Today marks the 43rd birthday of Pusha T, a reminder that the top tier lyricist is, in fact, an OG in the game. Despite having recently delivered an album that many deem to be his magnum opus in 2018's Daytona, Push has been steadily contributing bangers for nearly twenty years now. Look no further than his excellent work alongside Malice, Pharrell Williams, and Chad Hugo, better known as The Clipse. And while there are plenty of classic tunes to unpack from their triumphant run, it feels appropriate to highlight one of Push's hardest tracks as a solo artist -- well, sort of.
In 2013, Push dropped off My Name Is My Name, an album that sent many listeners instantly beelining toward the Kendrick Lamar-assisted "Nosetalgia." Insofar as structure, the track serves up a hip-hop fan's dream: two emcees, two lengthy verses. Not to mention production from Nottz and Kanye West, both of whom unite to bless the rappers with a minimalist, guitar-driven instrumental. Naturally, it's hard to land on a standout verse with this caliber of talent, but the birthday boy certainly held it down with some premium drug-raps. "20 plus years of selling Johnson & Johnson, I started out as a babyface monster," he spits, in his opening lines. "No wonder there's diaper rash on my conscience."
Happy birthday Pusha T!
QUOTABLE LYRICS
Twenty-plus years of selling Johnson & Johnson
I started out as a babyfaced monster
No wonder there's diaper rash on my conscience
My teething ring was numbed by the nonsense
Gem Star razor and a dinner plate
Arm & Hammer and a Mason jar, that's my dinner date