I’ve always liked the lyrics from “It’s Like That” (from Vol, 2 Hard Knock Life) because it’s an accurate statement of what happens too often in life. Many people live their lives on a treadmill- they’re not moving. They’re not making progress. You can’t get anywhere in life if you’re standing still. Think about how a treadmill works: you move fast but you don’t actually get anywhere. This is exactly what’s happening to many of us. We’re always doing something but what we do sadly amounts to nothing. People will talk fast and walk fast and carry themselves as if they’re living in the fast lane, but it’s all a fraud. Running on a treadmill is not the same as running a race. Some people falsely believe they’re moving forward when they’re actually not moving at all or even going backwards! It’s difficult to determine the progress you’re making if your life is on a treadmill. Living life in this way is counterproductive to your progress.

Life’s like a treadmill
Niggas running in place
Getting nowhere fast, a whole year done past
I vowed to never stop winning
‘Til the earth stop spinning

“It’s Like That”

You can be living your life everyday and not actually living at all. Some of us do the bare minimum to get through each day. But it takes great commitment and effort to make real, life-changing progress. I can definitely relate to these lyrics because I’ve found myself “getting nowhere fast” throughout various periods in my life. Life is short and before you know it, “a whole year” (or decades!) will past and you will find yourself in the same predicament today that you were in a year earlier. Think about what happens at the start of every year. We all make our New Year’s resolutions, goals that we want to accomplish during the year. We end up accomplishing some of our goals and fail to meet others. It takes discipline, patience, commitment and determination to accomplish goals.

Goals aren’t accomplished by running in place. We all have to get our lives off the treadmill and get moving. I would encourage you to make a personal vow to “never stop winning” in life. But you can’t win if you don’t play the game. You must get off that treadmill if you want to make actual moves in your life.

What makes Coming of Age (Da Sequel) such a great song is the chemistry between Jay-Z and Bleek. Chemistry is something that I’m going to focus on this week because having it creates classic collaborations and long lasting relationships. Coming of Age (Da Sequel) is a song that anyone can relate to if they’re able to apply the lyrics to their own relationships and circumstances. In the first and second verses, Jay and Bleek share with us their thoughts as they anticipate a confrontation. What actually takes place in the last verse is more of an epiphany by the two than a heated confrontation.

Check out the lyrics while you listen to the last verse:

(Listen from 2:35-3:25)

[Jay-Z]
Yo, we wild out in Vegas, styled on haters
Mouthed off at the cops, out of cranberry drops
Copped whips the same color, we tighter than brothers
With different fathers but same mothers
This life don’t love us
So ‘til death do us
I’m never breaking my bond
Nigga, we Lex movers, V-12 pushers

[Memphis Bleek]
As I stand
One leg of my pants up, in a stance like
“And what?”
I know these niggas are feeding my mind cancer
But in time’s the answer
Seems mind-blowing
This weed and Hennessey
Got my mind going
Trust me nigga, I’m knowing
Chicks used to ignore me
And my aunt saying I need fifty
Not sixty-forty

[Jay-Z]
Oh God, don’t let ‘em control y’all
Your gun is my gun, your clip is my clip baby

[Memphis Bleek]
Your fun is my fun (uh-huh) your bitch is my bitch
Any nigga trying to harm Jay, I’m feeling for you
I ain’t only touching you
I’m killing your crew

[Jay-Z]
Give it a year, you’ll be sitting on a million or two
records sold nigga, perfect your roll

Like many of Jay’s songs, the “inspirational insight” contained in Coming of Age (Da Sequel) is implicit. This is what I actually like about Jay’s music because the lyrics can stimulate your mind while your head bops to the beat.

Congressman William Clay, Sr., co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus once claimed:

“Black people have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent interests.”

I actually like that statement because I think it can be applied to us as individuals, regardless of race, color or creed obviously.

This permanent interests philosophy is essentially what resolves Jay and Bleek’s conflict and prevents what could’ve been a deadly confrontation.

We’re about to dig into the lyrics, but I just want to make the point that both Jay and Bleek realized that resolving their conflict was in their best interests. Now this doesn’t mean that their relationship is not deeper than just a business partnership. But ultimately, their motivation to resolve their conflict was heavily driven by their own self-interests.

This is not such a bad thing.

Many conflicts can be resolved and confrontation can be avoided when people actually realize what’s in their best interests.

Now, that last statement seems to contradict what appears to be the root cause of conflict- personal ambition and self-interests, doesn’t it?

But here’s the thing: While conflict is inevitable in some cases, it’s avoidable and other cases. And when we strongly and seriously consider what’s in our best overall interest, we’ll easily come to the conclusion that conflict should almost always be resolved amicably and confrontation should almost always be prevented.

Let’s take Jay and Bleek’s conflict in Coming of Age (Da Sequel) for example:

Bleek might be an up-and-coming hustler with lots of confidence and ambition but how does a confrontation with Jay, the guy who put him on, really advances his cause. The truth is he could lose which could very well mean his death.

But even if he wins (or more like survives), he’ll have to be prepared for war and it’s not like he can really trust his boys because it’s highly likely that they will attempt to instigate or start beef with him just like they successfully instigated his beef with Jay!

Even though Jay is in the stronger position, being the wiser and more experienced hustler, he has to know that “anybody can get touched”. Remember, the gangster flick, “Carlito’s Way”? One of the things that led to Carlito’s murder was his dismissive attitude of Benny Blanco who was an up-and-coming hustler.

Of course, Carlito probably should have killed Blanco in an earlier incident…

But he also could have understood Blanco’s ambition, embraced it and even took on the role of mentor, ally or even partner.

In reference to Blanco’s brash behavior, Carlito is told (paraphrasing), “This guy is you 20 years ago”.

Jay could not afford to be dismissive of Bleek. He realized that he had been in the position that Bleek was now in and that Bleek was more valuable to him ALIVE, being a strong and lucrative part of his enterprise.

Consider this quote from an interview Jay-Z did with Cigar Aficionado Magazine:

“You know, when they say there’s no honor among thieves—that’s not really true. When I was on the street, you had to carry yourself a certain way. You had to treat people fairly because that’s how you survived. Then everyone would want to deal with you. That’s how you develop a reputation as a good guy to deal with.”

(By the way, you can pick up some real gems from Jay when he’s interviewed by mainstream or “other” media sources. Unfortunately, often times non Hip-Hop media conduct more substantive interviews with Jay-Z and other Hip-Hop personalities than the Hip-Hop media does.)

We get a sense from the quote that the lyrics in the last verse of Coming of Age (Da Sequel) reflect the Jay’s actual philosophy when he was in the streets.

Think you can apply this philosophy to the relationships in your life?

I know I can.

Ok, let’s take a look at the lyrics with Jay starting off…

Yo, we wild out in Vegas, styled on haters
Mouthed off at the cops, out of cranberry drops
Copped whips the same color, we tighter than brothers
With different fathers but same mothers

What we can gleam from this verse is that Jay and Bleek were close and enjoyed success and good times together. It’s the aspects of the lifestyle (wilding out in Vegas) that may grab the attention of most listeners. But I zero in on Jay’s assertion that he and Bleek are “tighter than brothers with different fathers but same mothers”.

Jay’s relationship with Bleek is close and means something to him. If you’ve ever been a mentor to someone then you understand how special that bond can be. Their success is a reflection of you. Their success validates the value of your experience and knowledge. When your guidance plays an important role in someone’s growth and development it gives you tremendous gratification.

In spite of Jay’s conflict with Bleek, the young kid’s hustle (Bleek) is testament to his hustle (Jay).

So why would Jay want a confrontation?

Let’s move on…

This life don’t love us
So til death do us
I’m never breaking my bond
Nigga, we Lex movers, V-12 pushers

In these lines, Jay reveals that his interest is the same as Bleek’s. When your self-interest mirrors that of another that should become the basis for a resolution of conflict.

They’re both driven by ambition.

When Jay states that “this life don’t love us”, he’s proclaiming a sentiment shared by not just him and Bleek, but by millions of the disadvantaged. It may sound disheartening but it’s a real, genuine feeling that is often the driving force for tight bonds between individuals and groups.

Bleek comes in strong…

As I stand
One leg of my pants up, in a stance like
“And what?”
I know these niggas are feeding my mind cancer
But in time’s the answer

Bleek is in a popular young hustler’s stance of that era (the late 90’s). He acknowledges that dudes in the streets are poisoning his mind, which is having an impact on his judgment.

Many of you are allowing your minds to be poisoned by others who are ill informed at best and at worst, conniving. Many of us are being led in the wrong direction based on our adherence to the words of those who lack insight and perspective.

I think it’s interesting that Bleek makes the statement that “time’s the answer”.

It seems as if he’s saying that he became a prisoner of the moment, caught up in what others were saying and in time he could come to realization of the truth.

Let’s continue…

Seems mind-blowing
This weed and Hennessey
Got my mind going
Trust me nigga, I’m knowing

These lyrics I think accurately reflect how youth and heavy use of drugs and booze can cause one to think and act recklessly.

Let’s skip down to the exchange between Jay and Bleek…

[Jay-Z]
Oh God, don’t let him control y’all
Your gun is my gun, your clip is my clip baby

[Memphis Bleek]
Your fun is my fun (uh-huh) your bitch is my bitch
Any nigga trying to harm Jay, I’m feeling for you
I ain’t only touching you
I’m killing your crew

In these lyrics Jay and Bleek are simply pledging their allegiance to each other. They’re proclaiming that they’re down for each- riding together in crime and violence (gun/clip), through good times (fun is my fun) and even when it comes to the ladies.

Bleek’s threatens anyone who tries to harm Jay and while the language may seem only appropriate to drug wars on the streets, it’s really all about loyalty and part of being loyal is being not afraid to defend those you have a bond with. When you’re loyal to someone you’re protective of his or her overall well being.

Jay ends the verse…

Give it a year, you’ll be sitting on a million or two
records sold nigga, perfect your roll

Jay is still in mentor mode, encouraging Bleek to be patient reassuring him that his ambitions will be fulfilled.

Great ambition is a strong plus but when its combined with recklessness, bad influences and a lack of patience it all equals a recipe for failure.

Patience may just be the most powerful weapon to have in your pursuit of success.

It’s kind of ironic: I wrote about Jay-Z’s fall out with Beanie Sigel not long ago and I can’t help but see some similarities between their real-life conflict and the one Jay and Bleek play out on Coming of Age (Da Sequel). I think their conflict could’ve been resolved based on the sentiments and principles proclaimed in this song.

Maybe it still could be.

Probably just wishful thinking, though.

A lot can be learned from Coming of Age (Da Sequel) but what really strikes me about the lyrics and vibe in the last verse is that conflict can strengthen a bond. Pride and personal ambition don’t have to be a hindrance to a healthy relationship.

Through reflection, we can consider:

How did we cross paths in the first place?

What made us clicked? What’s our connection?

What is the root cause of the conflict?

Does the conflict and confrontation serve or hurt our self-interests?

How can the conflict actually strengthen our bond?

Let me conclude with this: I’m a realist. I fully understand that conflict in life is unavoidable and so is confrontation for that matter. We shouldn’t seek conflict but we shouldn’t run from it either. Conflict can definitely turn into a confrontation and the final outcome can be bad. But I think this song with its final outcome gives us insight on how conflict can make us as individuals, as well as the bonds we develop in our relationships stronger.

The build up to the confrontation between Jay-Z and Bleek grows in intensity in the second verse of “Coming of Age (Da Sequel)”. There’s a lot we can learn about our own relationships when we listen to the lyrics in this verse. It may seem like the story takes place another world, conflicts in the drug game is no joke, that’s for sure! But I think the tension between Jay and Bleek in this crime story has striking similarities with relationships that become strained in our lives. I believe that conflict can strengthen relationships. Don’t get me wrong, conflict can (and often does) destroy relationships, but conflict often brings out an element that is vital to the state of any kind of relationship- the revelation of truth.

More on this later…

Let’s check out the lyrics in the second verse…

(Listen from 1:30-2:12)

[Jay-Z]
Look at that fake smile he just gave me
It’s breaking my heart
Should I school him or pull the tools out and just break him apart
I felt his hatred it was harsh
‘Fore this faking shit start
I should take him in back of the building and blaze him

[Memphis Bleek]
Uh-oh, this nigga Jay he ain’t slow, he must’ve picked up on the vibe
And had I, not been so high
I would’ve been able to hide
Tried to cover up myself, as I gave him a five
Hugged him, as if I loved him

[Jay-Z]
To the naked eye
It would’ve seemed we was the closest
But to those that know us
Could see that something was about to go down

[Memphis Bleek]
Stay focused
I’m trying to concentrate
But it’s like he’s reading my mind
As if he can see through this fog and all this weed in my mind
Could he see I had plans on, being the man
Ever since we first spoke and he put that G in my hand
And I gave it back to show him, I was down for the cause
As he approached
[Jay-Z: "What up Bleek?"]
And I paused..

Ok, now let’s break these lyrics down line by line, starting with Jay’s part…

Look at that fake smile he just gave me
It’s breaking my heart
Should I school him or pull the tools out and just break him apart

Have you ever had tension with someone you were once close to?

Could you feel the tension when you and this person were in the same room?

Could you see the strife in that person’s face from the moment he or she looked at you?

We all recognize the “fake smile”, don’t we?

It’s really a shame when relationships that were once tight become strained or worst. I have gone through this before. I’ll spare you the details, but I know from experience that there’s often combined feelings of bitterness and sadness when someone who you once respected, had love for and cared about now seems like a stranger or an enemy.

Jay can feel the tension and see the strife on Bleek’s face. He has enough insight to know that Bleek’s smile is disingenuous. Jay isn’t misled by appearances.

Jay states that Bleek’s animosity toward him breaks his heart. This statement reveals that Jay has love for Bleek, cares about him and is hurt by the state of their relationship.

What we see on the surface does not tell the whole story. Relationships have complexity. I know you’ve heard the saying, “there’s a thin line between love and hate.” Well, often that’s true. Jay has a beef with Bleek yet that still doesn’t completely erase the fact that he has love for him, so he’s in a really tough situation emotionally… and physically.

As Jay is about to approach Bleek he’s torn whether to give him guidance, encouragement and support or resolve the conflict with violence.

Why would Jay resort to violence against his protégé, someone he has love for?

We have to understand that the “rules” of the drug game are different from how we (should) live our lives. Violence is a part of the drug game. It’s inevitable. Anyone who gets involved in the drug game has to be prepared for violence. It’s as simple as that and Jay knows this.

Jay considers the option of “pulling out the tools” (guns) and “breaking Bleek apart” (shooting him) not necessarily because he wants to but because he knows that he may HAVE TO in order to make it out of the situation alive.

Kill or be killed.

(It’s clever how Jay takes a slang term for a gun, “tool” and creates a double entendre, which connects a literal use of the word with the literal use of a gun, which in many cases is to commit violence. You don’t hear other MCs or even Jay himself use a double entendre in that way.)

We hope that violence is not an option to resolve conflicts in our relationships but unfortunately it’s a real possibility whether the beef is between drug dealers or next-door neighbors in the ‘burbs.

The point is there are at least two ways (often more) to resolve conflict. One way can possibly strengthen a bond and the other way can possibly break a bond permanently.

Let’s move on…

I felt his hatred it was harsh
‘fore this faking shit start
I should take him in back of the building and blaze him

In the first line, Jay SEES Bleek’s fake smile but now he FEELS Bleek’s hatred, which he describes as harsh.

It’s now apparent to Jay of Bleek’s hostility toward him, which, increases his, let’s say, “determination” to resolve the conflict decisively.

The relationship between these line and the previous ones are worth pointing out because they reveal Jay’s progression in assessing the state of the situation. He had to first rely on observation (seeing Bleek’s “fake smile”) but then he quickly used his “keen senses” to realize Bleek’s true bitterness toward him.

In other words, Jay had more trust in how he felt opposed to what he could observe with his eyes. He could “see” Bleek’s animosity but he “felt” his hatred, which is a lot more troubling. And as we hear, now the option of resolving the conflict with violence is something Jay is strongly considering even more.

Remember what Bleek said at the end of the first verse?:

“Swear to God, they had me practically hating his guts…”

Keep in mind that Jay had to accurately assess Bleek’s feelings toward him in just seconds AS he approached him, BEFORE either one of them said a word.

Ok, let’s check out what Bleek has to say…

Uh-oh, this nigga Jay he ain’t slow, he must’ve picked up on the vibe
And had I, not been so high
I would’ve been able to hide

Bleek acknowledges (in his mind) that “Jay ain’t slow”. Bleek’s words support the point I just made that Jay had to think through the situation clearly and quickly. And it doesn’t take Bleek long himself to realize that Jay has “picked up on the vibe” that he hadn’t done a good job of concealing.

Instincts, observation skills, intuition, are all important in dealing with conflict and preparing for confrontation.

Choices are conceived, thought out and planned in the mind before actions are executed. The problem that many of us have is that our choices are often ill-conceived, not well thought out and poorly planned before we take what ends up being reckless actions.

If you’re going through conflict with someone in your life, DO NOT take this mental game lightly. People often end up in conflict or worsening the drama in their lives because they act on choices derived from a weak mental game.

Bleek’s next line is kind of funny and still insightful because it’s authentic and reflects how some of us carry ourselves even in the midst of drama.

Bleek admits that his heavy drug use has had an impact on his focus. Instead of masking his emotions, being under the influence of drugs has revealed them.

The admission is somewhat comical because, contrary to what some actually believe, drugs don’t make you sharper or increase your focus. The heavy use of drugs might be an asset when partying but it’s a liability when it comes to the managing conflict.

Bleek’s lyrics also give us insight because it reveals how a person can unintentionally, yet foolishly, self-sabotage themselves, compromising what’s in his best interest. Aside from the wisdom and experience discrepancies, Bleek put himself at an even greater disadvantage in the impending confrontation with Jay by being high on drugs!

Don’t allow anybody or anything to get you off your focus. Having focus is important as you go through life’s journey but especially when you’re dealing with conflict and drama.

Moving on…

Tried to cover up myself, as I gave him a five
Hugged him, as if I loved him

Bleek knows that his hostility toward Jay has been exposed but he attempts to “blur” Jay’s vision of the situation by putting on a good face, greeting Jay by “giving him five” and a hug.

By all appearances, everything is fine…

Has someone “shown” you love even though you felt hate?

Well, let’s see what Jay thinks about Bleek’s gesture?…

To the naked eye
It would’ve seemed we was the closest
But to those that know us
Could see that something was about to go down

Jay tells us that on the surface everything seems fine between him and Bleek but that those who know them both can sense trouble.

I wrote about this “skill of observation” in my piece on the original “Coming of Age” record off the Reasonable Doubt album.

You might find yourself right smack in the midst of a conflict between others. While you may not have direct involvement, their conflict could certainly impact you in some way, shape or form. Use the skill of keen observation to steer clear of drama that could change the course of your life.

Let’s continue as Bleek jumps back into the verse…

Stay focused
I’m trying to concentrate
But it’s like he’s reading my mind
As if he can see through this fog and all this weed in my mind

Bleek attempts to motivate himself to “stay focused” but it’s a challenge “to concentrate” and manage the situation because he’s high!

You know, Bleek’s position in this situation would be funny as hell if it weren’t so serious! Many cats in the streets get caught up in this situation, and, quite frankly, end up dead or in jail because of a lack of good judgment, which causes a lack of focus.

At this point in the situation, Bleek feels as if Jay is “reading his mind”. He figures that Jay is able to see through the “clouds of weed smoke” gaining clarity on his true’s feeling.

Have you ever gone to a nightspot somber and simply observed others who were already intoxicated once you got there?

Because Jay was focused and sharp he was able to observe with clarity and make an accurate judgment on Bleek’s mental and physical state.

In other words, Jay had an upper hand on the situation because while he was sharp and somber, Bleek was reckless and high.

You are at your sharpest when you first arrive to a nightclub, but the soundness of your thoughts, judgment and inhibitions settle at the bottom of a “20-ounce shot glass” once you start drinking.

The effect that drugs or alcohol has on the mind and body is what actually creates a scenario that breeds conflict and confrontation. But if you approach an existing conflict HIGH then you’re increasing the likelihood of a confrontation where YOU LOSE.

Here’s how Bleek ends the verse…

Could he see I had plans on being the man
Ever since we first spoke and he put that G in my hand
And I gave it back to show him I was down for the cause
As he approached
[Jay-Z:"What up Bleek?”]
And I paused..

Bleek reveals that from the day Jay put him on (see: “Coming of Age” from Reasonable Doubt) he’s had plans for a takeover and he speculates whether Jay has known his ambitions all along.

I think this statement by Bleek reveals what is often the root cause of conflict: personal ambition.

People are driven by their own self-interests. It’s human nature, frankly. People have their own self-agenda and this almost always has an adverse impact on their relationships with others.

I like this entire song but this verse stands out for me because Jay and Bleek brings incredible insight on how the mental game is played out in the wake of a confrontation. The drama in the first and second verses takes place in the minds and thoughts of both Jay and Bleek and it’s as intriguing as the confrontation itself.

Most rap solo records or collaborations that tell a crime story, do so with raw, unadulterated emotion and rely too heavily on sensationalism. The grittiness on these songs is fine because it’s authentic, but what separates Coming of Age (Da Sequel)” (and many other songs by Jay) from other rap songs that focus on criminality is that Jay and Bleek bring meaningful insight and intellect in telling the story of how drama plays out on the streets.

In the beginning of this piece, I stated that conflict can strengthen a relationship because it brings out the revelation of truth. What do I mean? Though Bleek tried to mask his hostility toward Jay, Hov had enough insight into the cause and effect of human motivation to realize Bleek’s true feelings toward him.

See, how the truth is revealed or who reveals the truth is not as important as the revelation itself.

Follow me?

Bleek never expressed his hostility to Jay. But through knowledge, experience and keen senses (see: “Intro” from the Dynasty album) Jay realized Bleek’s underlying feelings and his true intent. In fact, Bleek seems to strongly suspect that Jay was aware of his ambitions from the very beginning when Hov “put that G” in his hand.

Use knowledge, experience and your keen senses when navigating through conflict in your relationships. Your discovery of truth is empowerment. The resolution of the conflict is then largely determined by your will and leverage.

I think the second verse shows us the importance of being sharp and focused when dealing with conflict. The sharpness of the mind is key because it’s a powerful weapon in our search for the truth- and it’s our knowledge and understanding of the truth that gives us an advantage.

Conflict can escalate swiftly and if you’re not prepared (“Don’t be fooled my game is mental”- Can I Live) and don’t have “truth on your side” you can’t handle it thoroughly and decisively.

Of course, I’m not advocating specific actions (such as violence) on how to deal with conflict in your life. I just believe that “Coming of Age (Da Sequel)” gives us insight on what causes conflict and how our approach and handling of drama are strong factors in determining the outcome regardless of the circumstances.

The verse ends with a face-to-face greeting between Jay and Bleek that sets up a dramatic confrontation.

Stay tuned…

In “Coming of Age (Da Sequel)” Jay and Bleek continues the criminal underworld story, which highlights the mentor/protégé relationship. In the original “Coming of Age” off the Reasonable Doubt album, Bleek is a young hustler, hungry to succeed in the drug game but lacks direction. Jay, a smart, experienced and successful hustler schools Bleek and makes him apart of his enterprise. Fast forward to the “Da Sequel”, Jay and Bleek are both very successful in their criminal enterprise but a confrontation is looming when Bleek begins to develop animosity toward Jay. This is a dynamic that often occurs in mentor/protégé relationships, business partnerships, friendships and families.

I decided to include Bleek’s lyrics as part of the analysis because this song is really a great example of intriguing thoughts, conversation and confrontation all in one musical collaboration.

This song received A LOT of play in my ride when “Vol 2… Hard Knock Life” came out.

Let’s get into it…

(Listen up to 1:28)

[Bleek] Cocaine whiter now
[Jay-Z] Operation is sweet
[Bleek] Whole game tighter now
[Jay-Z] Moving a brick a week
[Bleek] Plus a nigga price is down
[Jay-Z] We them niggas to see
[Bleek] Time to start the arisin now
[Jay-Z] I don’t know what’s wrong with Bleek

[Jay-Z]
It seems, I’m like Keenan, pickin up on the vibe
that he ain’t too happy, I could just see it in his eyes
I don’t know if it’s the chicks or how we dividin the loot
Time to pay his ass a visit ‘fore he decide to get cute
Jumped out like a star with the flavest car
Matchin the gator shirt, softer than my next door neighbors
These young niggaz think I fell out the loop
cause the last time they seen me hoppin, out the Coupe
I hopped out in a suit

[Memphis Bleek]
Look at this nigga Jay frontin tryin to take my shine
I didn’t say this verbally, just had some shit on my mind
Plus I’m puffin like an ounce, more than I used to puff
Takin advice from these niggaz but they ain’t used to stuff
They had me thinkin, “Shit, I’m the one that moved the stuff
while he drive around town in brand new Coupe’s and stufF”
Swear to God, they had me practically hatin his guts
As he approached I spoke, “Jigga whattup?”

Chorus: Memphis Bleek

I done came up (uhh)
Put my life on the line (uhh)
Soaked the game up (yeah)
Now it’s my time to shine
Time to change up (what?)
No more second in line
Nine-eight, these streets is mine

“Coming of Age (Da Sequel)”
Vol 2… Hard Knock Life
Jay-Z featuring Memphis Bleek

It seems as if Jay is Bleek’s supplier and they’re both making money. If you remember on the original “Coming of Age”, Bleek was hustling backwards, being reckless and irresponsible and had bad judgment. But since he’s been down with Jay, Bleek’s game is tighter, he’s become wiser and more experienced and his astuteness of Jay’s guidance has paid off.

Jay and Bleek are both doing well, so, all is good, right?

Well, Bleek states that at this point, he thinks it’s “time to start the arising”. Bleek is ready to take control of his hustle. He’s been under Jay’s wing and had success but now he wants to makes his mark on the game and rise to the top.

At this point in the song (and story) Bleek has certain thoughts in his head but haven’t yet expressed his feelings to Jay or took action. This is actually typical in a mentor/protégé relationship. It’s the “natural cycle” of this kind of relationship.

The student will learn a great deal from the teacher and start to feel like he can move forward and upward without the teacher’s continued guidance and support.

The follower will only walk behind the leader for so long before he feels that he’s ready to lead or move ahead in a completely different direction.

While this dynamic is normal in relationships of this type, it can cause tension particularly when both parties are involved in certain “industries” such as the illicit drug trade. The skates are high. The nature of the drug trade is fertile ground for confrontation that can often turn deadly.

The seeds of confrontation are planted in the mind, how we begin to think and feel about certain relationships and arrangements in our lives.

Though Bleek has yet to utter a single word expressing his feelings, Jay can sense trouble…

Let’s move on to the lyrics that capture Jay’s inner thoughts…

It seems, I’m like Keenan, picking up on the vibe
that he ain’t too happy, I could just see it in his eyes

I really like the Keenan Ivory Wayans reference. For those 25 and under, you might not remember “In Living Color” the sketch comedy television series that was on Fox for 4 seasons, from 1990-1994, but it was one of my favorite shows growing up. It was where several people who are now big stars got their first real break; Jim Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Jaime Foxx to name a few.

I don’t want to go too much into it but Keenan Ivory Wayans was the host and creator of the show. The show was a family affair, several of his siblings were on the show and In Living Color established the Wayans family as a major force in comedy.

Keenan left In Living Color in 1992 over disputes concerning censorship issues with Fox. He had concerns about the value of the show once it went into syndication. Wayans wasn’t happy with the direction the show was going in and it played out in the press and his discontent was even noticeable on television by the end of the show’s third season.

I hope I wasn’t too lengthy in giving some background of the Keenan Wayans/In Living Color reference but it’s just a clever reference by Jay to describe how he could see Bleek’s discontent in his eyes.

Those of us who watched “In Living Color” back in the day and saw the whole thing unravel can really appreciate that reference.

Moving on…

I don’t know if it’s the chicks or how we dividing the loot
Time to pay his ass a visit ‘fore he decide to get cute

Jay tells us that he doesn’t know whether the cause of Bleek’s discontent is related to money or women. It’s worth noting that money and women are often the two biggest causes for conflict between men.

Jay doesn’t ignore the vibe he’s getting from Bleek and I think wisely decides that he should go and see him before Bleek tries to challenge his position.

I will say that Jay is showing insight in regards to mindset that shouldn’t be overlooked. You have to be able to pick up on (and accurately interpret) vibes when dealing with others. Sure, there’s a selfish motive behind paying Bleek a visit but the visit also provides an opportunity to give Bleek some much need guidance…

“…before he decides to get cute”

The next lines…

Jumped out like a star with the flavest car
Matching the gator shirt, softer than my next door neighbors
These young niggaz think I fell out the loop
Cause the last time they seen me hopping, out the Coupe
I hopped out in a suit

Jay describes the scene when he pays Bleek a visit in the ‘hood. Jay pulls up in an expensive luxury car whose color matches the shirt he’s wearing. Clearly, Jay’s lifestyle has changed. He no longer lives in the ‘hood (“softer than my next door neighbors)- he likely lives in a “nice” middle/upper class neighborhood now.

He knows that Bleek and many of the other cats in the ‘hood thinks he’s out of touch now that he has risen to the top of the dope game and lives what seems like, another world away, in the suburbs. In fact, the last time they saw him, he “hopped out the Coupe” wearing a suit!

To them, a man’s progress signals his weakness.

Of course, that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

Jay has grown-up. His style and swagger has changed. The luxury car and the wardrobe, represent growth and maturity. The change in lifestyle is brought on by a change in mindset.

A big-time drug dealer is not the only person who goes through this. A lawyer, doctor, businessperson, any successful professional from the ‘hood face this sort of suspicion and hostility when they come back home. While there are some who are truly proud of your accomplishments, others are full of jealousy and envy. Often, it’s not personal they are simply frustrated or even bitter by their own predicament.

Let’s move on to the lyrics from Bleek’s verse…

Look at this nigga Jay fronting trying to take my shine
I didn’t say this verbally, just had some shit on my mind

We can tell from this line that Jay’s instincts in regards to Bleek’s mindset are correct. Bleek tells us what he’s thinking. He feels like Jay’s appearance in the ‘hood is not without motive. He believes that Jay is trying to show him up. While Jay’s face is rarely seen, Bleek is in the streets everday. People see him grinding and he has made a come-up, now he’s getting respect but he feels that Jay’s mere presence overshadows his power and influence.

Bleek lets us know that he didn’t state these things verbally- these thoughts are in his head.

Sometimes the people we respect, we resent. Our resentment can come from feeling like we can never come out from under the shadows of others, or it comes from pure jealousy. People also resent others they respect who they feel don’t fully appreciate them or give them their proper respect in return.

Bleek’s resentment seem to be driven by his perception that Jay has a lack of respect for the power, influence and respect that he has achieved in the ‘hood.

People in your life, sometimes those closest to you, resent you for the reasons (or others) that I just mentioned. They may never tell you this but their resentment may be revealed through their body language, a change in their behavior, etc.

Resist feelings of resentment because it creates or adds fuel to conflict that can ruin a relationship.

Understand the root cause of resentment toward you and don’t take it personal… and don’t it let it slow-up your hustle.

Let’s keep it going…

Plus I’m puffing like an ounce, more than I used to puff
Taking advice from these niggas but they ain’t used to stuff

Here’s a very telling line that actually reveals what’s driving Bleek’s resentment toward Jay.

First of all, Bleek is smoking more weed more frequently! Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but heavy drug use can “cloud” (no pun intended) judgment. Heavy and frequent drug use impacts your focus and the sharpness of your mind. Bleek spends too much time getting high and this gives him too much time to “think” unclearly about his relationship with Jay in regards to the hustle.

The other factor that seems to be playing a role in Bleek’s resentment toward Jay is the “advice” he receives from his friends, likely the ones who hustle under him. His boys are “in his ear”, putting all kinds of distorted thoughts and ideas in his head. Bleek says that “they ain’t used to stuff”, they don’t know how to handle the changes in their lifestyle.

Bleek’s relationship with Jay has had a “positive” impact on his boys in terms of success in the drug game and yet they’re essentially biting the hand that feeds them by instigating a beef between Bleek and Jay.

On “Anything”, Jay tells his nephew…

“Don’t listen to your crew/Do what works for you.”

I’m not going to tell you to disregard the advice or feedback from others because it may be genuine and sound. But you must have a clear understanding of your sources. How much experience do they have? How well do they manage their own lives? How insightful are they really?

Speaking of “clear”, how clear is your mind?

I’m not going to get all self-righteous in regards to drug use. I’ve certainly smoked my share of weed in the past and I probably drink a little too much right now! But I think we all know that overindulgence in any vice is a recipe for destruction. Heavy drug use first impacts your mind, which will then significantly influence your actions.

Here’s what Bleek’s friends are telling him…

They had me thinking, “Shit, I’m the one that moved the stuff
While he drive around town in brand new Coupe’s and stuff”

Bleek’s boys try to convince him that he deserves more respect, more power, more influence, and, most importantly, more money because while Jay lives the good life, driving around in “brand new Coupes”, he – not Jay, is the one who is distributing the product on the streets and incurring the most risk.

People only see others “shining” and not the day-to-day, continuous grind that is done in order to live a certain lifestyle. People just see what’s on the surface. Regardless of whether you think someone “deserves” the perks they’re receiving, remember, you can’t knock the hustle and stay focused on your grind.

Here’s how Bleek ends his verse…

Swear to God, they had me practically hating his guts
As he approached I spoke, “Jigga, what up?”

Bleek’s boys have been so vocal about his relationship with Jay that at this point, they have poisoned his opinion of Jay and now Bleek is “practically hating his guts”!

This can happen when we are heavily influenced by the opinions of others. Their words start to shape our thoughts and ideas. The words of others can cause a change in our own thinking, which, of course, impacts our actions.

It is not uncommon to see relationships become strained or end outright largely based on the words (or actions) of third parties.

Don’t allow others on the outside looking in to cloud your judgment. Don’t burn a bridge or break a bond with someone close to you based on the perspective of others. Trust self- your own judgment of character and of the situation in question.

At the end of Bleek’s verse, he and Jay are about to engage in a conversation that could become a deadly confrontation.

Let’s include the lyrics to the chorus of song…

I done came up
Put my life on the line
Soaked the game up
Now it’s my time to shine
Time to change up
No more second in line
Nine-eight, these streets is mine

These lyrics defiantly performed by Bleek reveal his determination to claim his spot at the top. He tells us that he has sacrificed his life and soaked up like a sponge all of the ins-and-outs of the drug game (from Jay). Now he feels that it’s his “time to shine”.

This is his moment.

I love the way the lyrics set up the confrontation. Like many of Jay’s songs, the verses have the same impact of great literature or cinema.

While this song tells the tale of a strained mentor/protégé relationship in the drug trade, this sort of conflict can occur in relationships in our lives.

In part 2 we’ll examine how the tension grows leading up to a dramatic AND insightful confrontation.

In the last verse from “A Week Ago”, Jay-Z shows us how those closest to us can change when faced with trouble. “A Week Ago” is not simply about snitching. The song gives insight on the importance of mental toughness in the midst of tough physical conditions. We all are stronger from our struggles than from our successes.

Here are the lyrics to the last verse from “A Week Ago”:

“The lawyer I retained you, said you leaking some things
All this after a week in the bing
I’m mad at myself cause I didn’t spot the weak-a-ling
I would’ve bet the house you wouldn’t speak a thing
Nigga this was the oath, to the top of broke
Even pricked our finger, anything that got between us
We were supposed to cock the ninas, what happened to that?
Instead you copped out to a misdemeanor
Fuck it, the same thing make you laugh, make you cry
That’s right, the same game that make you mad could make you die
It’s a dice game and sometimes you crap
Who would’ve thought you’d get popped one time and rat?
Now you know that’s bad when your sister is mad
And your son gotta grow up like, “This is my dad?”
The labeling of a snitch is a lifetime scar
You’ll always be in jail nigga, just minus the bars”

“A Week Ago”
Vol 2… Hard Knock Life
Jay-Z

*Last verse starts at 2:50

Let’s get right into it…

The lawyer I retained you said you leaking some things
All this after a week in the bing

Jay rhymes that after spending just one week in jail, his former partner/associate is already singing like a hummingbird to the authorities!

(Many start “singing” within minutes!)

The line (in fact, this entire verse) is kind of funny. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I get the seriousness of the situation. “Funny” is probably the wrong word, maybe “amusing” is better. Because, in this verse, right from the jump, Jay reveals just how quickly a person can crack under the pressure if they’re not strong mentally.

By the way, ain’t it telling that in the rhyme Jays says:

“The lawyer I retained you…”

Dude had NO money for bail and apparently had NO money for an attorney so Jay covered his retainer. Jay made sure dude had a legal defense and yet the guy still turned on him.

Toughness is often seen as a physical trait. Mental weakness will undermine physical toughness. Always remember that mental toughness plays a vital role in how you’re able to handle physical tough circumstances.

Let’s move on…

I’m mad at myself cause I didn’t spot the weak-a-ling
I would’ve bet the house you wouldn’t speak a thing

In this line Jay makes a statement that I think is important to point out:

“I blame myself”

You should be held accountable for your actions and others should be held accountable for their actions BUT there are times when YOUR bad judgment in character becomes a major factor in your setback or downfall.

Follow me??

In other words: When you misread someone’s character; exemplified through their words and actions, and that someone does you wrong in some way, then you are partly responsible for the predicament that you find yourself in even if you’re in that predicament largely due to someone else’s words or actions.

I didn’t lose you even more, did I?

The importance of a thorough mental game cannot be overstated; in fact, it’s a MUST-HAVE when your success or failure is so heavily tied to the words and actions of others.

Do you hear the way Jay uses the word “weak”, describing the dude’s mental and physical state?

It sounds like he’s blending two different words/phrases “weakling” and “weakest link”.

Clever, huh?

(The great Michael Jackson famously used the same technique on “Smooth Criminal”)

Ok, let’s keep it moving…

Nigga this was the oath, to the top or broke
Even pricked our finger, anything that got between us
We supposed to cock the ninas, what happened to that?
Instead you copped out to a misdemeanor

In these lyrics Jay is simply reminding the guy of the commitment they both made to get to the top together and stay loyal. Rhyming about “the oath” and “pricking” of the finger is all Mafioso lingo but the importance of loyalty is the point being made here.

The last line in this part of the verse just shows that most of the time people are going to do whatever is in their best interest regardless of how it impacts others.

Once again, if you’re caught up in the streets, you MUST take heed to the message being sent in this cautionary tale. But even if you’re not caught up in the streets, you can still get “caught up” and find yourself in certain situations based on the words or actions of others who have their own self-agendas.

Let’s continue…

Fuck it, the same thing make you laugh make you cry
That’s right, the same game that make you mad could make you die
It’s a dice game, and sometimes you crap
Who would’ve thought you’d get popped one time and rat?

Jay gives us swagger and insight throughout the entire song, but this part is my favorite because the powerful statement it makes personally gives me perspective on how to handle situations in my life.

Jay is telling us that the things we aspire to have (for example, money) are sometimes the same things that bring us down. It seems like common knowledge but once you caught up you can lose sight on the full reality of certain situations.

He rhymes about the drug game being like a dice game, and, really life in general is like a dice game regardless of the hustle. There are no guarantees in life, no sure thing that will absolutely happen except for death.

Here is how Jay ends the verse…

Now you know that’s bad when your sister is mad
And your son gotta grow up like, “This is my dad?”
The labeling of a snitch is a lifetime scar
You’ll always be in jail nigga, just minus the bars”

Jay rhymes how his former associate will have to deal with the “lifetime scar” of being labeled a snitch and how his family is shamed. This lyric might directly reflect what happens in the criminal underworld, but understand this: Your words and actions have ramifications, impacting others, most likely those closest to you.

I like the last line where Jay states that even when his former associates is released from jail, he’ll never be free, meaning that he’ll always be mentally imprisoned due to his weaknesses.

Remember this line from “Can I Live?” (Off Reasonable Doubt):

“Trap my body/Can’t trap my mind/Easily explains why we adapt to crime”

There are some people who are locked up in prison that are mentally stronger than some of us who are walking around on the “outside”! Imagine that!

I don’t want to get too much into that lyric from “Can I Live?” (I’m going to tackle the entire verse that it’s from in the future) but that line is basically the reverse “mental scenario” of the last line in “A Week Ago”

“Trap my body/Can’t trap my mind”

“You’ll always be in jail nigga, just minus the bars”

Many of us are living our lives in prison, not in the physical sense but in the mind, trapped by our own ignorance, anger, impatience, selfishness, arrogance, shame and fear.

You may get a taste of success but failure looms ahead if you can’t consistently win the mental game.

The truth is if you can’t escape your mental prison than it was never “all good just a week ago”. You were bound to fail and just didn’t know it.

The second verse on “A Week Ago” shows us how a person’s true character is revealed when he is faced with adversity caused by his own misjudgments and actions. How we handle adversity in our lives reveal how our strengths can give us the power to overcome in spite of our weaknesses. The story told on “A Week Ago” about the fall-out of a relationship and partnership between 2 drug dealers can give us insight on issues that may arise in our own lives.

Here are the lyrics at the end of the chorus:

Funny what, seven days can change
A stand up nigga, now you sit down to aim
Used to have a firm grip now you dropping names
Uh-huh, uh-huh (It was all good just a week ago)

Here are the lyrics from the second verse:

Like I put the toast to your head and made you sell
We both came in this game, blind as hell
I did a little better, had more clientele
Told you put away some cheddar now you crying for bail
Seventeen and I’m holding on to around a mill
I could bail out and blow trial and come around on appeal
Had niggas thinking I was from Uptown for real
I had so much hustle plus I was down to ill
Like a Brooklyn nigga, straight out of Brownsville
Down and dirty, down to fight ‘til round thirty
Freezing on them corners still holding my crack
Looking up and down the block…
The fuck is the dough at?
Came from flat broke to letting the dough stack
You tell them feds I said I’m never going back
I’m from Marcy, and Marcy don’t raise no rats
You know the consequences of your acts.
You can’t be serious!

“A Week Ago”
Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life
Jay-Z

Let’s dig right in…

Funny what, seven days can change
A stand up nigga, now you sit down to aim
Used to have a firm grip now you dropping names
Uh-huh, uh-huh (It was all good just a week ago)

I included part of the chorus because it’s just as insightful as the lyrics in the second verse. You know, I’ve heard this song many, many times and I knew the point Jay was making in the chorus but I didn’t realize the cleverness in this line until recently.

A lot can happen in your life in just a short time span. I’m sure you’ve heard the sayings, “what a difference a day makes”. Life can change in an instant. Relationships can change and as the great Nas would say, “best friends become strangers” in days sometimes within hours.

Jay cleverly rhymes that his boy used to be a “stand-up” guy but now he “sit down” to aim which I think implies that he’s “sitting down” to talk to the authorities and intends to sit down on the stand in a courtroom to testify against Jay….

What a very witty way to describe the act of betrayal that often occurs in the criminal underworld.

Jay then goes on to rhyme how this guy used to have “a firm grim”, he used to be in control of his emotions and his actions. But now, according to Jay, the guy is cracking under the pressure, intent on “dropping names”, snitching on Jay and/or anyone else in order to lessen the pain of his troubles or get out of his troubles altogether.

Jay’s firm grip/dropping double entendre is on point, witty.

This is what happens to some people when faced with adversity. On one hand, their inability to handle the pressure reveals their true character, but, on the other hand, their strengths are basically outweighed by their weaknesses such as fear.

Let’s go into the second verse…

Like I put the toast to your head and made you sell
We both came in this game, blind as hell

Jay is making this statement to his boy recounting the past when they both got involved in the drug game. He’s stating that his boy made a choice to get involved in the drug game and knew the risks involved. Jay didn’t force his boy to get in the drug game. I think it’s telling that Jay rhymes that they BOTH were “blind as hell” when they got involved in the drug game.

You might be thinking, “Jay says they both were blind when they got into the game but you, Duane, just said that Jay’s boy knew the risks involved.”

I think “blind as hell” doesn’t mean ignorant, it means naïve, which are two different states of being.

When you’re ignorant about something, you’re uneducated on that subject. You don’t know or have a firm understanding about the subject. Neither Jay nor his boy was ignorant about the drug trade, at least for the most part. They knew what they were getting into. They understood how the game goes.

But when you’re naïve, you lack experience or solid judgment. We all can be naïve when it comes to certain things but naiveté is typical among young people who are less experienced in life in general.

So I think that when Jay says they were both “blind as hell”, he’s saying that although they both knew what they were getting into (the in-and-outs, the traps, etc.), their understanding of how the game goes didn’t trump their inexperienced of actually being in the game.

I know I took some time to analyze that one line but it’s one of those instances where Jay is actually telling us more than what our ears hear.

Ok, let’s move on…

I did a little better, had more clientele
Told you put away some cheddar now you crying for bail

Remember, Jay and his boy “wasn’t quite partners”; essentially they both were doing their own thing. Jay claims that he was doing “a little better” in the drug game and that his boy wasn’t doing the prudent thing, saving his money and now that he’s in trouble, he can’t even make bail.

Jay is giving us a financial lesson here. I’ve known guys in the drug game (far from Kingpin status but still doing it) who were supposedly making so much money but didn’t have money for bail or to retain a lawyer when they got in legal trouble.

Remember this line from “Never Change” (off Blueprint album):

“Chains is cool to cop, but more important are lawyer fees.”

(I’m going to tackle the verse this line is from at a later date.)

Jay has been consistent in schooling those in the drug game AND those in the square game on the importance of financial literacy and responsibility. And when it comes to the drug game, it’s basic common sense to “stack chips” in the event of a setback or downfall, yet most hustlers are broke and disconnected when they get in trouble.

Remember this line from “Can I Live?” (Off Reasonable Doubt album):

“I know this game got valleys and peaks, expectation
for dips, for precipitation, we stack chips, hardly.”

(I did tackle these lyrics in a previous post)

This line basically tells us of the importance in being prepared for anything.

Jay shows us his prep style in the next line…

Seventeen and I’m holding on to around a mill
I could bail out and blow trial and come around appeal

In this line, Jay tells us that he’s so prepared for a setback or an outright downfall that basically, regardless of what happens he’ll able to handle the adversity.

Of course, in the story, he rhymes that he’s only seventeen and while his maturity seems highly unrealistic you can never underestimate one’s wisdom in making the right choices and taking the right actions in the context of their hustle.

Here is another line where Jay is saying more than what we hear. If you’re in the streets, this line (and the previous one) should speak to you directly but even if you’re not in the streets, this lyric (and the previous one) shows just how much a difference in mindset and action can completely impact the outcome of a tough predicament.

Had niggas thinking I was from Uptown for real
I had so much hustle plus I was down to ill
Like a Brooklyn nigga, straight out of Brownsville
Down and dirty, down to fight to round thirty

Jay rhymes that his hustle had others thinking that he was from “Uptown”, which I think refers to Harlem, a place known for its hustle.

But not only did he know how to hustle, Jay claims that like a dude from Brownsville (a rough-and-tough area in Brooklyn, NY), he was “down to ill”, willing, ready and able to engage in violence.

Now of course this lyric is in the context of the drug game, where violence is typical, it goes with the territory. You have to be prepared for it, knowing that you may have to defend yourself against it or even initiate it.

But here’s the thing: You should be “down to ill” regardless of your hustle which simply means that you have to as Jay rhymes on Lil Wayne’s “Mr. Carter”, “go farther, go further and go harder” than everyone else.

This is essentially the point Jay makes when he rhymes about getting “down and dirty” and cleverly uses the sport of boxing in a double entendre to reveal his sheer will and determination to fight to the end and win in the game, his hustle.

Can you imagine a 30-round boxing match!!

This line is all about toughness, persistence, determination… it’s about never giving up.

Almost at the end of the verse…

Freezing on them corners still holding my crack
Looking up and down the block
The fuck is the dough at?
Came from flat broke to letting the dough stack
You tell them feds I said I’m never going back

Jay tells us of the conditions he’s willing to hustle in to make money and be successful. He rhymes about hustling in tough conditions and  still NOT making money.

Again, these lines tell the story of hustling in the drug game but how it can apply to our lives is apparent and quite profound.

Regardless of your hustle, you have to have pure will and determination to succeed through even the toughest adversities. Jay rhymes about “freezing on them corners”, well, there are times in your life that will indeed be “cold”, where you will “freeze” (suffer) yet you have to keep “holding on” (endure) and have the strength, will and determination to succeed.

Jay tells us that he was “flat broke” but now he’s “letting the dough stack”. It seems pretty self-explanatory, and it is, but the key words in the line are “letting” and “stack” because these words implies that he was not just making money but intent on “stacking” money or saving it.

Jay tells his so-called business associate to tell the Feds that he’s “never going back” which shows his defiance, true, but more importantly, it shows his determination to succeed in spite of staring in the face of  failure (which in the context of the “A Week Ago” means imprisonment).

Are you determined to succeed in spite of failure looming?

I’m from Marcy, and Marcy don’t raise no rats
You know the consequences of your acts.
You can’t be serious!

Jay represents where he’s from and claims that his ‘hood “don’t raise no rats”. This, of course, is probably far from true, I’m sure someone from Marcy housing projects has snitched on someone else, but I Jay uses this line to simply show pride in the values his ‘hood instilled in him in the context of the drug game though those values has certainly been utilized in his ambitions in the rap game and business world.

That line is Jay proclaiming that he’s a product of his environment.

Your background plays a role in the person you become. Don’t abandon the values and principles that shape who you are, instead, keep them with you as you pursue the fulfillment of your ambitions. These strong principles and values are a MUST during periods of adversity that you are almost guaranteed to face.

Lastly, what Jay tells his so-called friend and business associate is applicable to our lives. There are consequences to our actions that we must face head-on without wavering. Jay ends this verse saying, “You can’t be serious!”, in a tone which shows his total disbelief in his former friend’s mental weakness.

See, the cracking under pressure by Jay’s associate exposes vital flaws in his mental game that are detrimental in his ability to overcome his adversity. Jay sounds both angry and shocked by this. You really don’t know what others are thinking and how they will respond to certain situations.

No matter how well you think you know someone, that person can change- drastically, when circumstances threatens his or her comfort zone.

What we can also get from that line is that not only must we face the consequences of our acts, we should also be mindful that others are impacted by the choices we make and the actions we take.

I think Jay’s breakthrough album, Vol… 2 Hard Knock Life doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The album as a whole deserves in-depth retrospection. True Jay fans were there from the very beginning when Jay was two albums deep before Hard Knock Life was released. But that album has some big hits and broaden Jay’s audience. The Hard Knock Life album made Jay a bona fide star. The story of “A Week Ago” is this: Jay isn’t “quite partners” with another hustler in the drug game, he essentially puts the guy on, and this guy gets caught and goes to jail. The other hustler shows his true colors and it’s implied that he does or intends to snitch on Jay. I just kind of summed up the song but of course the lyrics are way too deep to just leave it at that.

Here are the lyrics we’re going to discuss:

“Growing up in the hood just my dog and me
We used to hustle in the hood for, all to see
Problems, I called on him, he called on me
We wasn’t quite partners, I hit him off my P
Met him unlocked doors, off my keys
Yeah we spoke, much more than cordially
Man he broke bread with me, my business spread swiftly
The Feds came to get me, we both fled quickly
Wasn’t quick enough to jump over the hedges with me
Got caught, and that’s when our relationship strayed
Used to call me from the joint ’til he ran out of change
And when he called collect and I heard his name
I quickly accepted, but when I reached the phone
He’s talking reckless; I can sense deceit in his tone
I said, “Damn dawg, what, nine weeks and you’re home?”
He said, “Main man, you think shit’s sweet cause you’re home.”
I just sat; spat no more speech in the phone
The crackers up there bleaching your dome, you’re reaching
I said, “The world don’t stop I’ve got to keep, keep on.”
From there I sensed the beef was on
I ran to the spy store to add some more features on my phone
To see if I had bugs and leeches on my phone
Can’t be too safe cause niggas is two-faced
And they show the other side when they catch a new case
It’s on”

“A Week Ago”
Vol 2… Hard Knock Life
Jay-Z

“A Week Ago”, featuring Too Short is definitely one of my favorite songs on the Hard Knock Life album. I have to keep it real: I was a Too Short fan back in the day. I was listening to the white “Life is Too Short” cassette tape when it came out in ’88.

Lyrically, Too Short doesn’t blow you away but I just liked his swag back then and those heavy bass-filled beats. Being on the east coast, his reign over Oakland intrigued me for some reason. Plus, I was an impressionable, 11, 12-year old kid going through puberty and Short Dawg’s dirty raps about the females excited my young and horny mind!

Dude is one of the dirtiest rappers I’ve ever heard!

The point of my Too Short reference is that his feature on “A Week Ago” unexpectedly works well. Too Short is featured on two of my favorite Jay-Z songs (the other being “Real Niggas” off the In My Lifetime album). They are such an unlikely collaboration (and I can’t remember how they linked up) but it worked perfectly twice.

Short doesn’t rhyme on “A Week Ago”, he “rides” the track with Jay in the beginning and he rides out the track. His talk game on the song compliments Jay’s rhyme game. Short gives us the raw street lingo of the situation that Jay brilliantly tells lyrically.

The actual story Jay tells on “A Week Ago” is fiction but happens in the real-life criminal underworld. If you’re in the streets this song is very applicable to your lifestyle and will strongly resemble a situation that you’ve been in, will be in or might be in right now! But for those not in the streets, this tale is still very applicable to your own pursuit of “legitimate” ambition.

When the Hard Knock Life album came out I was more closely “associated” with the “dope boys” than I am at this point in my life. I definitely wasn’t THE man and I’m not going to say that I was the man next to THE man, but…

Matter of fact, let me just leave it at the “association” level…

The point is, I had, not a front-row, more like a second or third row seat to situations like the one Jay tells on “A Week Ago”. I’ve seen people I knew personally get caught up in situations like this- ending up on either side of the conflict.

Look, I don’t care if you’re a “legal” entrepreneur, a professional in the corporate game, pastor of a church, a politician, a student, working the drive-thru at McDonalds…

It doesn’t matter what you do, if you think “A Week Ago” is only applicable to those caught up in the streets then you’re missing out on some real gems that YOU can use as you go through your life’s journey.

As we get into this discussion, try to put yourself in both roles as it applies to situations related to YOUR hustle.

Ok, let’s do this…

Growing up in the hood just my dog and me
We used to hustle in the hood for, all to see
Problems, I called on him, he called on me
We wasn’t quite partners, I hit him off my P
Met him unlocked doors, off my keys
Yeah we spoke, much more than cordially.

Jay and his boy grew up together in the ‘hood, where they both hustled. Obviously, Jay is talking about drug dealing. He and his boy sold drugs, they supported each other through good and bad times. Jay and his boy are more than acquaintances, they’re close. They were both doing their thang, shining brightly in the ‘hood.

There is a saying that “birds of feather flock together”. People who have similar backgrounds, interests, goals, philosophies, etc. associate with each other often becoming close. Being around people that are not compatible to you hinders your own personal growth and development.

I wanted to make that point now early in the rhyme because a lack of compatibility or fundamental differences in mindset and ideology is the primary cause of conflict in “A Week Ago” AND in real-life situations that you and I can relate to.

Jay rhymes that he fronted his boy dope from his own “package” or supply (hit him off my P). Jay goes further than most MCs when it comes to injecting wit into his lyrics. Once again, he uses a double entendre very nicely when he rhymes about how his boy played a role in “moving” kilos of dope. I think the unlock doors/keys double entendre is brilliant (Think: unlocking the doors to opportunity).

Let’s continue…

Man, he broke bread with me, my business spread swiftly
The Feds came to get me, we both fled quickly
Wasn’t quick enough to jump over the hedges with me
Got caught, and that’s when our relationship strayed

Jay tells us that he and his boy became successful in the drug trade. Jay’s criminal enterprise grew fast but the Feds were in pursuit, he avoided arrest but his boy got caught and now their relationship is in peril.

I don’t know about you, but I can make the connection to my own experiences as I listen to these lyrics.

Let’s say that you and a close friend are both successful. Maybe you’re in the same career field (even business partners), or you’re in different fields but you’re really tight with each other. If your friend experiences a setback or downright failure in any shape or form it could impact the relationship. The same can be said if YOU are the one who is going through tough times.

By the way, the “jump over hedges” line is quite witty.

Let’s keep going…

Used to call me from the joint ’til he ran out of change
And when he called collect and I heard his name
I quickly accepted, but when I reached the phone
He’s talking reckless, I can sense deceit in his tone
I said, “Damn dawg, what, nine weeks and you’re home?”
He said, “Main man, you think shit’s sweet cause you’re home.”

Jay’s boy is locked up, calling him collect and Jay rhymes that the guy is talking “reckless” and that he can sense deceit in dude’s voice. It’s pretty self-explanatory but I think it gives insight on the importance of having great instincts in regards to understanding human nature; understanding what motivates people and what causes people to respond and react in certain ways to challenging situations.

Basically, in this story, Jay’s boy is hostile now that he’s locked up. He accuses Jay of thinking “shit’s sweet” because he’s still out on the streets. Dude is bitter at his own predicament.

Do you know someone who feels this way?

Is that someone YOU?

Bitterness is a hell of a thing. You can’t escape your predicament if you’re trapped in your own bitterness. Don’t be held hostage by someone else’s predicament or direct hostility toward others due to YOUR predicament.

Let’s move on…

I just sat, spat no more speech in the phone
The crackers up there bleaching your dome, you’re reaching
I said, “The world don’t stop I’ve got to keep, keep on.”
From there I sensed the beef was on

Jay rhymes that he stopped talking for a moment in the phone conversation with his incarcerated “friend”. Why did he stop talking? Because as he stated earlier, he could “sense deceit” in dude’s voice and the guy’s “you think shit’s sweet” statement verified Jay’s suspicions.

In the story, Jay’s in a situation where he has to be smart. At this point in the conversation with the bitter, incarcerated hustler, Jay has to rely on his mental game more than his talk game. What he does not say is just as important as what he does say.

The next line may not be so much what he said than what he was thinking, which is that his boy was allowing his predicament to affect his judgment. The conditions of being locked up, the pressure from the authorities, etc. was causing his boy to abandon the principles that they both lived by in the hustle.

His boy was cracking under the pressure.

The line, “crackers bleaching your dome” is intriguing, and, like many of Jay’s lyrics, could be interpreted several ways. To bleach means to whiten and the term “crackers” is of course a derogatory term toward whites but here in this line the term is in reference to the Feds. I think my interpretation fits but please share your thoughts on that line…

Jay finally tells his boy that “the world don’t stop” and that he has to keep going or as I’ve stated in earlier posts: the hustle is a continuous grind.

Don’t allow someone else’s predicament to stop your hustle. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being concerned about others and doing what you can to help them. However, I hate to be blunt, but: life goes on.

People should have a clear understanding of what could happen if they’re involved in certain things. It’s not a disconnect to continue your grind on the field even if someone close to you have been sidelined. If you’re the one in the tough predicament, understand that it’s completely unreasonable to expect the lives of others to come to a halt because of your circumstances.

See, this is a conflict situation that is far too common in the criminal underworld but it happens just as frequently in the “square” world; in our relationships with our family, friends, colleagues, etc.

Let’s finish up…

From there I sensed the beef was on
I ran to the spy store to add some more features on my phone
To see if I had bugs and leeches on my phone
Can’t be too safe cause niggas is two-faced
And they show the other side when they catch a new case
It’s on”

Ok, at this point Jay knows what’s up: beef. He can no longer count on this guy to stay strong and keep his mouth shut so he has to take the necessary precautions and has to be extremely careful of what he says to this guy and anybody else because the streets is watching and the Feds might be listening.

The “bugs and leeches” line is ill!

He tells us that in the drug game you can never be too careful when a hustler that you have a relationship with gets in trouble with the law because his troubles could mean trouble for you.

I really like how Jay uses the term, “two-faced” to describe how a person can behave when he or she is in serious trouble. When a hustler “catches a new case”, his freedom is at risk. He may not be the same person that he was on the street. He may pretend to be (two-faced) based on what he says or even does but his motives are solely what’s in his best interests even if that means perpetrating an act of betrayal.

And we’ll get more into that in part 2…

How can we apply these lyrics to our lives?

We have to develop solid instincts in order to gain insight into human nature. That sounds sort of scientific, doesn’t it? Well, understanding others and how their thoughts, words, actions and beliefs relate to you IS a science. Understanding thought and behavior and the relation between the two is vital in having healthy relationships AND severing toxic ones.

If you’re caught up in the streets, first of all, GET OUT, but while you’re in your situation, you MUST understand the science of human nature because if you don’t either you won’t be able to escape your predicament or you’ll be brought down largely by factors that you can’t control.

If you’re not in the streets, don’t get too comfortable, because YOU TOO can be victim of your own bitterness or victim to the hostilities of others if you don’t get a firm grip on the science of human nature. Your success (or the lack of) is not solely based on your thoughts, ideas, planning, actions, persistence, etc.

There are factors that are out-of-your control that will absolutely impact your life. These factors are not excuses for failure however. It’s simply the fact of life. You’re very likely to find yourself in tough predicaments but how you handle these circumstances will determine your future.