The Phrase That Pays: "Dead Presidents" References In Rap

Read the lyrical history of the phrase "dead presidents."

Jay-Z: "Dead Presidents" - The lyrics: "I'm out for presidents to represent me."Sampling the standout verse from the aforementioned Nas song, Jay-Z crafted an intimate hustler’s anthem that would go on to appear on his debut album Reasonable Doubt. The sample would later play a pivotal role in the legendary beef between the two emcees, with each attempting to discredit one another musically.(Photo: Roc-A-Fella Records)
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Nas: "The World Is Yours" - The lyrics: “I’m out for presidents to represent me/(say what)/ I’m out for dead presidents to represent me."Though not the first artist to use this phrase, Nas may very well be the most famous and, if not him, the verse itself forever remains as one of the most quoted rap lyrics in history. Featured on his classic debut Illmatic, "The World Is Yours" is a somber ode to the problems in today’s society.(Photo: Columbia Records)031312-shows-bet-star-cinema-music-dead-presidents-jay-z.jpg

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Jay-Z: "Dead Presidents" - The lyrics: "I'm out for presidents to represent me."Sampling the standout verse from the aforementioned Nas song, Jay-Z crafted an intimate hustler’s anthem that would go on to appear on his debut album Reasonable Doubt. The sample would later play a pivotal role in the legendary beef between the two emcees, with each attempting to discredit one another musically.(Photo: Roc-A-Fella Records)

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