Lyrical Breakdown of Know That - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

Welcome to the detailed analysis of "Know That" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.

  • Lyric Overview: Witness how Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "Know That" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
  • Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
  • Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "Know That" not only celebrates Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!

Hey, hey, hey man

I strike the empire back

I strike the empire back

Fuck the empire

High flyin' like the Millennium Falcon, piloted by Han Solo

I never roll for dolo, frontin' on me's a no-no

Understand? Doin' this for my family

Ha ha, check it out y'all

Yo, I'm tryin' to make a dollar out of what makes sense

Add it up, told my daddy I'd be a rich man

You never know when your fate gon' switch hand

Get today's solid ground out of yesterday's quicksand

I was a young boy, who dreamt about being a big man

On small looseleaf sheets I sketched a big plan

Gotta handle business properly, boost up my economy

Store it up and get my mom some waterfront property

Yesterday was not for me but nowadays it's time for me

The streets is watchin' me, I watch back, that's the policy

Movin' along my oddesey like blood through the artery

Navigate the treacherous and make it seem effortless

Let those who make the exodus seekin' the North beacon

From beatin' and hog-eatin', from punishment all season

From hands cracked and bleedin' cotton thorns in your palms

It's for y'all that I sketch these songs, and it goes

Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow

I fear no man, because faith is the arrow

My vocal chord travel worldwide to block narrow

We can blow with the ammo or go mano-a-mano

Kweli is you wit me? Let's make it happen

(Whattup whattup?)

I burn through your argument with action

My eyes stay fastened to tomorrow lookin' for a brighter day

When y'all wanna leave y'all? Right away

Shout it out from East-West, from South to Northern

From Cakalak' to California

From the coldest to the warmest

To the borders 'cross the waters, understand

And know that I love you

We got love in the place

Shout out to all the Queens all the seeds

To all the teams that's gettin' cream

From outlaw to emcee's

Make it happen do your thing, understand

And know that I love you

Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen

Guess who? The illest MC in the atmosphere, yeah the Soul Controller

Who roam the frontier like a Buffalo Soldier

I follow the code of honor like a real man gonna

Never disrespect no women 'cause I love my momma

These cats be givin' us praise but it ain't that accurate

I give it up to God, all that, love and attachment, get

Scary well-prepared with the shears when it get hairy

Like how these niggaz is lookin' like some fairies

And singin' like canaries to the beast

And anybody who will listen to 'em clearly

Y'all don't hear me though, even when I'm comin' through in stereo

You make a mockery of what I represent properly

Yo, why you startin' me? I take that shit straight to the artery

Intellectual property I got the title and the deed

I pay for rent, with the tears and sweat, and what I bleed

MC's imitate the way we walk, the way we talk

You cats spit lyrical pork with no spiritual thought

Plus your flow a little bit off, you come across soft

Back in the days, niggaz like that on stage got tossed off

Need to get crossed off the guest list

It's like you gotta be disrespected

And thrown out the exit to get the message

Sometimes your sunshine get snatched like a necklace

When you get too drunk on power and your drive get reckless

Check it, MC's in my face after I slug you then I hug you

If I gotta dead you know it's only 'cause I love you

Shout it out from East-West from South to Northern

From the richest to the poorest

To the elders in the coffins

Livin' native dyin' for it, understand

And know that I love you

Yeah, yeah, we got love in the place

Shout out from up top to the middle

To black bottom, sky high

Whether you colder than December or hotter, than July

It don't stop 'til we complete this

And know that I love you keep this fly

It's so much to life when you just

Stay black, stay black

Stay black, stay black

Stay black, stay black

Stay black, stay black

Stay black, stay black

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, my people, my people people p-people

My people, oh oh oh oh ohh, oh ohh