

Much like the lyrics above this is all about the set-up, delivery and humour. Putting myself in a positions most of these rapper ain’t in, I’m living What, shorty? (Where you disappear to, son?) Maintaining, I’m in the rain doing a buck 40, hydroplaning, “Even if it ain’t sunny, hey, I ain’t complaining, The delivery is incredible and it displays Hov’s mastery over the English language and semantics. Despite his mother’s concern for her son’s life Jay keeps it light by correcting her. The set-up is poignant while the punchline is comical. This is truly the epitome of Jay Z’s sharp wit and humour. Said she had dreams a sniper hit me with a fatal shot…those nightmares ma” “I keep it tight for all the nights my momma prayed I’d stop, Sure it’s graphic but it’s also inspiring and anytime those two converge you’ve done something special. Jay realizes that life isn’t easy and death is a given but for the time being he’s going to fuck it for all it’s worth. Many have flipped Nas’ classic line “Life’s a Bitch and then you die” but this is arguably the best. “Transactions illegitimate cause life is still a bitch, and then you die,īut for now, life, close your eyes and feel this dick.” Jay has always been a businessman, but when he’s killing the competition, he makes it clear that he’ll make the time to ensure the job gets done right. Interesting line to pick from a track like this, but there’s a reason why we did. “Murder is a tough thing to digest, it’s a slow process How many rappers from Rick Ross to Pusha T have you heard bragging about how they’re still spending drug money? Best believe they got it from Jay. This one isn’t about the complexity of the rhyme or wordplay but the swagger in which it is delivered and the impact. I’m from Marcy, I’m varsity, chump, you’re JV”įrom the iconic repeat of the hook to Jay reppin’ his home and schoolin’ the youth, Hov proves he was always on a higher level. You crazy, think your little bit of rhymes can play me? “Jay-Z, Big’ Smalls, nigga shit your drawers

Some might say this line is cheesy (sorry) but we love it. “You ain’t seen money in your life, when itĬomes to this cheese y’all like Three Blind Mice”
#Jay z reasonable doubt dvd crack#
It’s hard not to crack a smirk and nod at the cleverness.

His pops was just looking to get off but ended up with Hov. Tried to get a nut and he got a nut and what” “My pops knew exactly what he did when he made me, Who doesn’t love some good tennis wordplay? Jay tells listeners he’s running the US with his drug game (serving fiends) all while playing on the biggest tennis tournament (US Open), the sport’s scoring structure (advantage Jigga) and while referencing the star who’s serve was the greatest in the game.

Serve like Sampress, play fake rappers like a campus” Let us know if we missed any of your favorites. Check them out along with our explanation for each below. It’s his greatest lyrical effort and to celebrate it we thought what better way than to call out our 20 favourite lyrics from the classic. As Jay famously stated “I dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars, they criticize me for it but they all yell holla.” Reasonable Doubt was well before Jay considered simplifying anything. From the stellar production to Jay’s untouchable flow and swagger, to the lyrics…the lyrics. Arguably the greatest rap album of all-time, Reasonable Doubt is the blueprint of a classic within the genre. Twenty years ago today, Shawn “Jay Z” Carter dropped his debut album Reasonable Doubt.
