‘Talk My Shit/Guarantee’ Explained: KR$NA & Yashraj Lay Down the Law
KR$NA’s “Talk My Shit/Guarantee,” featuring the dynamic Yashraj, is a standout two-part track from the album Yours Truly. This song is a no-holds-barred showcase where both artists deliver a powerful mix of boasts, reflections on their journey in the Indian hip-hop scene, and sharp commentary on their contemporaries.
The first section, aptly titled “Talk My Shit,” is all about confident self-expression. “Talking your shit” is slang for speaking your mind boldly, often with a lot of bragging and self-assurance. Here, KR$NA and Yashraj take turns highlighting their skills, their impact, their luxurious aspirations, and their disdain for fakeness or incompetence in the rap game. They paint a picture of their arrival causing others to scatter and their music hitting hard.
The second part, “Guarantee,” shifts the focus slightly but maintains the confidence. Both artists essentially “guarantee” that many others in the scene are not as “hard” (authentic or tough) as they are. They question why they receive hate or envy, emphasizing their own brave hearts (“diler”), hardworking nature (“mehnati”), and unique, hard-earned paths to success. It’s a comprehensive statement about their self-belief, a detailed account of their grind, and a firm dismissal of any doubts about their abilities and their rightful place in the music industry.
Part I – “Let Me Talk My Shit”: Unleashing Unfiltered Confidence
The first half of the song lives up to its title, with both KR$NA and Yashraj taking the mic to speak their minds with raw confidence and a lot of boasting – a common and celebrated element in hip-hop. They declare that wherever they go, weaker individuals or “cowards” (“geedad”) flee because their style and presence are unmatched. Their music is described as being so powerful that it makes speakers nearly burst from the intensity.
KR$NA kicks off by saying he might just “kill another rapper” lyrically and confidently guesses that if people are asking who’s the best, it’s undoubtedly him. He compares his crew’s impact to legendary groups like Wu-Tang and dismisses other rappers’ gangs as weak or unimpressive (“whack”). He talks about financial success, counting lakhs, and how people’s attitudes change when money is involved. He also mentions helping others get a start, only to surpass them and leave them behind. A key point is his criticism of other rappers who “flex” (show off) with second-hand items or take shows that he himself rejects, implying his higher standards and success.
Lifestyles of the Lyrical: Dreams, Influences, and Real Talk (Part I)
Yashraj joins KR$NA in this first part, adding his own flavor of confidence and aspiration. He emphasizes that his rhyming skills are not lacking in any way. He makes a statement about being a significant presence for the music “scene,” and when they perform, they leave no room for sorrow, only strong impact. He uses a playful metaphor of a girl melting for him like a popular biscuit brand in tea, asserting his desirability and proclaiming himself as “the one.” He also points out how other artists might release songs but don’t achieve the same massive viewership (millions of views) that they perhaps do.
Both artists give shout-outs to their friends and their origins, representing their cities (Delhi and Mumbai). Yashraj mentions high-end champagne (Dom Perignon), a fashion brand (Pelle Pelle), and listening to iconic rappers like Makaveli (Tupac) and Nelly, playfully asking who his female counterpart like Kelly Rowland would be. He then demands respect, telling others to listen, metaphorically touch his feet, and pay obeisance. His aspirations are grand, wanting luxury watches like Richard Mille and Patek Philippe, and living a high-flying lifestyle, even while repping his local area like Ghatkopar in Mumbai with extreme boldness.
Part II – “Guarantee”: Separating the Real from the Pretenders
The second half of the track, “Guarantee,” shifts to a more direct address to their critics and the rap scene in general. The chorus, delivered by both artists, strongly asserts that many other young rappers (“launde”) in the game are not genuinely “hard” (tough, authentic, or skilled), and they can “guarantee” this. They then question why they receive so much negativity or hatred (“nafrat”) and why people seem “mad” at their success. They attribute their own position to having brave hearts (“dil rakha diler”) and being incredibly hardworking (“khoon hai mehnati”), even achieving Most Valuable Player (MVP) status right from their “rookie season” or early days.
Yashraj, in his verse here, talks about how everyone wants his unique style or “sauce.” He speaks of an abundance of lyrics at their disposal, like a community kitchen (“langar”) where everyone else is just bringing small contributions (“potluck”). He describes turning pain into something consumable (like “daaru” or alcohol) and then moving past it (“bottoms up”). He highlights his rebellious streak, his need to snatch what is rightfully his, and his unique presence, like being in a traditional Indian kurta at a club, fully confident. He calls himself a “Murshid” (spiritual guide) on the microphone, asking for forgiveness for any past mistakes but firmly stating that he and KR$NA are in a completely “different league” and a “different scene.” He criticizes rappers he sees as “sweet” or superficial, and also takes a veiled shot at how art can be turned into a mere commodity (“masala”) and artists exploited, possibly even alluding to larger societal issues. He ends by saying his motivations are varied – critics, the crowd, money, fame – but the only time he’ll “back up” is to support the claims he makes.
From Pain to Power: The Hustle Behind the Words (Part II)
KR$NA’s verse in the “Guarantee” section delves deeper into his journey and mindset. He emphasizes his skill, stating he gives a “ten out of ten” for style and that his pen seeks “vendetta” (revenge) and takes a strong stand when he’s on the mic. He doesn’t care much for online appearances, like on Instagram (“Gram”). He recalls days when he lacked the strength to endure, but affirms his relentless hard work, stating his pen still works every day. He feels no jealousy towards singers, implying he’s in his own lane, and declares his words carry a deep “legacy,” with his art being his “therapy.”
He paints a picture of a life lived on the edge, with “one foot on the street and one in hell,” inviting people to take a look and judge for themselves. He achieved his success with pride and patience (“शान से और सबर से”), not by begging for help. The “crown” he wears, he says, was covered in thorns, signifying a difficult path to the top. This verse is a testament to enduring hardship and transforming that pain and struggle into powerful art and undeniable success.
A Different Breed: Unique Legacies in a Competitive Scene
Both KR$NA and Yashraj use their verses to establish their uniqueness and lasting impact. Yashraj declares his league and scene are different, implying superiority over those he deems superficial. KR$NA, in his second verse, strongly emphasizes his individuality. He asserts that he and his close associates are not all the same in appearance (“शक्ल अलग”), but they are a “different breed” (“नस्ल अलग”), with a “different hustle” and a “different crop” or product to offer. This highlights their unique backgrounds, styles, and the distinct quality of their music.
They are not just claiming to be good; they are claiming to be fundamentally different and more authentic than many others. This assertion of being a “different breed” reinforces the idea that their success isn’t just a fluke but a result of their unique talents, hard work, and distinct journeys. The song, in its entirety, serves as a bold stamp of their authority and a guarantee of their lasting presence and influence in the competitive music scene.
“Talk My Shit/Guarantee” is a full-fledged hip-hop anthem where KR$NA and Yashraj don’t just state their claims; they build a lyrical fortress around them, backed by reflections on their past, their skills, and their unshakeable self-belief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “Talk My Shit/Guarantee”
Q1: What are the main themes KR$NA and Yashraj explore in “Talk My Shit/Guarantee”?
A: The song is divided into two parts. “Talk My Shit” is primarily about bold self-expression, boasting about skills, success, and lifestyle, and dismissing weaker competitors. “Guarantee” focuses on asserting their authenticity and hard work, questioning the envy they face, and reflecting on their difficult journeys to the top, guaranteeing that many others are not as “hard” or genuine.
Q2: What does “Talk My Shit” mean in the first part of the song?
A: In hip-hop slang, “Talk my shit” means to speak one’s mind boldly and confidently, often involving bragging about one’s achievements, skills, wealth, or superiority over others. It’s an unapologetic expression of self-assurance.
Q3: What does “Guarantee” refer to in the second part of the song?
A: In the second part, when KR$NA and Yashraj say they can “guarantee” something, they are primarily guaranteeing that many other rappers in the scene are not as “hard” (meaning tough, authentic, skilled, or having genuinely struggled) as they are. It’s a strong assertion of their own genuineness and the lack thereof in others.
Q4: Can you explain Yashraj’s lines about “कला बन गया मसाला, कलाकार को ही भुना”?
A: “कला बन गया मसाला” means “Art has become (like) spice/masala (a commercial commodity).” “कलाकार को ही भुना” means “The artist themselves got roasted/exploited.” Yashraj is likely criticizing a trend where true art is diluted or turned into a mere commercial product for mass consumption, and in this process, the artists themselves are often exploited or “roasted” (used up and discarded).
Q5: What is KR$NA trying to say with “एक पैर सड़क पे, एक रहे नरक में”?
A: “एक पैर सड़क पे, एक रहे नरक में” translates to “One foot on the street, one remains in hell.” This is a metaphor for living a life with connections to both the raw, real “streets” (perhaps his origins or the tough realities of the music game) and a darker, more dangerous, or chaotic side of life (“hell”). It suggests a complex existence, navigating difficult and potentially perilous environments.
Q6: What does KR$NA mean by “जिस ज़मीन से मैं आया, मेरी फसल अलग”?
A: This means “The land/ground I come from, my crop is different.” “Zameen” (land) can refer to his background or origins. “Fasal” (crop) refers to his product, which is his music or his unique talent. He’s saying that because of his unique background and experiences, what he produces (his art/style) is distinctly different and perhaps superior to others. It emphasizes his originality.
Q7: What does Yashraj mean by “Only time I’ma back up is when I back my claims”?
A: This line means that Yashraj is not someone who backs down or retreats from a challenge or confrontation. The only time he will “back up” (as in, provide support or evidence for) is when he is “backing his claims” – meaning, proving that what he says is true. It’s a statement of confidence and standing by one’s words.