Much like the name suggests, 'Rapstrology' celebrates the beautiful (and curiously slept-on) intersection between hip-hop and astrology. Whether exploring the Zodiac is a guilty pleasure hobby, something to roll one's eyes at, or a swear-by daily guide to WTF is going on, this column aims to explore the roadmap that is astrology, through the context of hip-hop, lyrics and current events.
We all have that friend who can remember exactly how much money you owe them five years after y'all thought you were good, am I right?
You know, the kind where whether you're hoping to get through a boring work lunch or catching up at happy hour or running into them randomly on a street corner, small talk always seems to bring it up somehow. Without fail. Either your friend's eyes burn into yours as if to say "You know I didn't forget, right?" or they ask you about it straight up, cards on the table. Who knows, maybe you are that friend. Either way, when it comes to the almighty dollar for Sagittarius, it's either already counted for or they're manifesting making some more right on the spot.
Sag boss JAY-Z's relationship with money, value and wealth has evolved significantly over the years, all while building a historic foundation brick-by-brick that he so eloquently speaks on today: financial freedom and generational wealth.
"Go against Jigga your ass is dense / I'm about a dollar, what the fuck is 50 Cents?" Hov spit back in 1999, firing a response to a then-unsigned 50 Cent. The G-Unit rapper, a Cancer, had arrogantly name-dropped him as someone he was planning to steal from on the track "How to Rob." Needless to say, the young, bold crab got the attention he was seeking at that pivotal time in his aspiring career.
While the jabs in question were brought up during an interview with Angie Martinez in 2002 and later referenced on 2009's "A Star is Born," the teachable moment for those interacting with Sagittarius when it comes to their pride and their reputation (especially in the context of one's craft or bank account) is twofold.
First, Sags are stubbornly competitive, know how to turn pain into fuel and are ruthless when it comes to protecting their ego no matter the cost. Second, they'll always find a way to use a situation to their advantage, whether it's by laughing about it once the dust settles or filing it away in intellectual storage for a later occasion. Just because I really want to, I'll even mention that JAY-Z's "I am a hustler baby, I'll sell water to a well" line applies here, as well. His gangster mentality is smooth, strategic and a step ahead, something we'll explore a little bit deeper in a cool minute.
The "fuck you, pay me" ethos is an integral part of Sagittarius (and hip hop alike, if we're keeping it a buck). As a mutable fire sign, Sags are adaptive, wise, adventurous, expressive and willing to put up a fight when it comes to protecting their name, their worth or even if they are frankly just a little bored. Look no further than the quintessential queen Sag, Nicki Minaj.
She is fierce, her lyrics are always razor-sharp and if she chooses to entertain some bullshit (because she eventually usually always will), she's dedicated to seeing it through to the very end. In the Sagittarian mind, however, it's the end when she says it's the end. Her seemingly now-fizzled beef with Libra Cardi B is a perfect example of that.
After weeks of plotting and soon executing her next move—which arrived in the form of a clothing line, a radio show dedicated to talking about her opponent and even a proposal for Bardi to take a lie detector test, to name a few—Minaj did a proverbial yawn and extended a generous peace offering. While it's impossible to know how long the niceties will last between those two, especially considering we're talking about a fire sign and an air sign here, Minaj remains in control. On the surface, she's extremely unbothered. She spoke her truth on her terms and ultimately, part of that is in getting immediately back to securing the bag. After all, her exuberance and penchant for being extra is part of what landed this fearless and filterless woman the throne in the first place, a seat she is not only quite comfortable sitting in but knows with every fiber of her being she's earned.
Fellow Sag and overall badass Trina exudes a similar uncompromising confidence as Minaj, especially when it comes to embodying strength as a woman in a historically male-dominated field. Both are daring and proud to be provocative. They won't listen to anyone saying otherwise, either. Sags are known for craving power, and we're talking about power in everything from the bedroom to the boardroom.
Those born under the Sagittarius sun (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) are dynamic, constantly navigating between their intellect and their instinct. Sagittarius are all about being inventive, authoritative and concerned about maintaining their freedom, whether creatively, professionally or in relationships. Sagittarius definitely are the type to seize the day and in that spirit, let's take a look at some lyrical takeaways to keep in mind, and when the mood strikes, on repeat.
Song: "The Story of O.J.," JAY-Z
Lyrical Mantra: "Financial freedom my only hope / Fuck livin' rich and dyin' broke / I bought some artwork for one million / Two years later, that shit worth two million / Few years later, that shit worth eight million / I can't wait to give this shit to my children / Y'all think it's bougie, I'm like, it's fine / But I'm tryin' to give you a million dollars worth of game for $9.99."
Sagittarius'ism: While there is a lot to unpack in JAY-Z's 2017 track "The Story of O.J.," the GRAMMY-nominated song commands the attention of the entire room. During the definitive track, Hov reminds fans that even after all these years in the rap game, he's still got plenty of important shit to say. The song touches on stereotypes found among the Black community, tackling hard-hitting topics of racism, classism and teaching financial stability. It arrived right on time in true Sagittarius fashion, appearing on his 13th studio album 4:44. As the in-depth cultural analysis of the impactful song continues to this day, JAY-Z gives us yet another example showcasing just how powerful hip-hop can be, especially when it's his turn on the mic. Legend.
Song: "Ganja Burn," Nicki Minaj
Lyrical Mantra: "They done went to witch doctors to bury the Barbie / But I double back, kill bitches, bury the body / And that go for anybody, you'll be thoroughly sorry / I could wage war or I come in peace like Gandhi."
Sagittarius'ism: This song in particular speaks to the duality found within Sagittarius. Not necessarily in the same way as a Gemini (The Twins), but moreso speaks to a Sag's intuitive ability to pick and choose their battles. Minaj loves a good intellectual match and will always ensure she holds her own, even if her ego won't allow her to ever see anyone as a deserving opponent-turned-equal in the end. Her resilience is legendary and therefore remains to be celebrated.
Song: "X Gon' Give It to Ya," DMX
Lyrical Mantra: "X gon' give it to ya / Fuck waiting for you to get it on your own, X gon' deliver to ya / Knock knock, open up the door, it's real / With the non-stop, pop pop of stainless steel / Go hard, getting busy wit it / But I got such a good heart / That I'll make a motherfucker wonder if he did it."
Sagittarius'ism: Sagittarius can be beyond aggressive. Even DMX's aesthetic attachment to pit bulls is a testament to that hard-edged identifier and "take no shit" attitude. Sagittarius don't like to avoid conflict, as beating around the bush wastes precious time. If a Sag, such as DMX, has an issue with you, you're going to know about it STAT. Any questions?
Song: "Da Baddest Bitch," Trina
Lyrical Mantra: "I'm representin' for the bitches / All eyes on your riches / No time for the little dicks / You see the bigger the dick / The bigger the bank, the bigger the Benz / The better the chance to get close to his rich friends / I'm going after the big man."
Sagittarius'ism: This classic honestly could be a Sagittarius' anthem, with both middle fingers up. Speaking to the long game, this sex-positive track was ahead of its time, helping pave the way for women to be just as raunchy in their raps as the men. From giving advice to her fellow ladies on how to get whatever they want, however they want and when, to dropping jaws with the line, "I make him eat it while my period on," Trina's "Da Baddest Bitch" is *don't say it, don't say it, don't say it, don't say it meme* the baddest.
Song: "Lucid Dreams," Juice WRLD
Lyrical Mantra: "I still see your shadows in my room / Can't take back the love that I gave you / It's to the point where I love and I hate you / And I cannot change you, so I must replace you, oh / Easier said than done, I thought you were the one / Listenin' to my heart instead of my head / You found another one, but I am the better one / I won't let you forget me."
Sagittarius'ism: When it comes to relationships, Sagittarius love hard and consequently fall hard. On Juice WRLD's 2018 breakout single, he exposes his wounded heart just long enough for listeners to sympathize with the young love lost. However, in true Sag form, he soon flips the script, reminding his past partner on the chorus that he's the best they'll never have again. Sounds about right.