Pusha T, "Numbers on the Boards"

Much of hip hop is posturing, so it’s fitting to examine one of its most razor sharp and laidback tracks early on. At 2 minutes and 43 seconds, “Numbers on the Boards” uses the chorus as padding, a respectful gesture nearly cast aside. Its contents are a concise bit of misdirection. Though Pusha T is happy to remind us all about his “numbers,” it isn’t where this song lands punches.

Though they land in a succinct - nearly polite -  instant. He critiques your “car,” your “plane,” and your “blow.” His monotheism is never in question; his “double-edged sword” and “crown” have a name inscribed, definitely, and should you need to guess who - you’ve already missed the point. While rhyming “D. Rose” with “D-league” is now doubly outdated, he has plucked a timeless image on which to conclude: “‘88 Jordan, leapin’ from the free throw.” Beginning take off, seeing red, he has little need to read the opponent’s posture. There will only be one more round.

By the time he gets around to bragging about his vehicle’s “horses,” he’s already moved 50 kilograms. Pusha is at his most hypervigilant, workmanlike. While others are content to rest on traditional symbols of wealth, to rest on stockpiles built from album sales and concert tickets, he sees that such diamonds have “cracks.” So keeps selling, even “on his birthday.” To foster the “legend,” Pusha keeps his head down and fists flying. Sympathetically, maybe even desperately, he wonders who could relate. Well, whom should we thank for making “Earth Day” happen, again? Go ahead and re-read the crown.

The looped chant, a bit celebratory, a shred of audible respect, is cut off - each and every time. I never believed this to be humility. It’s simply all he has time for. The second verse ended at 2:18. He’s been gone for 25 seconds, while we’re busy lounging, applying ice and wondering just how “Simple” we really are.

Pusha T, I imagine, has an answer. He already put it on the board.

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