Dead Presidents
Jay-Z
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Presidents to represent me I'm out for presidents to represent me I'm out for dead fuckin' presidents to represent me While others spit that Wonderama shit, me and my conglomerate Shall remain anonymous, caught up in the finest shit Live out my dreams until my heart give out Involved with cream, you know exactly what this shit's about F*ck y'all mean? Handling since a teen, I dish out Like the point guard off your favorite team, without doubt My life ain't rosy but I roll with it My mind was fine 'til the dough hit it and told me that the Mo' did it And now it's kosher, shit is so Hasidic I blow a digit on a diamond in a minute but no bitches Watch how I'm walking cause even the thoroughest niggas be narc'in Tryin' to strike a bargain hoping that they might get pardoned Shit I'm involved with got me pins and needles And my cerebral breeds the wickedest evil thoughts that this sport'll feed you Peep facts, in the game so deep fiends could catch ya Freeze off my knee cap, can y'all believe that? Got the city drinking Cristals, re-up the fee Rappers going broke, tryin' to keep up with me My rise to riches surprised the bitches: think harder You know this nigga, Jay-Z, Shawn Carter G.S. the f*ck up, dress the f*ck up Watch me shine like a Breitling, begets the f*ck up All rhymers forget it like Alzheimer's Small timers, I said it, I'm addressing all dramas Talk to me Presidents to represent me I'm out for presidents to represent me I'm out for dead fuckin' presidents to represent me So sick of niggas, "I want money like Cosby" (who wouldn't?) This the kinda talk that make me think you probably ain't got no puddin' Niggas got them kinda dreams from Jay You in the streets, nigga, make your moves, get your mail Niggas'll coast in the SL but can't post bail Niggas'll roast a L but scared to throw your toast, well I'm here to tell niggas it ain't all swell There's heaven, and then there's hell niggas One day you're cruising in your 7, next day you're sweating, forgetting your lies Alibis ain't matching up, bullshit catching up Hit with the RICO, they repo your vehicle Everything was all good just a week ago 'Bout to start bitching ain't you? Ready to start snitching ain't you? I'll forgive your weak ass; hustling just ain't you Aside from the fast cars, honeys that shake they ass at bars You know you wouldn't be involved With the underworld dealers, carriers of mac-millers East Coast bodiers, West Coast cap-peelers Little monkey niggas turn gorillas Stopped at the station, filled up on octane And now they not sane and not playing, that goes without saying Slingin' day in and day out, 'til money play in, then they play you out Trying to escape my own mind, lurking the enemy Representing infinity with presidencies, you know? Dead fuckin' presidents to represent me Dead fuckin' presidents to represent me Dead fuckin' presidents to represent me Dead fuckin' presidents to represent me Presidents to represent me I'm out for presidents to represent me I'm out for dead fuckin' presidents to represent me
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Written by: David Anthony Willis, Lonnie Liston Smith, Nasir Jones, Peter O. Phillips, Shawn Carter, Shawn C. Carter
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Album Debut"Dead Presidents" is one of Jay-Z's breakthrough singles from his debut studio album "Reasonable Doubt", released in 1996.
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Sampling TechniquesThe song is widely regarded as a classic hip-hop track, specifically for its use of sample music. It samples Lonnie Liston Smith's "A Garden of Peace" for the track's melody.
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Featuring ArtistsThe song features vocals from rapper Notorious B.I.G., who provides the song's chorus. Although he isn't mentioned as a featured artist.
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Part 2 ReleaseA variant of the first song titled "Dead Presidents II" was released on the same album, and it is Jay-Z's rap version of his thoughts on chasing wealth.
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Grammy NominationsAlthough "Dead Presidents" wasn't nominated for a Grammy, "Reasonable Doubt", the album it is on, was.
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Lyrical ThemesThroughout "Dead Presidents", Jay-Z explores themes of wealth, ambition, and the pursuit of success that he would continue to come back to throughout his career.
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Meaning of the Song"Dead Presidents" is often interpreted as a term for money, as luminaries like Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington - all deceased - appear on U.S. currency.
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Chart Performance"Dead Presidents" made it to No. 22 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart in 1996.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Dead Presidents" features appearances from big hip-hop names including Notorious B.I.G., AZ, and DJ Clark Kent.
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Popularity and PraisesDespite the song not having a major chart success, it is often praised for its introspective lyrics and smooth production. It remains one of Jay-Z's most respected songs till date.
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Songwriter and ProducersThe song was co-written by Jay-Z and Ski, who also produced the track.
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"Dead Presidents Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9861350/Jay-Z/Dead+Presidents>.
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