Jay-Z/Talib Kweli

[fineintent]

This is something I've been meaning to ask since I first heard the Black Album, and the lyric reminded me of something from Talib Kweli's Beautiful Struggle. I'm hoping someone, like Jimmy the Exploder, with be able to explain this.

Jay-Z says "If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli. Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common sense (but I sold 5mil) I ain't been rhyming like Common sense.

And Talib Kweli "If lyrics sold, truth be told, I'd probably be as rich and famous as Jay Z. Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common sense, next best thing do a record with Common sense."

Now I've totally missed the story, if there is one, behind this - can someone it explain it to me? Is it just playful between the two, or is there any seriousness?

[The LBTN Express]

I think it was Jay-Z saying he'd dumbed down (simplified his lyrics) for his audience/mainstream to sell more records, saying if lyrics alone sold, he'd be more like Kweli. Same with Kweli saying if lyrics sold he'd be rich.

At least that's what I took it as when I first heard it.

[Lord Nibbler]

No, there's no beef there or anything. In fact, Jay did a verse for the Get By remix, along with Busta Rhymes.

[Driver The Naniwa]

Basically what Holokast said was right. Jay's saying that if skills sold records that he'd step his game up to Kweli's level of lyricism.

[Karizma]

heh, more proof to stregthen a strong case thats going round that Jay-Z's a biter.

[Lord Nibbler]

heh, more proof to stregthen a strong case thats going round that Jay-Z's a biter.

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[DMN in the House]

Yeah, there's enough ammo to call Jay-Z on stealing lines to leave this one alone.

The fact is, I lost respect for Jay-Z when he said he 'dumbed down' his lyrics (if not in so many words). I can't respect someone who dosen't bring their full talent and ability to the table.

[MalaCloudy Black]

There's a parody song type of thing floating around called "I'm A Biter, Not A Writer", but yeah, Jimmy's right - Jigga came up with the line and Kweli flipped it.

[fineintent]

Meh, I like me Jay-Z - even his more commercial songs like Girls, Girls, Girls have some quality lines. More than can be said for numerous mainstream artists.

[Guest N9Ne]

*cough*50Cent*cough

I don't know how ya'll can say you don't like Jay-Z just because he bites biggies lyrics, everyone takes eachothers lyrics, but Ja-Z does it more than most...if you ever listened to any of his old, underground shit you would know why people consider him the best alive

but meh...those are just my 2 Cents