I think the lyrics on this version are brilliant just as the dude above says, but not just because what he says; it is more about how he says it. I love the way he compares the way african americans have it in their blood to wear ice and that they will bang and do what they can to get it and ironically they die for the same way that african's die to get diamonds over here.
Jay Z's lyrics aren't bad either. They refer to Jigga's recent move to Def Jam, specifically when he says he had to get out of the boat (Rockafella) to walk on water (running def jam). Then he talks about how there are so many people hoping that Rockafella will fail, and since Jay Z's departure, it came true, but the Roc still lives in Jay Z and the artists he brought with him to Def Jam. That's where the reference to watching the "Titanic Sink" comes in, and rising from the ashes like a phoenix refers to the Roc living through Def Jam. At least, that is my interpretation.
I think the lyrics on this version are brilliant just as the dude above says, but not just because what he says; it is more about how he says it. I love the way he compares the way african americans have it in their blood to wear ice and that they will bang and do what they can to get it and ironically they die for the same way that african's die to get diamonds over here.
Jay Z's lyrics aren't bad either. They refer to Jigga's recent move to Def Jam, specifically when he says he had to get out of the boat (Rockafella) to walk on water (running def jam). Then he talks about how there are so many people hoping that Rockafella will fail, and since Jay Z's departure, it came true, but the Roc still lives in Jay Z and the artists he brought with him to Def Jam. That's where the reference to watching the "Titanic Sink" comes in, and rising from the ashes like a phoenix refers to the Roc living through Def Jam. At least, that is my interpretation.