Country Dictionary

A fork of Rural Dictionary

Rotten Apple

A phrase made famous by Nas on "The World is Your's" from his universally acclaimed debut album, iLLmatic. Nas used the term again on the track "One on One" from the Street Fighter soundtrack in the mid 90's.

In a literal sense, the term "Rotten Apple" is a nickname for New York City, for obvious reasons.

In a symbolic sense, however, it could be a much deeper metaphor, meaning a negative, angry, depressed, or confused state of mind. "Dwellin' in the rotten apple, you get tackled, or caught by the devil's lasso..."

It could also be a metaphor for deadly games & habits such as drug addiction, pomiscuous sex, alcoholism, anorexia, etc.

This line is a perfect example of elite lyricism, portrayed by an elite rapper, spawned from true talent, skill, and understanding for Hip Hop. It has a literal sense that the vast majority of people can relate to - it is easy to understand - it is creatively soken to sound pleasing to the ear of the listener - and it also has a fascinating "iceberg" below the surface that can be explored by those who are passionate fans of hip hop, writing, and music.

-His rhymin' is a vitamin.

Dwellin' in the Rotten Apple, you get tackled/
or caught by the devil's lasso, shit is a hassle/

by Dubulous Productions July 03, 2012

Rotten Apple

A song by prominent Seattle-based alternative rock and metal band Alice in Chains. Rotten Apple was recorded in 1993 and is the opening track of Alice in Chains' 1994 EP, Jar of Flies. It is regarded by many Alice In Chains fans as one of their finer songs, and by some to be one of the standout tracks coming out of the alternative movement of the early 1990's.

"I really like that song Rotten Apple."

by The only A I C (Get it?) May 24, 2014

Rotten Apple

The illest album eva frum tha one n only Lloyd Bank$. It includes "hands up" "cake" and "my house". Tops The Hunger For More by far.Game cant touch this shit!

Lloyd Banks
ROTTEN APPLE
9.19.06
GET IT!

by MAkAv3Li5T August 27, 2006

Rotten Apple

When a guy fingers a girl in both holes and the girl is on her rag and he pulls out and he has a red finger and a brown finger...thus getting a rotten apple.

Man last night she didnt warn me and i got a rotten apple

by AshMy April 30, 2006

Rotten Apple

A Chicago invented mixed drink consisting of Hennessey and apple juice. This drink was created by Sal Mineo (my little brother) legendary street hustler and named by myself (Ill Logik from the projects) and it's some pretty good shit.

Me and my boys was downin rotten apples all night.

by ILL LOGIK June 20, 2006

rotten apple

A term synonymous with New York City

From "The World is Yours" by Nas, featured on Illmatic

"Dwellin in the Rotten Apple, you get tackled
Or caught by the devil's lasso, shit is a hassle"

by SonOfLiberty87 April 02, 2007

rotten apple

a unfit or corrupt person who's nature is known to corrupt others (derived for the expression one rotten apple spoils a barrel)

No telling who the rotten apple is here without a thorough examination.

by The Return of Light Joker September 27, 2011