Branding In Hip-Hop

Talib Kweli - It Only Gets Better “Keep laboring like you got a...

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:15:00 -0400

Talib Kweli - It Only Gets Better

“Keep laboring like you got a baby due/ You won’t taste no fruits like Naked Juice/ No more wait for you, you gotta take it now”

There are a lot of people that hate their jobs and only do it for the paycheck. It reaches a point where you are working so hard for something that isn’t even your calling. Essentially, the fruits of your labor will either be terrible or non-existent. Keep “laboring” for something you don’t believe in, and you won’t taste no “fruits” like Naked Juice. Although fruits are blended in different Naked Juice flavors, you still won’t taste the actual fruit. In order to do that, you need to make moves and go for what you deserve!

https://twitter.com/tann_time

Juicy J - On Deck A ni**a with a Oscar, what can I do next/...

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:32:00 -0400

Juicy J - On Deck

A ni**a with a Oscar, what can I do next/ I’ve been thinking Bugatti.. I can cut the check

Juicy J won an Oscar with Three 6 Mafia back in 06’. Right now, he’s one of the top artists thanks to his affiliation with the Taylor Gang with Wiz. He’s so trippy and so dope that he can now afford a Bugatti. He’s made it.

Yeah… Not much analysis needed here. Whatever. Prepping for this concert tonight!

https://twitter.com/tann_time

Kanye West - Flight School Shit, these last years been a haze...

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:02:00 -0400

Kanye West - Flight School

Shit, these last years been a haze like Isaac/ So I close my eyes tighter than Asian eyes get/ Realized I got the same wings angels fly with/ With Louie Vutton feathers, now that some fly shit

It’s obvious that Kanye has made a huge impact in the rap world. He went from the backpacker to the Louis Vuitton Don. Makes complete sense that he sees himself as a blessed angel. Only his wings are not feathers and wax like Icarus. This guy got LV wings.

So does that make Louis Vuitton the Daedalus of rap?

https://twitter.com/tann_time

Joell Ortiz – All On Me So say the word and I’m near, if it’s...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:37:00 -0400

Joell Ortiz – All On Me

So say the word and I’m near, if it’s somewhere not near/ I guess I’ll be in the air, or the next thing smoking, hoping it was a Lear/ so I can get there quick enough to get you in the clear

Loyalty, trust and true friendship will go a long way. If you are on Joell Ortiz’s good side, you will be sure to have a confidant that will help you no matter what. All you have to do is say the word and Joell will be there, no matter the distance. In fact, he will be so committed to being there, he will even try and hope for a Lear(jet), a luxury jet that will get him to your destination in no time.

Gotta give credit to Joell. While most would use a luxury jet to attend/hold important business meetings or parties, he will use a Lear to help you with any problems you have. And that right there is true loyalty.

https://twitter.com/tann_time

Trinidad James - All Gold Everything This one for them...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:56:00 -0400

Trinidad James - All Gold Everything

This one for them colleges, Them bad h**s at Spelman/ Shout out to them freshmen, on Instagram straight flexin’

According to demographics, Instagram is the top choice for African-Americans aged 18-29 years old. Spelman is an HBCU with college students within that age bracket. So it makes sense that Trinidad James is shouting out the ~~h**es~~ women at Spelman that are flexing their brains and beauty on Instagram.

Trinidad James would be great in the media industry. He knows who he is targeting.

Wooo!

https://twitter.com/tann_time

Kendrick Lamar - Fu*kin Problems Girl..I’m Kendrick Lamar/...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

Kendrick Lamar - Fu*kin Problems

Girl..I’m Kendrick Lamar/ AKA Benz is to me just a car

To most people in the world, a Mercedes Benz is a big deal and something to brag about for days. For Kendrick, who had one hell of a year in 2012 and continues to dominate in 2013, a Benz is nothing more than a typical car. He’s got the status and the funds for it. It’s not a big a deal anymore. It’s not a fu*kin problem.

Kanye West - All of The Lights Restraining order, Can’t see my...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 14:50:00 -0400

Kanye West - All of The Lights

Restraining order, Can’t see my daughter/ Her mother, brother, grandmother, hate me in that order/ Public visitation, We met at Borders/ Told her she take me back, I’ll be more supportive

Kanye is human. He has made mistakes (which the media loves). All he wants to do is make up and be a better person. So in this anecdote (which may or may not be true), he convinces a woman that he cannot legally see to meet him in Borders, a (past) bookstore franchise. There, he tells her that he will be more supportive and that he wants to be taken back.

Borders may not exist anymore, but gotta love the fact that it provided a center for make ups like this.

Fabolous - My Time First I take the time out, Then I put the...

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:39:00 -0500

Fabolous - My Time

First I take the time out, Then I put the time in/ Money aint everything, it’s more about the timing/ So I got the Audemar, Flawless diamond/ In other words that’s called perfect timing

Audemar watch is a luxury brand. Using it as a metaphor, Fabis showing that he is very time saavy and uses time wisely. Success is how well you use your time, so might as well celebrate the glory by getting an Audemar with the flawless diamond. Perfect watch, right Loso?

Jay-Z - The Prelude VVS boulders, oh they’re visibly set/...

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:11:00 -0500

Jay-Z - The Prelude

VVS boulders, oh they’re visibly set/ Head and shoulders, my invisible neck/ You see Hova wasn’t digital yet/ Before Steve Jobs made the iPod/ Was gettin’ head jobs, we call that “intimate”

VVS means “very, very slightly.” It is ranked really high in the diamond clarity scale. Jay’s head and shoulders were covered with these diamonds way before the fame. Even before Steve Jobs struck it big with the iPod and Jay-Z’s catalog became digital (like the majority of the musicians that are on major labels). Jay-Z is demonstrating that he has always maintained the status of a big shot and had women giving him “head jobs” because of his status. And, always one to provide clever word play, Jay-Z calls it “intimate”, pronouncing it in the song to rhyme with internet. This is his way to tie it in to his previous reference to one of the greatest digital music players released.

Kanye West - Touch The Sky Before anybody wanted K-West...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:08:00 -0500

Kanye West - Touch The Sky

Before anybody wanted K-West beats/ Me and my girl split the buffet at KFC

I don’t think KFC allows this. Nor do any buffets out there. Either way, being a musician is tough. Do what you can to make it, even if it means having a romantic evening with someone at the local KFC, splitting a buffet meal. Save your money on more important things, like clothes with logos.

Ghostface - New God Flow Six hundred Cuban cigar in the big...

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:01:00 -0500

Ghostface - New God Flow

Six hundred Cuban cigar in the big tub/ Medallion on, Dove soap on the fresh cut/ With soap suds on the Mac-11

Ghostface is known for this mafioso lifestyle. A regular day for him is with an electronic cigar, medallion on while taking a bath. And of course, there is no other brand that Ghostface will use besides Dove soap. It is the soap from the heavens. It is essential when “cleaning your ass”, cleaning your “nuts” (but ALWAYS after you wash your face fist), and the dirt on your ankles.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Click here. Years ago, Dove soap was described by Ghost as the soap from the heavens. Years later, he shouts it out on this smash hit from the G.O.O.D. music camp.

Brand loyalty at its finest.

_____________

EDIT: Post Approved By Tony Starks

https://twitter.com/tann_time/status/285445454907457536

Jay-Z - Dead Presidents Pt. 1 So sick of niggas. “I want...

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:01:18 -0500

Jay-Z - Dead Presidents Pt. 1

So sick of niggas. “I want money like Cosby!” Who wouldn’t?/ This’ the kinda talk that make me think you probably ain’t got no puddin’/ Niggas got them kinda dreams from jail/ You in the streets nigga make your moves, get your mill’

Bill Cosby was one of the highest paid entertainers in the nineties thanks to his highly popular “Cosby Show” and famous endorsement of Jello Pudding. It’s no surprise people wanted money like him. But to Jay-Z, this kind of dream is annoying and useless. Not only does it show you don’t have the “pudding” like Cosby, but it also shows that you aren’t doing anything to get to your dream. Stop talking about it and make your moves. Only then can you sit back and relax like Cosby.

Nas - Usual Suspects I used to stand on rooftops, with 2...

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:01:10 -0500

Nas - Usual Suspects

I used to stand on rooftops, with 2 Glocks/ Figuring, how do I turn my Timbalands to Crocs?

No no. Nas ain’t talking about these. He is talking about Crocodile shoes that usually equates to success and style. Nas spent his earlier days in good old Queens, where he would wear his work boots by Timbaland and be involved with criminal activities. Nas was smart enough to realize that this wasn’t the future he wanted. So he uses symbolism, like he is usually does, to show what he doesn’t want (a gritty life where he is wearing Timbaland boots on rooftops) and what he envisions for himself (wearing Crocodile shoes and living the lavish life).

Joey Bada$$ - Update It was love at the profile pic/ We was...

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:38:22 -0500

Joey Bada$$ - Update

It was love at the profile pic/ We was Facebook flirting, never even met her in person/ But it seem like we was soulmates on the phone late/ She my one and only, be there when I be lonely

The beauty of social media. No longer do you have to meet women or men to court them. As long as you have a computer and a Facebook profile, you can do all the introductions and flirting from your desk/bed/couch/etc. Then, once you know that she/he is down to hang, you can then go the extra step and become soulmates on the telephone. 21st century dating at its finest!

Meek Mill and Big Sean - Burn Cause we next and we flex...

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:01:26 -0500

Meek Mill and Big Sean - Burn

Cause we next and we flex like/ 90PX, working all night no breaks or a recess

If you are going to do P90X, expect to “flex” and do extensive work in a short amount of time with no breaks in the middle. It is a straight workout that is pretty effective if you are consistent with it. In Big Sean and Meek Mill’s case, they are the rap game’s P90X, where they are consistently flexing with no breaks or rest. So if you want to succeed, be sure you follow the same regimen as Big Sean, Meek Mill, and Pam.

The Game - Ricky They want me to sing, like Sinatra, I told the...

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:01:27 -0500

The Game - Ricky

They want me to sing, like Sinatra, I told the detective/ Get this clear like Belvedere vodka/ Them five shots created a monster

The Game was shot five times around the time before his first album came out. when he was in the hospital, cops were questioning him about the shooting and what happened. Game, always loyal to the street code of “no snitching”, doesn’t give the cops anything. Rather, he tells them about the effect the 5 shots had on him. He also tells them to get it clear like Belvedere vodka when it comes to the 5 “shots.” Nice pun Game. You made it loud and “clear” there.

Young Jeezy - I Luv It You gotta play it how it go, you...

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 18:14:00 -0500

Young Jeezy - I Luv It

You gotta play it how it go, you can’t cheat on life (YEAH!)/ You better drink a Red Bull, you can’t sleep on life/ I ain’t tryna do you, I’m tryin’ do me/ Last album did two, I’m just tryin’ do three

Red Bull’s famous slogan: “Red Bull Give You Wings!” In other words, Red Bull will give you the power and alertness you need to succeed in life. So it’s best to not sleep on life, and have the wings you need to do well and succeed the way you can. It’s helping Young Jeezy out for sure, especially with his Jay-Z inspired goal of improving on his sales by another million.

Lupe Fiasco - Go To Sleep Insomniac since way back, see this is...

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:07:00 -0500

Lupe Fiasco - Go To Sleep

Insomniac since way back, see this is what I been like/ Bacon, eggs and pancakes, eating that at midnight/ Getting up and going hard, I don’t need no Enzyte

Lupe never rests when it comes to the music. Sleeping is for softies and you all can go to sleep if you want. However, Lupe is going “the opposite of erectile dysfunction” and needs no enhancements for his productivity. So I’m assuming the studio would be the lucky lady?

Missy Elliot – All In My Grill Talk is talk, and talk is cheap/...

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 17:51:00 -0400

Missy Elliot – All In My Grill

Talk is talk, and talk is cheap/ tell it to her, don’t say it to me/ cause I know I’m in control/ See Trix are for kids, and boo I’m too old

General Mill’s Trix probably has the best name in the cereal market. The slogan “Trix are for kids” is quite a classic. A slogan that is applicable to basic life situations will surely be remembered by most. Adults hear this and realize that “tricks” are indeed for kids. For adults, there is a certain level of class and maturity that is needed, especially if you are with Missy Elliot. Don’t be “trickin” on Missy. She is too old for that and any lies you have should be directed to any mistress you are currently engaged with.

At the same time, everyone has the right to do whatever they want. If you want to eat Trix cereal or play games with women like Missy Elliot, then go for it. Just realize that you will be consuming cereal with high sugar values, as well as getting on Missy’s bad side.

Big K.R.I.T. – The Alarm (Do you believe) that the world feels...

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 17:01:10 -0400

Big K.R.I.T. – The Alarm

(Do you believe) that the world feels your pain/ It’s kill or be killed, can you keep what you claimed/ (Do you believe) that you really can sustain/ this lifestyle, Sky Miles, ballin in the chains

In the past two years, K.R.I.T. has managed to make quite a name for himself in hip-hop, with memorable mixtapes and a solid debut album. However, the introspective K.R.I.T. questions whether this is all worth it, or whether the fame and (gold) chains are indeed bringing him happiness. In this kill or be killed competitive genre, K.R.I.T. questions whether he can sustain his sanity as he travels all around the country. His Delta Sky Miles are definitely racking up though, as the fame has allowed him to travel everywhere for tours and events.

As a frequent traveler, it definitely helps to be on a loyalty program that keeps track of your frequent flyer miles. However, do the Sky Miles help the loneliness and pain?