Open Letter
Jay-Z · Other Songs - Jay-Z
Ladies and gentlemen
Goddamnit
Let this shit knock
[Verse 1]
I done turned Havana to Atlanta
Guayabera shirts and bandanas
Every time you think they got me I switch the plan up
Bulletproof this, radio scanners
Ballin' 'til they ban us
You gettin' too much bread, they try to jam you
Boy from the hood but got White House clearance
Sorry y'all, I don't agree with y'all appearance
Politicians never did shit for me
Except lie to me, distort history
Wanna give me jail time and a fine
Fine, let me commit a real crime
I might buy a kilo for Chief Keef
Out of spite, I just might flood these streets
Hear the freedom in my speech
Got an onion from Universal, read it and weep
Would've brought the Nets to Brooklyn for free
Except I made millions off it, you fuckin' dweeb
I still own the building, I'm still keeping my seat
Y'all buy that bullshit, you'd better keep y'all receipt
Obama said "chill, you gonna get me impeached"
But you don't need this shit anyway
Chill with me on the beach
[Hook - Swizz Beatz]
Y'all gon' learn today
[Verse 2]
Ya'll almost want to start a revolution
You know whenever I'm threatened, I start shooting, bark
Catch a body, head to Houston
I'm in Cuba, I love Cubans
This communist talk is so confusing
When it's from China, the very mic that I'm using
Idiot wind, the Bob Dylan of rap music
You're an idiot, baby, you should become a student
Oh, you gonna learn today
Where the fuck have you been
The world's under new management
The new role model, fuck this Zoolander shit
[Hook]
Open Letter - Jay-Z
Released as a standalone single, "Open Letter" stands as a pivotal moment in Jay-Z's discography, marking his transition from the East Coast hip-hop scene to a global superstar. The track features a minimalist production style that emphasizes the artist's commanding vocal delivery and introspective lyricism. Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on aggressive competition, this recording reflects a more mature, reflective approach to storytelling. It serves as a significant song in his broader catalog of socially conscious and personal narratives, showcasing his ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic depth. The song's enduring popularity highlights Jay-Z's consistent ability to craft tracks that resonate with audiences across generations, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern music.