BreezyLYN, the emerging MC making waves in Brooklyn’s rap scene, has honored her fellow BK legend JAY-Z with a homage on her latest EP, “Hood Mona Lisa.”
The EP opens with a compelling introduction that tips its hat to JAY-Z and their shared roots in Marcy Houses.
Narrated by Pain In Da Ass, known for his prominent presence on Hova’s classic “Reasonable Doubt,” the track sets the tone for Breezy’s project.
“What a move. I’ll never forget the first time meeting BreezyLYN. She was like a breath of fresh air, a real work of art. You shoulda seen her! She had these fantastic eyes,” he begins, before recalling Reasonable Doubt track “Can’t Knock the Hustle.”
“And if you woulda heard her rhyme, like me, you would have fallen in love right on the spot,” he continues. “But in a game like this, love costs money. What’s there not to say about Breezy? She’s one of the most well-known, respected shorties around the way. She’s a masterpiece. A modern day Mona Lisa. On the project. Brick wall.”
Pain’s unmistakable voice sets the stage as he reminisces about meeting BreezyLYN for the first time, likening her to a work of art and recalling the allure of JAY-Z’s “Can’t Knock the Hustle.”
He praises Breezy’s talent and reputation in the neighborhood, dubbing her a modern-day Mona Lisa.
The spoken-word intro concludes with a cryptic yet enticing invitation to discover what lies behind Breezy’s enigmatic persona, echoing the mystique of the iconic Mona Lisa painting.
Breezy’s homage to JAY-Z is just one of many recent tributes to the rap icon from Marcy Projects. Last year, the Brooklyn Public Library hosted “The Book of HOV” exhibit, featuring lyrics from JAY-Z’s extensive catalog displayed across the building in the style of a newspaper article.
Questlove, drummer for The Roots, shared his awe at the exhibit on Instagram, marveling at the recreated Baseline Studios and immersing followers in the ambiance of JAY-Z’s music.
