Kanye West & Jay-Z - Murder to Excellence - Watch the Throne (2011) HQ

Murder to Excellence - Watch the Throne No Copyright Infringement Intended. All credits go to Kanye West & Jay-Z and UMG
LYRICS
(Jay-Z)
Bloody Murder, murder murder (x4)
(Kanye West)
The paper read murder, Black on black murder
The paper read murder, Black on black murder
(Jay-Z)
This is to the memory of Danroy Henry
Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly
Strays from the same shade, Ni**a we on the same team
Giving you respect, I expect the same thing
All black everything, Ni**a you know my fresh code
I'm out here fightin' for you, Don't increase my stress load
Ni**as watchin' the throne, Very happy to be
Power to the people, When you see me, see you
(Kanye West)
And I'm from the murder capital, Where they murder for capital
Heard about at least 3 killings this afternoon
Lookin' at the news like damn I was just with him after school,
No shop class but half the school got a tool,
And I could die any day type attitude
Plus his little brother got shot reppin' his avenue
It's time for us to stop and re-define black power
41 souls murdered in 50 hours
The paper read murder, Black on black murder,
The paper read murder, Black on black murder again
Murder again...
Is it genocide?
Cause I can still hear his momma cry, Know the family traumatized
Shots left holes in his face, Bout piranha-size
The old pastor closed the cold casket
And said the church ain't got enough room for all the tombs
It's a war going on outside we ain't safe from
I feel the pain in my city wherever I go
314 soldiers died in Iraq
509 died in Chicago
(Jay-Z)
I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died
Real niggas just multiply
And they say 21 I was supposed to die
So I'm out here celebratin' my post demise
If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival
You gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you
What up blood? What up cuz?
It's all black, I love us
(Kanye West)
The paper read murder, Black on black murder again
(Jay-Z)
It's a celebration of black excellence
Black tie, black Maybachs
Black excellence, opulence, decadence
Tuxes next to the president, I'm present
I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris
In sheepskin coats, I silence the lamb
Do you know who I am Clarice?
No cheap cologne whenever I "shh-shh"
Success never smelled so sweet, I stink of success
The new black elite They say my black card bear the mark of the beast
I repeat, My religion is the beat
My verse is like church, My Jesus piece Now please, domino, domino
Only spot a few blacks the higher I go
What's up to Will, Shoutout to O
That ain't enough, We gon need a million more
Kick in the door, Biggie flow
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
(Kanye West)
Yea it's all messed up when it's nowhere to go
So we won't take the time out til we reach the T O P
From paroles to hold G's, sold keys, low keys
We like the promised land of the OG's
In the past if you picture events like a black tie
What the last thing you expect to see, black guys
What's the life expectancy for black guys?
The system's working effectively, that's why
I'll be a real man and take care of your son
Every problem you had before this day is now done
New crib, watch a movie
Cause ain't nothin on the news but the blues
Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci
Now ain't nothin new but your shoes
Sunday morning, Praise the Lord
You the girl that Jesus had been saving me for
So let's savor this moment, And take it to the floor
Black excellence, Truly yours

[@drek100sm]

"Im from the murder capital where they murder for capital" one of the best lines on the album from Kanye

[@jeremymoreauuv207]

It was the line Ye gave Jay when he produced "Luficer" years ago, still hard

[@vineetkurade8961]

Ohhh 10 yr ago 👋

[@sherry6949]

ChiTown!

[@its_2woowicked]

Not even close.

[@christiancoates609]

@@jeremymoreauuv207 thank you. I thought I was the only one who noticed 👍

[@gregvarga5064]

"314 soldiers died in Iraq, 509 died in Chicago" that line is echoing in my head

[@Nclm1]

2 legends 1 dope instrumental = genius song

[@Beastmode298]

2 dope instrumentals lol

[@werder93]

the instrumental contains a little "sample" let's say, from a popular song from the romanian folklore.

[@brandoniver]

Anca Green what songs from Romanian folklore? I would actually love to know

[@mihai6178]

brandoniver search for this : Girls' processional walking dance from Capalna village

[@brandoniver]

Mihai Paul appreciate it

[@fahdkingoo]

The beginning of the song is perfect for a story when a hero shows up to defeat the villain.

[@mftorm]

Black Adam, big ups to you!

[@imbored7159]

after reading this comment!

[@MaazKhan-xv7to]

Damn…

[@monedastacker9487]

You win the internet.

[@chintanshah6234]

9 Years Later I'm commenting here to inform you that Black Adam finally did it

[@tudoremilianscheul7595]

Did you know that the girl's voices on the background that go "la la la" are from a world renowned choir from Romania, named "Fetele de la Capalna"? It is a beautiful music, specific for the southeastern part of Europe, especially Romania. I recommend you listening to this, because it represents an important influence for all of the artists today.

[@sandilemkhwanazi7795]

I never knew

[@dewey-cox]

TY well worth the 360 & 240p originals!!

[@plutomeduzza]

Those who sign are Surorile Osoianu

[@keymeter1917]

@tudoremilianscheul7595 Oh wow, respect! ❤️💐💯👏

[@foulx]

Definitely one of my favorite songs ever. It's genius, from lyrics to production.

[@alexandruspiridon4960]

the production is based on an ancient romanian folklore song .... youtube it ... "fetele de la capalna" ....

[@foulx]

Alexandru Spiridon Awesome! Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[@1LIFEtoWIN]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE MOST UNDERATED TRACK OFF THE ALBUM, I don't hear the radio repeat this song over and over, I don't hear kids blasting this off their headphones, or reticing its lyrics, I don't hear ppl bumping this in their cars.

[@auh11]

that’s cause you never saw me drive by

[@lovejustin1]

​@@auh11HARDDD AF

[@anthonychrisbradley]

Jay's verse on this is pure genuis....this whole song is.

[@MrBurgundy76]

"sunday morning, praise the lord, you the girl that jesus has been saving me for" absolutely beautiful. this is the reason we still love kanye west.

[@gregvarga5064]

314 soldiers died in Iraq, 509 died in Chicago, 509, 509, 509, 509 died in Chicago

[@Drawable]

*314 o_o

[@ShookOnesTO]

That statistic is a little misleading though. The amount of American soldiers(I presume that's what he means) that went to war was not even close to the number of people living in Chicago.

[@slimithy12]

***** Yeah but those soldiers were in a war zone. The people of Chicago live in "civilized" first world, highly advanced city which is one of the richest cities in thee richest country in the world.

[@ShookOnesTO]

slimithy12 That's my point. It's hard to compare the two.

[@laolu91]

a soul is a soul,regardless the circumstance

[@meshies]

This shit is so right in so many ways. Not everybody can feel how powerful this one really is. Kanye and Jay owe me a few pairs of speakers, this one has a broken some over the years. Watch The Throne is dangerous in my hands. " When you see me, see you."

[@colourlesspallete777]

"watch the throne is dangerous in my hands." - 🤓

[@mahermosally6691]

@@colourlesspallete777 nigga its been 8 years💀

[@colourlesspallete777]

@@mahermosally6691 gotta do anything for the bit

[@robbieardura]

one of my favorite productions from Kanye. I love his chanting productions for some reason. Power, Love Lockdown, Murder to Excellence, Jesus Walks,

[@malte1388]

the beat was actually made by S1

[@v.r.detailing3258]

Beat? Made by who? This is a romanian OLD authentic folclore song Here is the remix kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIKve6yEhKmbfNU

[@kevinwho.]

@@malte1388 S1 & Swizz Beatz

[@kevinwho.]

But it definitely sounds like a Kanye beat

[@pineapplevlogs1267]

i think the first part is swizz and the second part is s1 or something like that. one did the first part the other did the beat switch

[@sekkusupisutoruzu]

Everything that Romanian culture touches becomes so beautiful and colorful.

[@sophienaeyaert475]

one of the best songs on the album, we need more songs like this

[@TheNewLeaderOfZoePound]

ayiti m' illuminati m' 💍🇯🇲🇭🇹😈🤱🇭🇹😈

[@lukasmayo]

Man, that intro is mind blowing. I love how vibrant and colourful this song is

[@danglasu]

"Murder to Excellence" is by far the best song from Watch the Throne! Everybody loves it, sings it, dances to it! Everybody has the pleasure to make a "Murder to Excellence" video. A deep meaning meets a great music in "Murder to Excellence". This is an immortal song.

[@taham.mustafa2976]

Otis, new day, gotta have it and niggas in paris

[@Dominic078]

this song will be remembered

[@kafeiii]

Funny thing is, the whole 'lalalala' part is actually Romanian folk. Search for "Purtata fetelor de la Căpâlna" or "Argatu' - O Sesiune pe Folclorul Românesc și Aromân" and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[@kafeiii]

Based Jesus It's true that the Indiggo Twins used the same extract before Kanye and Jay-Z did, but the original is really just good old countryside folk. Hah, I'll have to say that it's pretty surprising to find stuff like this in the American music industry.

[@Kova363]

This song is the essence of hip hop music.It isn't about money,whores or something similar ... it's about a story,it has a message.You two guys are defending the pride of hip hop music today.

[@luanaburz]

Argatu` - O sesiune pe folclorul romanesc si aroman

[@khard2205]

This is a great message. They did excellent on this. A masterpiece

[@charliewilson1687]

One of those albums that gets even more magic every time you listen to it..... EPIC

[@tenta20]

One of the best hip hop tracks of 2011. Awesome song with a powerful message. Great job by Kanye and Jay-Z.

[@highasakit3]

The album which got me into hip hop

[@M1ssD3nm4rk]

WTT is a needed fresh blow in the music world.

[@jackkpiratul]

Argatu-o sesiune pe folclorul Romanesc!!!!ROMANIA BRRrrrraaaaaaaaaa

[@impretzozu]

nu stiam de ce mi se pare cunoscut si totusi nu-mi venea sa cred...:)) ai nostri mari raperi nu sunt in stare de asa ceva...

[@marcdean74]

By far the best song on Watch the Throne

[@madofgap]

can't live without this song

[@Beastmode298]

Powerful song. Black Excellence!

[@ChickenRunAficionado]

*Romanian Excellence dumbass!

[@joeberenguer3267]

the piano at 1:37 .....seriously just listen to it. Chills every time. It reminds me of younger Kanye. AND he's singing? Brilliant. I'll never get tired of this song.

[@kawasakininja13]

2:42 BLOWS MY MIND EVERY TIME!

[@jakeflacko834]

best hip hop album of the last decade, i dont car eif you dont like jay or kanye this album is a classic

[@Barhuumi]

I can honestly say that as a man who's listened to more or less everything hip hop has to offer.. Jay is truly the goat. Don't let this mainstream image fool you. "i dumbed down for my audience to double my dollars"

[@ArshiaE]

kanye west is probably one of the best rappers of all time, just cause of his originality and ability to make diverse music (raps about every possible subject that exist)

[@150jayy2]

Thank you

[@Nosonic64]

incorrect, he has not rapped about crash bandicoot for ps1

[@stephen121000]

whole song is amazing, but the beat from 2:42 is the best. love how it just flows

[@Zofjap]

Thumbs up if you think Jay and Kanye need to drop another collab album in 2015

[@yrnkevinsmithC-137]

We never getting it bro

[@jessegullick]

This is Art. - It's about genuine issues, it's saying something, it's heart felt and beautiful. This is the 1% or rap thats worth the time and effort put into it.

[@katolovesyou]

forgot how much I love this song ugh soooo gooooddd

[@gkb]

everything about this song is soo fucking sick. the beat, the flow, the meaning, this song get me in into the zone. underrated on the watch the throne. this and no church in the wild are my two favs

[@finallydoingmything2452]

Still banging in 2022, 2023 and forever ❤️

[@Huy-xu7yb]

Hawkman : "In this world, there are heroes and there are villains. Heroes don't kill people." Black Adam : "Well I do."

[@buttagood4you]

How can people argue that Jay-Z and Kanye West suck? They are Hip-Hop/Rap and this whole album just strengthens the argument for two of the best rappers alive!

[@Thegiovincofan]

I can't believe this only has 500K views this is the best song one the album, probably the best song of 2011

[@danglasu]

Love this powerful song, best on WTT, and I want to listen to it in movies, trailers, shows....

[@devansh6687]

Black Adam trailer your wish granted buddy

[@bkeepitsmooth]

jay never disappoint us. good music.

[@stellar1252]

One of the best songs of the 2010s imo

[@rolandej6047]

Jay-Z:] Uh, bloody murder, murder, murder Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder Bloody murder, murder, murder, murder Bloody murder, murder, murder [Kanye West:] Paper read: "Murder, black-on-black murder" Paper read: "Murder, black-on-black murder" again [Jay-Z:] Uh, this is to the memory of Danroy Henry Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly Strays from the same shade, nigga, we on the same team Giving you respect, I expect the same thing, uh All-black everything, nigga, you know my fresh code I'm out here fighting for you, don't increase my stress load Niggas watching the throne, very happy to be you Power to the people, when you see me, see you [Kanye West:] And I'm from the murder capital where they murder for capital Heard about at least three killings this afternoon Looking at the news like, "Damn! I was just with him after school" No shop class, but half the school got a tool And a "I could die any day"-type attitude Plus his little brother got shot reppin' his avenue It's time for us to stop and redefine black power Forty-one souls murdered in fifty hours [Kanye West:] The paper read: "Murder, black-on-black murder" The paper read: "Murder, black-on-black murder" again "Murder" again [Kanye West:] Is it genocide? 'Cause I can still hear his mama cries Know the family traumatized Shots left holes in his face about piranha-sized The old pastor closed the cold casket And said the church ain't got enough room for all the tombs It's a war going on outside we ain't safe from I feel the pain in my city wherever I go 314 soldiers died in Iraq, 509 died in Chicago [Jay-Z:] I arrived on the day Fred Hampton died Uh, real niggas just multiply And they say by 21, I was supposed to die So I'm out here celebrating my post-demise If you put crabs in a barrel to ensure your survival You're gon' end up pulling down niggas that look just like you What up, Blood? Uh, what up, cuz? Uh, it's all black, uh, I love us [Kanye West:] The paper read: "Murder, black-on-black murder" The paper read: "Murder, black-on-black murder" again "Black-on-black murder" again "Black-on-black murder" again [II. "Excellence"] [Jay-Z:] It's a celebration of black excellence, black tie, black Maybachs Huh, yeah, uh [Jay-Z:] Black excellence, opulence, decadence Tuxes next to the president, I'm present I dress in Dries, and other boutique stores in Paris In sheepskin coats, I silence the lambs Do you know who I am, Clarice? No cheap cologne whenever I "shh-shh" Success never smelled so sweet I stink of success, the new black elite They say my Black Card bears the mark of the beast I repeat: my religion is the beat My verse is like church, my Jesus piece Now please, domino, domino Only spot a few blacks the higher I go, uh What's up to Will? Uh, shout out to O, uh That ain't enough, we gonna need a million more, uh Kick in the door, uh, Biggie flow I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go, uh [Kanye West:] Yeah, it's all messed up when it's nowhere to go So we won't take the time out 'til we reach the T-O-P From parolees that hold G's, sold keys, low keys We like the promised land of the OG's In the past if you picture events like a black tie What's the last thing you expect to see? Black guys What's the life expectancy for black guys? The system's working effectively, that's why I'll be a real man, take care of your son Every problem you had before this day is now done New crib, watch a movie 'Cause ain't nothin' on the news but the blues Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci Now ain't nothing new but your shoes Sunday morning, praise the Lord You the girl that Jesus had been saving me for So let's savor this moment and take it to the floor Black excellence, truly yours

[@rymaly]

The song is FETELE DE LA CAPALNA

[@KochisarliHD7]

Can't stop listening to this song. Beat owns, Kanye owns.

[@RevoltOfAges]

One of the best parts of this album, so much ass kicking in one track

[@HappyWater45]

DAMN this song gets better with time!

[@lauralewis53]

"Murder to Excellence" is a work of art.

[@0perator8]

This song is STRONNNG!!!! What an incredible song.. Instant new in the top songs of all time club. The flows, that track, the vibe, that structure.. Hard.

[@joannalonnen5793]

a powerful song for everybody. love it

[@mariaesc964]

This excellent song could be an anthem for Africa, especially for South Africa

[@buttagood4you]

Exactly, which is why I play my ipod in my car so when I hear a song on the radio I've never heard of I do end up liking it around 6-8 months later when its "overplayed" music in the past is what keeps this genre alive imo.

[@laxchan]

Only album I will pay for this year!!!

[@lauralewis53]

Timeless music & lyrics... Love Watch the Throne !

[@KochisarliHD7]

Like the beat and the lyrics. Kanye is a genius.

[@sangoprime]

encoded yet the message is there for all. "giving you respect, I expect the same thing"

[@stephen121000]

amazing beat, kanye and jay went hard on the lyrics. amazing track

[@lensewithmwathiu.s.a2331]

Black excellence 2022 and beyond💫 You better watch the throne.💣💥🤴

[@Supersquirrel108]

this song is the best one on the album for sure

[@Hyz994]

Easily the best song on the album. Has a real message.

[@AndyFerg97]

yeah, they make heartfelt and beautiful music to me.

[@lauralewis53]

LOVE THIS SONG ABOUT ALL OF US. LOVE THE INDIGGO TWINS AND THEIR "LA LA LA" SONG.

[@wtfis23]

I feel like shit for not giving this song a chance when I first got the album. It is by far the best song on the album, the beat, their flow, the message. Everything a rap track should have.

[@2FINE4YOUBABYGIRL]

This is the anthem for all the brothas in the struggle!

[@DaveAllen85]

My favorite song on the album.

[@coriejay]

Jay's 3rd verse on this track is amazing.

[@MISSRADIANCE82]

THANK YOU JAY AND KANYE FOR REPPIN' MY HOMIE DANROY HENRY IN THIS SONG YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO ME, THE REST OF DJ'S FRIENDS AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL...MISS YOU DJ REST IN PEACE HOMIE LOVE ALWAYS YOU FAMOUS NOW BABY BOY!

[@Leroyaber]

:(

[@davido13245]

This is powerful

[@junky1893]

best song of the album ! i love it

[@webhero000]

he's so candid in his verses. Honesty truth with no flashiness, flowery language

[@fcs132]

This Beat is awesome! Watch the throne album has some of the best bests ive heard, certainly the best of Kanye West and Jay-Z

[@ThembalethuMvuleni94]

I always felt Hov brings out the lyrical genius in everyone he rhymes with. Business instinct aside, we can all agree that Hov was never wack.

[@giorgoskyrochristos7991]

Kanye is a pure genious. Rapper or not, I could care less, all I know is that he's an ARTIST !!!!

[@kikirowy]

Black Adam trailer song 🔥🔥

[@DannyTheGlover]

I love this song. It shows that Artist of this calibur can still make something that is meaningful. This song reminds me of Wale - The Kramer and Stann Smith - The (Race)ist

[@MOMSTEALER902]

PERFECT FOR BLACK ADAM🔥🔥

[@tomajuryman]

Traiasca FETELE DE LA CAPALNA ! Argatu - O sesiune pe folclorul romanesc, you should check it out.

[@fardinofy]

Black Adam got me here. classic.

[@neonhlonze7118]

Black adam brought me back here. 08/06/22

[@JayJay-de5jv]

I think this the best collab album ever I never even heard the whole thing

[@georgiromanian]

the negative of the song is from my country, Romania :OOOOO woooooooo

[@cristianmanea2441]

fetele de la capalna

[@georgiromanian]

da da!! *_*

[@teedow_1232]

Legendary Jay and Ye🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lauralewis53]

Love this great song!

[@LJsongz]

My respect for k.west & jay-z grew up like crazy after listening to this song...

[@TheDreamsCwalk]

folclor romanesc pe fundal !!!

[@vs25777]

Thank you so much for your wonderful thinking: let's spread LOVE

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

The line about soldiers really make me comeback to this song those numbers are kinda crazy to think about and then again I'm caught between deciding whether or not its ok to make to comparison because the "soldiers" are different from the actual soldiers in Iraq but then again we don't know those "soldiers" story's from chicago. Problem just some rambling right their but still thats just what I think when I hear that song.

[@maltezesaint395]

yeah, the soldiers in iraq are there by free will, chi town soldiers are thrown into the shit

[@D84D]

Ricky Bates you cant' get out of Iraq. You can get out of Chi.

[@Deathsdoorsmash]

Dave Mercado You can't just up and leave Chi if you're broke.

[@noynoybaqui]

the instrumental is the beast!!!

[@LalisaManoban-ng2fp]

'Heroes don't kill people' Black Adam: *Well I do*

[@poprobert0412]

Much love from Romania!

[@l77b77]

BEST SONG ON WATCH THE THRONE

[@TheNewLeaderOfZoePound]

ayiti m' illuminati m' 💍🇯🇲🇭🇹😈🤱🇭🇹😈

[@andre3000513]

"Success never smelled so sweet I stink of success, the new black elite"

[@ayushbhattacharya]

Black Adam brought me here!

[@longlivedc6633]

Dc rocks

[@catdogcirca1990s]

you are right this is the kind of album that will be appreciated a couple years down the road

[@Tamasha1]

314 dead in Iraq, 509 dead in Chicago. over 2,500 dead in Pakistan's City of Karachi.

[@creakylol]

***** Fuck yourself

[@madofgap]

cannot live without this song ^^