll never know"

Song(s) of the Day #40-43

Sorry I haven't posted since Christmas and might as well do one more post before the new year starts. Four songs I've heard and have been rattling around in my head this week. This has been a horrible year for me. I did shit, went through repercussions for what I did, didn't do well in school, learned to not expect the best anymore, lost my dad and feel alienated from everyone. On the flip-side I've met a ton of people streaming on Justin/Twitch TV and consider all of you great friends. 2011 will always have a silver-lining for that. Anywho aside from my year I hope ya'lls was good and got everything you wanted in life, religion, relationships, entertainment, and monetary things. I'm still rambling so I'll just give ya the songs. Happy New Year's Eve and Happy New Year everyone.

Jay-Z & Kanye West- "Murder To Excellence" from Watch the Throne

"[Intro: Jay-Z]

Bloody murder, murder, murder

[Hook: Kanye]

The paper read "murder, black-on-black murder"

The paper read "murder, black-on-black murder" again

[Verse 1: Jay-Z]

This is to the memory of Danroy Henry

Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly

Strays from the same shade nigga, we on the same team

Giving you respect, I expect the same thing

All-black everything, nigga you know my fresh code

I’m out here fighting for you, don’t increase my stressload!

Niggas watching the throne, very happy to be you

Power to the people, when you see me, see you

[Kanye]

And I’m from the murder capital where they murder for capital

Heard about at least three killings this afternoon

Looking at the news like "damn! I was just with him after school"

No shop class but half the school got a tool

And a "I could die any day"-type attitude

Plus his little brother got shot repping his avenue

It’s time for us to stop and redefine black power

41 souls murdered in fifty hours

[Hook]

[Verse 2: Kanye]

Is it genocide?

Cause I can still hear his mama cry

Know the family traumatized

Shots left holes in his face about piranha-sized

The old pastor closed the cold casket

And said the church ain’t got enough room for all the tombs

It’s a war going on outside we ain’t safe from

I feel the pain in my city wherever I go

314 soldiers died in Iraq, 509 died in Chicago

[Jay-Z]

I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died

Uh, real niggas just multiply

And they say by 21 I was supposed to die

So I’m out here celebrating my post-demise

If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival

You're gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you

What up, Blood? What up, cuz? It’s all black, I love us

[Hook]

[Interlude: Jay-Z]

It’s a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs

[Verse 3: Jay-Z]

Black excellence, opulence, decadence

Tuxes next to the president, I’m present

I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris

In sheepskin coats, I silence the lambs

Do you know who I am, Clarice?

No cheap cologne whenever I “shh-shh”

Success never smelled so sweet

I stink of success, the new black elite

They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast

I repeat: my religion is the beat

My verse is like church, my Jesus piece

Now please, domino, domino

Only spot a few blacks the higher I go

What’s up to Will? Shout out to O

That ain’t enough.. we gonna need a million more

"Kick in the door" Biggie flow

I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go

[Verse 4: Kanye]

Yeah it’s all messed up when it’s nowhere to go

So we won’t take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P

From parolees to hold G’s, sold keys, low keys

We like the promised land of the OG’s

In the past if you picture events like a black tie

What the last thing you expect to see, black guys?

What’s the life expectancy for black guys?

The system’s working effectively, that’s why!

I’ll be a real man and take care of your son

Every problem you had before this day is now done

New crib, watch a movie cause ain’t nothin on the news but the blues

Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci, now ain’t nothing new but your shoes

Sunday morning, praise the Lord

You're the girl that Jesus had been saving me for

So let’s savor this moment and take it to the floor

Black excellence, truly yours"

Gary Jules and Michael Andrews- "Mad World"

"All around me are familiar faces

Worn out places, worn out faces

Bright and early for their daily races

Going nowhere, going nowhere

Their tears are filling up their glasses

No expression, no expression

Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow

No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kinda funny

I find it kinda sad

The dreams in which I'm dying

Are the best I've ever had

I find it hard to tell you

I find it hard to take

When people run in circles

It's a very, very mad world mad world"

The Black Keys- "Tighten Up" from Brothers

"Sick for days,

So many ways

I'm achin' now,

'M achin' now

It's times like these I need relief

Please show me how,

Oh show me how

To get right,

Yes outta sight"

Childish Gambino- "I'm On It" from Culdesac

"Yeah, I used to be broke, No Cash

And them niggas played games, Road Rash

Walking 'round NYU, looking for a dollar

Too proud to ask my friends or my struggling father

So I skate around the city for a couple hours

Dreaming up a day that I could say this world is ours

Now I got some, but I want it all

And I won't stop until Rihanna gives my ass a call

And I know that I'm addicted to this alcohol

Cause this shit hurts, call it the uncle curse

But I'm living for the moment, not the long haul

And I refuse to slow down until it's last call

Erica Keeps telling me to grow a conscience

And treat women like money, no object

But these hoes are a much different story

Straight laced chicks don't do nothing for me

I'm in a weird place, I got a little money

But money won't buy you time

If all the time is running from me

There's so much I wanna do

Like write a script or write a book

Get an hour on HBO, and date a girl who likes to cook

And stop having all of these crushes

On all of my friends girlfriends

I think I'm jealous they got someone when the world ends

It looks nice, I gotta get me one of those

I haven't found Mrs. Right

But I'm on it though

Yeah I'm on it though"