Alex Steer

278 words | ~1 min

A note from the intersection of lexicography and hip-hop: listening to 'American Boy' by Estelle feat. Kanye West is a worthwhile experience in itself because it's a good tune, but the rap section in the middle particularly deserves attention because of its rather playful appropriation of contemporary British slang.

Who killin em in the UK. Everybody gonna to say you K, reluctantly, because most of this press don't f**k wit me. Estelle once said to me, cool down down don't act a fool now now. I always act a fool oww oww. Aint nothing new now now. He crazy, I know what ya thinkin. Ribena, I know what you're drinkin. Rap singer. Chain Blinger. Holla at the next chick soon as you're blinkin. What's you're persona about this Americana Brama? Am I shallow cuz all my clothes designer? Dress smart like a London Bloke. Before he speak his suit bespoke. And you thought he was cute before. Look at this peacoat, Tell me he's broke. And I know you're not into all that. I heard your lyrics, I feel your spirit. But I still talk that CAAASH, cuz a lot wags want to hear it. And I'm feelin like Mike at his Baddest. The Pips at they Gladys. And I know they love it, so to hell with all that rubbish.

'Before he speak his suit bespoke' is also the best tailoring-related pun I've heard in any song this year.

Link: lyrics.