X
by ScHoolboy Q (featuring 2 Chainz)

Album: Black Panther: The Album (2018)
Charted: 45 49
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Middle Eastern-tinged banger features South African rapper Saudi spitting braggadocio rhymes with Schoolboy Q, 2 Chainz and an uncredited Kendrick Lamar. The song was recorded for Black Panther The Album and makes heavy reference to the movie's plot.

    Somebody pop all day (hol' up)
    Somebody on they way (hol' up)
    I wore the crown all day (hol' up)
    Somebody can't relate (hol' up)


    "X" especially captures Black Panther's mentality regarding his challengers to the throne of the fictional African nation of Wakanda.
  • The song title references the respectful symbol and greeting of the Wakandans: the signature crossed arms in an X.
  • Saudi performs the first verse of "X," following Lamar's introductory hook. The South African rapper, born Anele Mbisha, weaves a number of Zulu references throughout his verse, even drawing comparisons of founding father Ben Franklin to South African leader Nelson Mandela.

    Got Benjamin Franklin phezulu koMadiba
    So tough on the jungle
    I keep the piece on me, I leave you puzzled.


    The Zulu line "Got Benjamin Franklin phezulu koMadiba (No-homo)" translates to "Benjamin Franklin on top of Madiba." Benjamin Franklin's face appears on $100 bills in US currency and "Madiba" (a nickname for Nelson Mandela) features on the South African Rand.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.