Joell Ortiz's song "Masked Up" is a lyrical display of his skill as a rapper and showcases his experiences in the music industry and his personal life. The lyrics touch upon various themes such as his lyrical prowess, his background in selling drugs, the rejection he faced in the music industry, and his determination to succeed. The song begins with Joell Ortiz asserting his talent as a rapper and warning that his lyrics might offend people, particularly those in the industry who rely on ghostwriters. He compares his lyrical ability to infectious diseases like Coxsackie and Oneida, emphasizing that he is on a different level. The line "I'm on that goat type of time, so the Ro's brighter" suggests that he considers himself one of the greatest of all time (the "GOAT") in his craft. Joell Ortiz also refers to his past involvement in selling drugs, mentioning his ability to make money from "white" (likely cocaine) before he pursued a career in music. He mentions being in the presence of influential individuals like 50 Cent during his earlier days and engaging in illegal activities. The line "At the table with the 50 cent ox, Chopping rocks back when the first 50 cent dropped" refers to both his association with 50 Cent and his involvement in drug trafficking. The lyrics also highlight Joell Ortiz's frustrations and challenges in his music career, expressing disappointment that major labels did not give him a proper opportunity. Despite this, he remained determined and used rejection as fuel to improve his skills as a rapper. He likens the music industry to a "foul, cold game." Joell Ortiz also includes lines about his interactions with women, asserting his prowess and referencing putting women in adult films. He then switches back to discussing his experiences in the music industry and his struggles, emphasizing his resilience and determination to prevail. The song ends with a proclamation of strength and readiness for any challenge, as Joell Ortiz mentions being "war ready." He acknowledges his weight loss but asserts that he is still "heavy" in a metaphorical sense, implying that he still commands attention and respect. Overall, "Masked Up" serves as a showcase of Joell Ortiz's lyrical skill and delves into the struggles and determination he has faced in his personal life and music career.
