3 Card Molly

Xzibit's '3 Card Molly' is a powerful collaboration featuring Ras Kass and Saafir, showcasing their lyrical prowess and streetwise bravado. The song is a testament to the gritty, competitive nature of the rap game, where each artist stakes their claim as a dominant force. The title '3 Card Molly' refers to a street gambling game, symbolizing the unpredictable and high-stakes environment of the rap industry. The chorus, 'Pick a card any card, I bet you can't pull it,' emphasizes the element of chance and skill involved in both the game and their careers.

Ras Kass opens the track with vivid imagery and cultural references, blending street life with pop culture. His lines about wearing a Marilyn Manson t-shirt in heaven and making money like Ronald McDonald highlight his unique style and confidence. The mention of 'Makaveli' and 'Mac-11' ties into the legacy of Tupac Shakur, suggesting a readiness for confrontation and a deep connection to the roots of West Coast rap. Ras Kass's verse is a mix of humor, aggression, and clever wordplay, setting the tone for the rest of the song.

Saafir's verse continues the theme of intellectual dominance and street credibility. He describes himself as a 'doctor with a lot of patience,' using metaphors that blend medical terminology with his lyrical skills. His bilingual abilities and references to Al Pacino and the Qu'ran add layers of complexity to his persona. Saafir's disdain for lesser rappers is evident as he mocks their attempts to achieve gold status, only to end up with a 'golden shower,' a metaphor for failure and humiliation.

Xzibit's closing verse ties the song together with a fierce declaration of West Coast supremacy. He warns other rappers about the dangers of flaunting their wealth and status, suggesting that real threats lurk behind their bravado. Xzibit's comparison of himself to 'Black Bruce Willis' and his vivid imagery of a bull in a china shop underscore his aggressive, no-nonsense approach to the rap game. The line about Christopher Reeves doing the crip walk is a stark reminder of the physical and metaphorical challenges that come with trying to compete with him.