H To The Izzo
Jay-Z · Other Songs - Jay-Z
(girls singing)
H to the izz-O...V to the izz-A...
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 8th wonder of the world
The flow o' the century...oh it's timeless...HOVA!
Thanks for comin' out tonight
You coulda been anywhere in the world, but you're here with me
I appreciate that...uuunnnh...
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
Was herbin' em in the home of the Terrapins
Got it dirt cheap for them
Plus if they was short wit' cheese I would work wit' them
Boy and we...got rid of that dirt for them
Wasn't born hustlers I was burpin' em
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Fo' sheezy my neezy keep my arms so freezy
Can't leave rap alone the game needs me
Haters want me clapped and chromed it ain't easy
Cops wanna knock me, D.A. wanna box me in
But somehow, I beat them charges like Rocky
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Not guilty, he who does not feel me is not real to me
Therefore he doesn't exist
So poof...vamoose son of a bitch
CHORUS
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem get'cha damn hands up
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Not guilty ya'll got-ta feel me
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem get'cha damn hands UP!
Holla at me...
I do this for my culture
To let 'em know what a nigga look like...when a nigga in a Rolls-ter
Show 'em how to move in a room full 'o vultures
Industry shady it need to be taken over
Label owners hate me I'm raisin' the status quo up
I'm overchargin' niggaz for what they did to the Cold Crush
Pay us like you owe us for all the years that you hold us
We can talk, but money talks so...talk mo' bucks
CHORUS
Yeah...
Hove is back, life stories told through rap
Niggaz actin' like I sold you crack
Like I told you sell drugs...no...
Hove did that so hopefully you won't have to go through that
I was raised in the pro-jects, roaches and rats
Smokers out back, sellin' they mama's sofa
Lookouts on the corner, focused on the ave
Ladies in the window, focused on the kinfolk
Me under a lamp post, why I got my hand closed?
Cracks in my palm, watchin' the long arm o' the law
So you know I seen it all before
I seen hoop dreams deflate like a true fiend's weight
To try and to fail, the two things I hate
Succeed in this rap game, the two things is great
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
What else can I say about dude, I gets bizzay
CHORUS
(girls singing)
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A... (4x to fade out)
H To The Izzo
Released in 2001, "H To The Izzo" stands as a defining track from Jay-Z's era of hip-hop dominance, serving as the opening statement to his album "The Blueprint." The song showcases his signature lyrical precision and introspective style, blending personal narrative with the gritty realities of New York City life. Produced by the legendary DJ Premier, the recording features a soulful, jazz-inflected beat that complements Jay-Z's confident delivery and intricate wordplay. It exemplifies the transition of his career from the East Coast rap scene to a global powerhouse, establishing a blueprint for future generations of artists who prioritize substance over flash. The track remains a cornerstone of his discography, celebrated for its artistic maturity and its ability to set the tone for one of the most influential albums of the early 21st century.