A Deep Dive into “24 Hours To Live” by Joyner Lucas

ONEYEARWARMUSIC – Yo, what’s up fam? Your boy here, back with another music analysis. This time, we’re diving into one of the most thought-provoking tracks of recent times – “24 Hours To Live” by the incredible Joyner Lucas.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of the lyrics, let me set the scene for you. I was on a flight to Tokyo, Japan (you know how much I love to travel), and I had my noise-canceling headphones on, ready to tune out the world and immerse myself in some good tunes.

As the opening chords of “24 Hours To Live” started playing, I was instantly hooked. The beat had this haunting, atmospheric vibe that pulled me in, and Joyner’s vocals were raw and emotional right from the get-go.

Lyrics

Me and my niggas outside of the crib, blowin' up smoke and rollin' a few
Shootin' some dice and makin' it flip, we gettin' 'em lit, you know it what it do (yeah, yeah)
One of my homies said, "I got a question, I wanna know, like what would you choose
If you had 24 hours to live then where would you go? And what would you do?" (Grr)
I'm 'bout to catch a few felonies, load up the trunk and then head to the Beverly's
Hop out the whip and then rob a celebrity, take all his shit and then steal his identity (grrah)
Strap on a vest and go kill all my enemies, slap any hater that showed any jealousy
Shoot every broski that tried to get next to me (yeah)
After this shit, they all gonna remember me (grrah)
Stick up the bag and then empty the drawer (empty the drawer)
Get in the floor
Take from the rich and then give to the poor
Give them the shit that they couldn't afford (Yeah)
Buy 'em all cribs and then give 'em a tour (give 'em a tour, skrr)
Whippin' a Porsche
Skrrt on the cops, ain't no flippin' the law
Bury the opps and then dig up the corpse
Throw me a party with all of the bros, I done turned every day to a holiday (holiday)
I'll have an orgy with all of the hoes who ain't never wan' give me the time of day (time of day)
Catch 'em all lackin' and kidnap you rappers who told the police and cooperate (cooperate)
Break into prison and free all the hitters and give all them niggas a lobster plate (let's go)
Pull up to the fuckin' White House with an AK
Go inside and cut the lights out then I make way (yeah)
Tell the government to pipe down, we don't play safe
Everybody on the block now get a payday
Stay ready and I'm on the prowl with a straight blade
Guaranteed the shit'll go down like a mayday
Make 'em renovate the whole hood then I vacate
Lot of niggas doin' no good but they maintain
I'ma gun down every pedophile
Wonder if I'll get to heaven now, I'm a criminal
I'll take every dead beat daddy, put 'em in the ground (whoa)
Niggas actin' like they been around but they in and out (yeah)
I'ma run a couple hundred miles
Then I'm givin' out hope to the people at the bottom that can never smile (whoa)
I can feel the clock runnin' low, any minute now (whoa)
Everything I ever wanted, I'ma go and get it now, nigga, now (grrah, bah, bah)
And I'm 'bout to catch a few felonies, load up the trunk and then head to the Beverly's (ayy)
Hop out the whip and then rob a celebrity, take all his shit and then steal his identity (bah-bah, bah-baow)
Strap on a vest then go kill all my enemies (whoa), slap any hater that showed any jealousy (whoa)
If you had 24 hours to live with it (whoa)
What would you do if it was you instead of me? (Grrah, bah-bah-bah)
What would you do? (24 hours)
What would you do? (24 hours)
What would you do? (24 hours)
I got a question, I wanna know, like what would you do? (24 hours)
Where would you go? (24 hours)
And what would you choose? (24 hours)
See, I got a question, I wanna know like what would you do? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Would you go crazy because of it?
Kill every nigga you holdin' a grudge against? (Grrah)
Line up the plug and then steal you a hundred bricks? (Bah)
Slap any nigga that did any sucka shit? (Bah-bah-bah)
Run in the crib and then take what you wanna get?
Load up the choppers and scheme on the government? (Grr)
24 hours is all the you gonna get
Would you go stupid or would you do none of it?
And I'm comin' for every nigga that owe me cake
Better have every single penny, and don't be late
All the runnin' and hidin' you do, it won't be safe
We ain't talkin' and I don't wanna negotiate
I'ma fuck all your baby mamas and procreate
Give your son a new little brother, I hope he hate
Got a bullet for every nigga that told me, "Wait"
No more ramen and OJ, I need a Kobe steak (grr)
Sick and tired of niggas braggin', better give me your jewelry
If I don't take it off then you'll be givin' it to me (bah)
I murder every bully that be gettin' unruly
This for every nigga that thought they was livin' a movie (grr)
Way too many on my list that was darin' to move me
This for anybody that was swearin' they knew me
I'll take every motherfucker who did animal cruelty
Line 'em all up in a row, someone hand me the Uzi (grrah)
And you gon' see what happens next
'Cause when the clock hits stop I can laugh at death (ayy)
I got a bulletproof heart, I don't have a vest (ayy)
Before I die, ask God if I passed the test (bah-bah, bah-bah)
Take all my money out the crib, then I cash a check (whoa)
Then give it all of it to my kids, that's my last request (whoa)
If you had twenty-four hours of action left (woah)
Then tell me what you gon' do if your ass was next? (Grrah, bah-bah)
What would you do? (24 hours)
What would you do? (24 hours)
What would you do? (24 hours)
I got a question, I wanna know like what would you do? (24 hours)
Where would you go? (24 hours)
And what would you choose? (24 hours)
See, I got a question, I wanna know like what would you do? (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Would you go crazy because it?
Kill every nigga you holdin' a grudge against? (Grrah)
Line up the plug and then steal you a hundred bricks? (Bah)
Slap any nigga that did any sucka shit? (Bah-bah-bah)
Run in the crib and then take what you wanna get?
Load up the choppers and scheme on the government? (Grr)
24 hours is all the you gonna get
Would you go stupid or would you do none of it? (None of it, none of it, none of it)
Hey, Doc, what's the news?
Doc says, "I have some bad news and some really bad news
The bad news is that you only have 24 hours to live"
Fuck, I can't believe it, oh my God, what could be worse news than that?
Doctor says, "I couldn't get ahold of you yesterday"
Hahaha, haha

The Premise

The concept behind the song is simple yet powerful. Joyner poses the question: “What would you do if you had 24 hours to live?” It’s a heavy topic, but one that forces us to confront our own mortality and re-evaluate our priorities.

Throughout the track, Joyner takes us on a journey, exploring different perspectives and scenarios. He switches between multiple personas, each with their own unique stories and motivations.

The Personas

Here’s a breakdown of the different characters Joyner embodies in the song:

1. The Rapper: The first persona we encounter is Joyner himself, a successful rapper at the top of his game. He’s reflecting on his life, his legacy, and what truly matters to him.
2. The Gangbanger: Next up is a hardened criminal, someone who’s been caught up in a life of violence and gang activity. His 24 hours are spent tying up loose ends and making amends.
3. The Single Mother: Joyner then steps into the shoes of a struggling single mom, trying to make ends meet and provide for her family. Her perspective is heartbreaking, yet all too relatable.
4. The Soldier: We also get a glimpse into the mind of a war veteran, grappling with PTSD and the horrors they’ve witnessed on the battlefield.
5. The Businessman: Finally, there’s the corporate executive, someone who’s sacrificed personal relationships and happiness in pursuit of professional success.

Each of these personas offers a unique lens through which to view the central question, and Joyner’s ability to inhabit these diverse characters is nothing short of impressive.

The Lyrics

Now, let’s dive into some of the standout lyrics that really stuck with me:

The Rapper’s Perspective

I got **twenty-four hours to live**, I gotta make it count
I got **twenty-four hours on the**clock and it's ticking down

Right off the bat, Joyner sets the tone with these haunting lines. The ticking clock metaphor is powerful, reminding us that our time on this earth is limited.

I got **twenty-four hours to live**, what would you do?
Would you **chase your dreams** or would you **chase a**few?

Here, Joyner challenges us to think about our priorities. Are we truly living our lives to the fullest, or are we settling for mediocrity? It’s a thought-provoking question that hits close to home.

The Gangbanger’s Perspective

**Twenty-four hours to live**, gotta **bury the beef**
Gotta **make amends** with my **rivals** before I leave

In this verse, Joyner takes on the persona of a gangbanger, someone who’s been caught up in a cycle of violence and retribution. The idea of burying the hatchet and making amends is a poignant one, reminding us that holding onto grudges and resentment is ultimately futile.

The Single Mother’s Perspective

I'm a **single mother**, I got **three kids** to feed
Twenty-four hours to live, how am I gonna **make ends meet**?

These lines hit hard, highlighting the harsh realities faced by so many single parents. Joyner’s delivery is raw and emotional, capturing the desperation and fear that come with struggling to provide for your family.

The Soldier’s Perspective

I'm a **war veteran**, I got **PTSD**
**Twenty-four hours to live**, I'm **haunted** by the things I see

This verse is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. Joyner’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mental and emotional toll that war can take, leaving lasting scars that can’t be easily healed.

The Businessman’s Perspective

I'm a **businessman**, I got a **Fortune 500 company**
**Twenty-four hours to live**, what did I **sacrifice** for me?

In this final perspective, Joyner explores the cost of relentless ambition and the pursuit of success at all costs. The businessman’s questioning of what he’s truly sacrificed is a powerful moment, forcing us to re-evaluate our own definitions of success and fulfillment.

The Impact

“24 Hours To Live” is more than just a song – it’s a thought experiment, a meditation on life, death, and the choices we make. Joyner’s ability to seamlessly weave together these diverse narratives is a testament to his storytelling prowess and lyrical dexterity.

The track has resonated with listeners around the world, sparking countless conversations and introspective moments. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after the final notes have faded, prompting you to re-evaluate your own priorities and embrace the fleeting nature of life.

Final Thoughts

In the end, “24 Hours To Live” is a masterclass in songwriting and lyrical storytelling. Joyner Lucas has crafted a powerful, thought-provoking narrative that challenges us to confront our own mortality and live each day with intention and purpose.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Joyner’s or just discovering his music for the first time, this track is a must-listen. So, do yourself a favor – grab your headphones, hit play, and let Joyner’s words wash over you. Who knows, it might just inspire you to make the most of the time you have left.

That’s all from me, fam. Until next time, keep exploring new music, embracing different perspectives, and living your best life.

Peace!