Jay Z's "Blue Magic" is a song that was released in 2007 as a single from his album "American Gangster." The song features a captivating and catchy beat, with Jay Z's signature smooth flow and clever lyrics. The term "Blue Magic" refers to a brand of heroin that was prevalent during the 1970s in the United States. In the song, Jay Z uses this term metaphorically to describe his success and rise to power in the rap industry. He compares his success to the allure and addictive qualities of the blue magic drug. Jay Z's verses in "Blue Magic" showcase his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability.
Jay Z's verses in "Blue Magic" showcase his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. He intertwines anecdotes about his journey from street hustler to music mogul, metaphorically comparing his success to the power and addictive nature of the blue magic drug. The song's production, handled by legendary producer Diddy, is a perfect complement to Jay Z's lyrics.
Jay-Z - Blue Magic Lyrics
So what if you flip a couple words, I could triple that in verse
Open your mind you see the circus in the sky
I'm Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey with the pies
No matter how you slice it, I'm your motherfuckin' guy
And just like a B-Boy with 360 waves
Do the same with the pot, still come back beige
Whether right or southpaw, whether pot or a jar
Whip it around, it still comes back hard
So easily do I W-H-I-P
My repetition with riches will bring the kilo business
I got Creole C-O bitches, for my niggas who slipped
Became prisoners, treats taped to the visitors
You already know what the business is
Unnecessary commissary, boy we live this shit
Niggas wanna bring the '80s back
That's okay with me, that's where they made me at
Except I don't write on the wall
I write my name in the history books hustlin' in the hall
Nah, I don't spin on my head
I spin my work into pot so I can spend my bread
And I'm gettin' it, I'm gettin' it
I ain't talkin' about it, I'm livin' it
I'm gettin' it, straight gettin' it
G-g-get it boy
Don't waste your time fightin' the life
Stay your course and you'll understand
Get it boy
This '87 state of mind that I'm in
In my prime, so for that time I'm Rakim
If it wasn't for the crime that I was in
But I wouldn't be the guy whose rhymes it is that I'm in
No pain, no profit
P, I'll repeat it to show you where the pot is
Cherry M3s with the top back
Red and green G's all on my hat
North Beach leathers, matchin' Gucci sweater
Gucci sneaks on to keep my outfit together
Whatever, hundred for the diamond chain
Can't you tell that I came from the dope game?
Blame Reagan for makin' me into a monster
Blame Oliver North and Iran-Contra
I ran contraband that they sponsored
Before this rhymin' stuff we was in concert
And I'm gettin' it, I'm gettin' it
I ain't talkin' about it, I'm livin' it
I'm gettin' it, straight gettin' it
G-g-get it boy
Don't waste your time fighting the life
Stay your course and you'll understand
Get it boy
Push, money over broads you got it
Fuck Bush, chef, guess what I cooked
Baked a lot of bread and kept it off the books
Rock star, look
Way before the bars my picture was gettin' took
Feds, they like whack rappers
Try as they may they couldn't keep me on the hook
D.A. wanna indict me
'Cause fish scales in my veins like a Pisces
The Pyrex pot rolled up my sleeves
Turned one into two like a Siamese twin
When it end, I'ma stand as a man
Never dying on my knees, last of a dyin' breed
So let the champagne pop
I partied for a while now I'm back to the block
And I'm gettin' it, I'm gettin' it
I ain't talkin' about it, I'm livin' it
I'm gettin' it, straight gettin' it
G-g-get it boy
Don't waste your time fighting the life
Stay your course and you'll understand
Get it boy
Blue Magic, that's a brand name
Like Pepsi, that's a brand name
I stand behind it, I guarantee it, they know that
Even if they don't know me any more
Than they know th-th-the chairman of General Mills
When it end, I'ma stand as a man
Never dying on my knees, last of a dyin' breed
So let the champagne pop
I partied for a while now I'm back to the block
The beat features a soulful sample, creating a nostalgic and cinematic backdrop for the song's subject matter. "Blue Magic" received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Jay Z's lyricism and the song's overall production. It was also successful commercially, peaking at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Overall, Jay Z's "Blue Magic" is a standout track in his discography, showcasing his storytelling abilities and lyrical prowess. Its use of metaphor and clever wordplay adds depth and substance to the song, making it a memorable and impactful piece of music..
Reviews for "The Influence of Jay Z's Blue Magic on Contemporary Rap Music"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Jay Z Blue Magic" to be underwhelming and lacking originality. While Jay Z is a talented rapper, this song felt like a recycled version of his previous work. The production was uninspired, the lyrics were repetitive, and I couldn't connect with the overall theme. It failed to bring anything new to the table and left me wanting more.
2. John - 2 stars - As a long-time fan of Jay Z, I was disappointed with "Blue Magic." The rhymes felt forced and lacked the clever wordplay I've come to expect from him. The beat was forgettable and didn't carry any significant impact. Overall, the track seemed rushed and uninspired, failing to capture the essence of what makes Jay Z's music so powerful. I hope he comes back with something stronger in his future releases.
3. Emily - 3 stars - While "Jay Z Blue Magic" had some redeeming qualities, it fell short of my expectations. The lyrics had potential, but they were overshadowed by the repetitive chorus and unremarkable production. It lacked the edge and creativity that I usually associate with Jay Z's music. Although it's not his best work, I still appreciate his effort to explore different sounds and themes. I hope he learns from this and delivers something more memorable in his next project.
4. Alex - 2 stars - "Blue Magic" is a forgettable and generic track from Jay Z. It lacks the depth, storytelling, and impactful delivery that I admire in his music. The lyrics seem unoriginal, and the beat fails to create any excitement or energy. Overall, it feels like a missed opportunity for Jay Z to truly showcase his skills and creativity. I expected more from an artist of his caliber.
5. Jessica - 2 stars - "Jay Z Blue Magic" is a mediocre effort from Jay Z. The song doesn't leave a lasting impression and fails to stand out among his discography. The repetitive chorus becomes tiresome after a few listens, and the verses lack the spark and wit that Jay Z is known for. It's a forgettable track from an artist who has proven his talent time and time again. I hope he surprises us with something better in the future.