Kanye West

Lyrics

[Intro]
Ladies and gentlemen, let's put our hands together for this dynasty
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen
To the eighth wonder of the world
The flow of the century
Always timeless
Hov
Thanks for coming out tonight
You could've been anywhere in the world
But you're here with me
I appreciate that
Uh

[Verse 1]
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
For shizzle, my nizzle, used to dribble down in VA
Was herbing 'em in the home of the Terrapins
Got it dirt cheap for them
Plus if they was short with cheese, I would work with them
Brought in weed, got rid of that dirt for them
Wasn't born hustlers, I was birthing 'em
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
For sheezy, my neezy, keep my arms so breezy
Can't leave rap alone, the game needs me
Haters want me clapped in chrome, it ain't easy
Cops want to knock me, D.A. wants to 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
For shizzle, my nizzle, used to dribble down in VA
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem, getcha damn hands up
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Not guilty, y'all got to feel me
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem, getcha damn hands up (Holla at me)

[Verse 2]
I do this for my culture, to let 'em know
What a nigga look like when a nigga in a roadster
Show 'em how to move in a room full of vultures
Industry shady, it need to be taken over
Label owners hate me, I'm raisin' the status quo up
I'm overcharging niggas for what they did to the Cold Crush
Pay us like you owe us for all the years that you hoed us
We can talk, but money talks, so talk more bucks
[Chorus]
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
For shizzle, my nizzle, used to dribble down in VA
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem, getcha damn hands up
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Not guilty, y'all got to feel me
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem, getcha damn hands up
[Verse 3]
Yeah, Hov is back, life stories told through rap
Niggas acting like I sold you crack (Yeah)
Like I told you sell drugs, no, Hov did that
So hopefully you won't have to go through that
I was raised in the projects, 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 lamppost, why I got my hand closed?
Crack's in my palm, watching the long arm of the law
So you know I seen it all before
I've seen hoop dreams deflate like a true fiend's weight
To try and to fail, the two things I hate
Succeed and this rap game, the two things that's great
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
What else can I say about dude? I gets busy
[Chorus]
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
For shizzle, my nizzle, used to dribble down in VA
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem, getcha damn hands up
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
Not guilty, y'all got to feel me
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
That's the anthem, getcha damn hands up
[Outro]
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A
H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A

JAY-Z is a name known to every hip-hop enthusiast, and one of his greatest hits is the classic track titled "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)". Released in 2001, the single was the first one from his album "The Blueprint," and helped him earn his very first top-10 spot on the "Billboard" "Hot 100" chart. The song narrates JAY-Z’s struggles, hardships, and experiences that eventually led to his journey as a world-renowned artist. Written with the Jigga’s unparalleled lyrical genius, "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" is a fantastic portrayal of JAY-Z's early days and his own insights into everything around him.

About Izzo (H.O.V.A.)

Upon first listen, it's hard not to be immediately captivated by the distinctive lyrics and unique rhythm of "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)." The song features JAY-Z's trademark versatility, with each verse having a different theme, all tied together smoothly.

The first verse highlights his past days as a drug dealer, which eventually leads to his journey towards becoming who he is today. JAY-Z narrates how he escaped from jail, setting his sights toward pursuing his passion for music. The second verse sees him discuss the exploitative recording industry and touches on how his past experiences help him make more informed decisions. Finally, In the last verse, JAY-Z reverts to his childhood memories growing up in the Marcy Houses housing projects.

One of the most recognizable elements of the track is undoubtedly the chorus, which uses the language code invented by rapper E-40 and popularized by Snoop Dogg. The lyrics, "H to the izz-O, V to the izz-A," spell out "H.O.V.A," one of JAY-Z's nicknames, undoubtedly one of its most recognizable hooks, ultimately launching Hov's career into unprecedented heights.

"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" indeed demonstrates JAY-Z's unique ability to create lyrics that are both rhythmic and meaningful. When asked about the creation of the song, Kanye West, the album's producer, said that it all stemmed from one beat, the Bam Bam riddim: "I discovered the [Bam Bam riddim]. I was like, 'This is bloodclaat fire!' Just hearing that siren – I was like, 'Oh, let's go to Jamaica."

The song is undoubtedly one of JAY-Z's most iconic tracks and is forever bound in the hearts of music fans worldwide. It's a true classic that showcases JAY-Z's ability as a storyteller that helped him become one of the most revered and respected artists in the music industry today.

Conclusion

"Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" has come a long way since its release in 2001, yet it continues to draw people in with its emotive and unique lyricism. With its evocative lyrics, distinct style, and unique hooks, the track will always hold a special place in music history, reminding music lovers everywhere just how talented and brilliant JAY-Z is as a musician. As a result, if you haven't yet listened to "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," you're missing out on one of the most iconic songs of the past few decades.

• Release Date: September 11, 2001
• Artist: Kanye West