Released: 2013
Label: All Money In No Money Out, Inc
Featuring: Goldie, MGMT, Dom Kennedy, Cobby Supreme, Steve Jobs
With raw authenticity and unwavering conviction, Nipsey Hussle’s ‘Nip Hussle the Great: Vol. 2’ paints a stark picture of life and struggle in the streets of South Central, Los Angeles. The groundbreaking album, released by All Money In No Money Out, Inc in 2013, offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Hussle’s world, fusing tales of determination, ambition, and resilience with hard-hitting critiques on systemic barriers and societal expectations. Hussle’s lyrical prowess shines throughout, highlighted by standout tracks such as “Love”, “Keys 2 the City”, “A Million”, and “Who Detached Us (feat. Steve Jobs)”. Features by Goldie, MGMT, Dom Kennedy, Cobby Supreme, and Steve Jobs add depth and diversity to the album, contributing to its lasting legacy within the hip-hop pantheon. So let’s get into it. From the first beat to the last refrain, we’ll be breaking down the album “Nip Hussle the Great: Vol. 2” by Nipsey Hussle.
1 Love
He spits, “Told my momma I’m a gang bang graduate / Pioneered the transition of this crippin’ wasn’t easy nigga but I mastered it,” encapsulating his transformation from street life to rap supremacy. Hussle doesn’t just dwell on the glitz of success; he delves into the grit it took to get there, and the solace he finds in proving his doubters wrong. His words are a testament to staying true to one’s roots while navigating the treacherous waters of fame and fortune, a reminder of the relentless pursuit of greatness against all odds. “Love” isn’t just a song; it’s an ethos, embodying the spirit of the marathon continuing, even in Hussle’s absence.
2 Blue Lace
Features: Goldie
3 Keys 2 the City
Nipsey spills his journey with a raw conviction, from cruising in a “Four fifty-five, I drive by doin 100” to recognizing the hustle it takes to rise to the top. He’s not just about making money; he’s about making a statement. When he says, “Cause I’ve been making money / (Yeah) I got the key to the city!”, it’s a testament to his influence and presence in the rap game. It’s Hussle’s way of declaring his sovereignty over his terrain, South Central, and by extension, the West Coast hip-hop scene, proving he’s more than a rapper—he’s a movement.
4 7 Days a Week
Hussle’s narrative captures the essence of his journey—shifting from the hedonistic pleasures to a deeper, more purposeful hustle. His lyrics, “I’m tryin’ to live my life, so when it’s over I got no regrets,” hit with the force of conviction, encapsulating the relentless pursuit of success while navigating life’s complexities. This track isn’t just about the grind; it’s a reflection on making meaningful choices and standing firm in one’s path, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.
5 The Crown
6 Call from the Bank
Features: MGMT
Mgmt)” Nipsey Hussle interweaves narratives of success and authenticity against a backdrop of wealth and ambition. This track gleams with the raw hunger and focused mindset that propelled Nipsey from the streets of Crenshaw to a celebrated position in the hip-hop pantheon. A line that drills deep into the essence of Nipsey’s grind and vision is, “Lot of niggas running sprints but they never win the race.” Here, he critiques the short-sighted rushes for success, advocating instead for a steady, persistent pursuit – a marathon, embodying both his strategy towards life and business. His unapologetic acknowledgment of his rise, despite the odds and the hate, celebrates perseverance and self-certainty in the ruthless terrains of both the music industry and life.
7 U Dont Got a Clue
Stripped of any pretense, Nipsey narrates his journey with a candidness that resonates: “Nigga ain’t have no peace inside my house until I moved.” This line underscores the adversity he navigated, refuting any notion of an easy path. He challenges the expectations placed on him, spotlighting the solitary nature of his hustle and the oft-overlooked struggle behind his success. It’s a powerful reminder of his resilience, the self-made ethos at the core of his legacy, and a reflection on the reality that real success requires sacrifices that many can’t even fathom.
8 Rose Clique
With standout lines like “Shooting at the world, dog, ’cause life is just a free throw,” he encapsulates the constant battle for success, likening life’s challenges to a free shot – a moment both fraught with pressure and ripe with opportunity. His linguistics skillfully weave through tales of resilience, ambition, and the quest for legacy, underpinned by his deep connection to the streets and a savvy business mindset that transcends the conventional rap narrative. Hussle’s narrative isn’t just about personal triumph; it’s a clarion call to those striving against odds, championing the belief that with determination, the seed of ambition will eventually bear fruit to feed one’s community.
9 Forever on Some Fly Shit
With razor-sharp lines like “Neighborhood nigga still good on every block / Still bust on any nigga acting like he can’t get shot, hol’ up,” Hussle articulates the balance of respect he commands from both the streets and the industry. His words paint a vivid picture of navigating success and envy, underlining the fact that despite the allure of the high life, he remains grounded in the principles that got him there. The track isn’t just a boast but a gritty reflection on survival, loyalty, and the hustle, underscoring Nipsey’s commitment to riding solo and standing tall in the face of adversity and pretense.
10 A Million
Hussle vividly narrates his journey towards financial independence and success despite the systemic obstacles and personal trials he’s faced, asserting, “I got my mind on a million for I turned 26.” This line not only exemplifies his early ambition but also sets the tone for a track that’s both a celebration of resilience and a testament to the unwavering belief in one’s potential amidst adversity. Nipsey’s storytelling, rich with authenticity and gritty realism, inspires a connective thread of aspiration and perseverance, reminding listeners that vision and hard work can indeed pave the road to riches.
11 I Don’t Give a Fucc
By affirming, “For I run from a nigga I lose the fight / I gotta hustle, momma ima mood in white,” he highlights the relentless hustle and the unyielding defiance against any form of defeat. This track is a gritty, uncompromising reflection on the dangers and realities of street life, where loyalty to one’s roots and the struggle for survival overshadow societal norms. Nipsey’s narration embodies the spirit of the streets, offering a stark look into the cyclical nature of violence, poverty, and the nuanced battle between personal aspirations and loyalty to one’s origins.
12 Bigger Than Life
Hussle’s raw introspection and steadfast resilience resonate, especially in lines like, “Hope your opportunity survives the opportunist.” He challenges the materialistic allure and the systemic barriers that stifle Black excellence, emphasizing a journey of self-discovery and tenacity against all odds. His call to transcend beyond mere survival to making significant impacts rings especially powerful, marking this song as an anthem for relentless pursuit and the realization of one’s potential beyond the constraints of their circumstances.
13 Tha Mansion
He articulates the juxtaposition of his humble beginnings against his current lavish lifestyle, capturing the essence of his journey with lines like, “When I drove a bucket, and we used to share a mattress. Looking at me now you can see the contrast.” Hussle’s storytelling, marked by vivid imagery and a sharp critique of superficial values, underscores the importance of authenticity and hard-earned success. The track serves not just as a celebration of personal achievements but as a motivational anthem that champions resilience, vision, and the refusal to settle for mediocrity, encapsulated in the standout line, “Money first, women second, and you hoes is last / ‘Cause I don’t wanna fuck if I know I can.”
14 I Need That
Features: Dom Kennedy
Featuring Dom Kennedy, they’re laying down the law of attraction, wealth, and respect with an assertive swagger that’s as much about their grind as it is about the material rewards it brings. At the heart of their message is a relentless pursuit of success, underscored by lines that boast of early mornings and late nights dedicated to the hustle, like “Listen, no kush, just a gang of folgers / Me, my laptop, and my notebook call that my triangle offense.” This standout line not only sheds light on their work ethic but also cleverly equates it to a winning basketball strategy, encapsulating the song’s overall theme of hard-earned triumph.
15 Fly Crippin
Features: Cobby Supreme
Through visceral lyrics that juxtapose violence and opulence, the essence of their identity emerges unapologetically. The song solidifies their status, not just as artists, but as figures who’ve transcended their circumstances without forsaking their roots. A standout line, “If them niggas fly then I’m a spaceship,” captures their transcendent self-image, elevating their street sophistication to cosmic levels, further cementing their unparalleled presence in the game and the unique path they’ve carved within it.
16 Road to Riches
Nipsey narrates his transition, highlighting his relentless pursuit of success despite the obstacles. A standout line, “I keep moving, keep puffing till I see improvement. I know that I can’t win them all, but I can’t keep losing,” strikes at the heart of the hustle, embodying the spirit of resilience and continuous progress. The track is a testament to the power of resilience, a beacon for those in the grind, underscoring the importance of moving forward, no matter the odds.
17 Who Detached Us
Features: Steve Jobs
Hussnle’s verses are a blend of personal journey and broader societal observation, emphasizing the impact of external influences and the importance of self-belief and resilience. A poignant line, “We used to be connected, who detached us,” encapsulates the song’s essence, probing the loss of unity and the quest for identity amidst a maze of materialism and misdirection. Hussle’s lyrical prowess shines, offering a stark commentary on the challenges of remaining authentic and connected in a rapidly changing world.
18 Outro
