Fly on the Wall

Album: 90059 (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This describes the hood from a fly on the wall's perspective. When MTV News asked Rock how that concept come about, he replied: "Me and my relatives were just talking about doing ghetto stories. Scarface is one of the best dudes with storytelling in rap to me. So, I wanted to express what I saw growing up, a young kid watching the older ni---s doing their thing. They probably never noticed me because you never notice the fly on the wall watching your every movement."
  • Busta Rhymes raps the third verse in which he speaks to Jay Rock as a mentor, addressing his career and the way he evolved. Rock said: "When he first heard me, he thought I was dope and he acknowledged that. I respect him for that. It's crazy how he did that musically."
  • The phrase "fly on the wall" is commonly used to describe an unseen observer or listener who is taking in information about their situation and surroundings. One of the first citations of this phrase was in The Oakland Tribune, February 1921: "I'd just love to be a fly on the wall when the Right Man comes along."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.