H to the Izzo (U Not Like Me) by DJ Spinatik & Jay-Z (2024)

H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
Was hurtin' '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 birthin' 'em
H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A

Fo' sheezy my neezy keep my arms so freezy
Can't leave rap alone the game needs me
Haters want me clapped and chromed it ain't easy
Cops want to knock me, D.A. want 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

H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
That's the anthem get'cha 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 get'cha damn hands up

Holla at me
I do this for my culture
To let 'em know what a nigg* look like, when a nigg* in a roaster
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 over chargin' nigg*s 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 mo' bucks

H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
That's the anthem get'cha 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 get'cha damn hands up

Yeah
Hov' is back, life stories told through rap
nigg*s actin' like I sold you crack
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 lamp post, why I got my hand closed?
Cracks in my palm, watchin' the long arm of the law
So you know I seen it all before
I seen hoop dreams deflate like a true fiend's weight
To try and to fail, the two things I hate
Succeed in 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

H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
Fo' shizzle my nizzle used to dribble down in VA
H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A
That's the anthem get'cha 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 get'cha damn hands up

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

In the opening verses of "H to the Izzo", Jay-Z reflects on his past experiences as a hustler, referencing his time in Virginia where he used to "dribble down" and make moves in the drug trade. He talks about how he was resourceful in providing for those who needed his services, even working with people who couldn't afford his prices. Jay-Z portrays himself as someone who was not born into the hustle but rather became a mentor to others in the game, guiding and supporting them. The repetition of "H to the Izz-o, V to the Izz-A" serves as a signature refrain throughout the song, embodying Jay-Z's confidence and assertiveness.

As the song progresses, Jay-Z addresses the challenges and pressures he faces in the rap game, with people constantly trying to bring him down and hinder his success. Despite facing scrutiny from law enforcement and the legal system, Jay-Z boasts about overcoming obstacles and emerging unscathed, comparing himself to Rocky in his ability to beat charges. He confidently asserts his dominance in the industry, declaring that those who do not acknowledge his talent or presence in the game are irrelevant in his eyes, emphasizing his self-assurance and resilience.

The chorus of the song reinforces Jay-Z's declaration of innocence and his demand for recognition and respect from his peers and critics. The anthem-like quality of the lyrics urges listeners to raise their hands in acknowledgment and celebration of Jay-Z's prowess and influence in the music world. He proclaims his authenticity and dismisses those who doubt him, using his signature swagger and wordplay to assert his authority and command attention.

In the final verse, Jay-Z shifts the focus to his personal journey and the obstacles he has overcome, painting a vivid picture of his upbringing in the projects surrounded by poverty and crime. He reflects on the harsh realities he witnessed, from drug addiction to the struggles of his community, highlighting the sacrifices he made to achieve success. Jay-Z challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about his background, emphasizing the resilience and determination that propelled him to the top of the music industry. The closing lines reaffirm his dedication to his craft and his commitment to sharing his life story through his music, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in hip-hop.