In their new “Greatness” music video, Ace Hood and Killer Mike pay tribute to deceased rappers Young Dolph, Nipsey Hussle, and other Black icons. “Greatness” is the newest video from his M.I.N.D. (Memories Inside Never Die) EP, which is out now on Hood Nation / EMPIRE.
The single, which features Killer Mike, is praise of Black achievement that sees the two artists reflecting on the various challenges they experienced along with their careers while smirking at those who failed to support them. On May 4, 2022, the “Bugatti” rapper released his final music video from his previous 10-song project. Alex Heider, who recently collaborated with Ace on the epic “At War” and “Free” directed the music videos.
“‘Greatness’ is a reminder as a black man, father, artist, and human that, regardless of society’s dream, we all are born with a specific greatness unique to who we are. It’s up to oneself to do the work and connect with that higher frequency.” – Ace Hood
“Greatness” is a tribute to the black excellence that has passed away, as well as a rallying call for even more brilliance to emerge. The walls are lined with artwork of several of the biggest Black cultural legends, styled in black and gold. The video features footage ranging from groundbreaking politician Shirley Chisholm to ceiling-shattering athlete Arthur Ashe raising a clenched fist.
“Greatness” begins with a scene of Ace sitting in an antique-furnished home office, before switching to the mahogany walls of the house, which are lined with photographs of Black historical leaders. Arthur Ashe, the first Black athlete to win many of tennis’ most prestigious events, Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, along with the first Black person to seek the position of President of the United States.
Also, Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to go to space is among those commemorated in the photographs, and Young Dolph and Nipsey Hussle, both hip-hop activists. The last two photos, portraying the noble images of Ace Hood and Killer Mike, are presented after paying respect to the leaders who helped pave the way for them to reach their own “Greatness.”
Ace Hood & Killer Mike- “Greatness”Lyrics:
[Intro: Ace Hood]
Uh
Uh
[Verse 1: Ace Hood]
This is extraordinary
Can’t ignore it, this my story, I been more than ready
And this stuff I’m cooking up, this here like culinary
True intentions, must I mention it’s just legendary?
Broward baby, ’80s baby, Blondie’s youngest son
You either dying for your dream or living for the gun
Or we prayed to see the sun or either twenty-one
Deerfield, it’s in my blood, it ain’t just where I’m from
Them folk gon’ underestimate you, play you like you dumb
I nod my head and get my bread, you will not feed me crumbs
On the low, I’m with my tribe, I’m getting rich as fuck
Not only finance, my whole world is vibrant
Young tyrant, so immune to the sirens
Nowadays, I hear them sounds and send my prayers up
Tell my dogs I love ’em, something we don’t say enough
See, nowadays we talking assets, I’m into different brackets
Me and mine, it’s easy passing, we ain’t stuck in traffic
Higher self over high fashion
One connected through a higher passion
I feel enlightened, but also a savage
I feel the greatest shit has yet to happen
[Chorus: Ace Hood]
Lions and them tigers and them bears never scared me
Reaching out for something that may never even ever be ’em
Huh, aw, look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
Look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
Huh, aw, look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
[Verse 2: Killer Mike]
A greater man, I’m greater than any hater, man
I started off serving hand to hand in Decatur, man
Slinging coke, college dropout and overeducated
But that don’t matter when you broke and undercompensated
The world’ll laugh at you, shame on you and embarrass you
And the police’ll do it too as they harassing you (They will)
On your knees, cross your ankles, interlock your fingers (They kill)
Oh, you a rapper, huh? Well, sing something, nigga (No deal)
Lord, I know I’ve been changed
And I’m still participating in a dangerous game
I went from rapping and capping and caught in the fame
To arriving alive just to see this shit’s still the same
Niggas killing they ‘migos over they egos (They ‘migos)
Niggas killing they own folks and peoples (Your people)
A righteous people, but, man, we moving evil (So evil)
Expecting blessings, but still ain’t learning our lessons (My people)
They call you brother, but your brothers is confessing
At the sight of an early exit, police ain’t got to guess it (They fucking snitch)
Judas to Jesus, even true to believers
Brutus to Caesars, backstab and deceive us (Bitch)
I been through it, just you as my nigga Ace Hood (Hood)
The troubled waters, I wade through it and prayed through it (We made good)
I made something from nothing, man, I made good (We made good)
The Lord made it better, my gratitude forever (Amen)
[Chorus: Ace Hood]
Lions and them tigers and them bears never scared me
Reaching out for something that may never even ever be ’em
Huh, aw, look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
Look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
They ain’t knowing, they ain’t knowing, they ain’t knowing I was born into righteousness
They ain’t knowing, they ain’t knowing, they ain’t knowing I was born into righteousness
Aw, look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
Aw, look at they faces, tried to take me from my greatness
Aw, yeah, they tried to take me from my greatness
Aw, yeah, they tried to take me from my greatness
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