No Introduction
Nas Lyrics

P.S. 111 at free lunch, embarrassed but managed to get a plate
As a child, Nas was embarrassed to get free lunch at school, but he was hungry and had no other options.

We was kids hungry, mom's working I was famished, she getting home late
As a result of his mother working and being unable to be with him, Nas was often hungry and alone while growing up.

So I decided now I'm in charge
In an effort to take control of his situation and stave off starvation, Nas began to take charge of his own life.

Either stay full of starve, corner store like Mr. Spare A Quarter
Nas had two options - either go hungry or start earning money for himself, which he did by begging from strangers and robbing small-time corner stores.

Before Air Jordans, Kareem Abdul-Jabbars
Back when people didn't care about expensive sneakers or fancy clothes, Nas was just trying to get by.

Trying to cop quarters and trying to move that hard
Nas started selling drugs to make ends meet, and struggled to make a living doing so.

Roll with a shooting squad
Nas surrounded himself with people involved in crime, some of whom were violent and dangerous.

How could I not succumb? How could I not partake?
Growing up in such a difficult environment, it was hard for Nas to resist the lifestyle he was surrounded by and be free from its trappings.

15 I got a gun, 16 I robbed a train
Nas was involved in some serious criminal activity at a very young age, including theft and gun violence.

Licked off a shot for fun, what's got inside my brain?
Perhaps as a result of being surrounded by violent and dangerous people, Nas lost touch with what was right and wrong and engaged in dangerous, reckless behavior for no other reason than that it was fun.

A hustler's job ain't done, 'til he becomes a king
Despite the inherent risks of his lifestyle, Nas wanted to succeed and become a powerful figure in his community, which he felt required him to continue hustling and making money through illegal means.

But I'm a righteous son, despite I'm in the mist of
Despite the challenging circumstances he faced growing up, Nas has always maintained a sense of morality and strives to be a righteous person.

Dudes who switch up and change
Nas has been betrayed by people close to him in the past who betrayed their loyalty and changed their ways.

They want to carry me like I'm some kind of lame
Despite his success and wealth, some people still view Nas as a failure or a loser, and treat him poorly because of it.

I never let them know, I just forgive them though
Rather than seek revenge, Nas chooses to forgive those who have wronged him and move on.

Either that or the pistol blow
While Nas may have chosen to forgive and forget, he acknowledges that there are some situations in which violence is the only answer.

I remember early mornings, syrup sandwiches, sugar water, yeah
Nas's childhood was characterized by hunger and poverty, and he often had to make do with whatever food was available, such as syrup sandwiches and sugar water.

Walking up the dark stairwells, elevators was out of order, yeah
Nas grew up in a rough neighborhood where the building infrastructure was run-down, making it hard to navigate the stairs and elevators.

Worth 200 million now, bicentennial nigga, flat screens and condominiums
Despite his difficult upbringing, Nas has become very successful and wealthy, owning expensive property and electronics.

Brazilian women on Xannies they pulling off panties
As a wealthy and successful man, Nas enjoys the company of beautiful women and has indulged in drugs such as Xanax to enhance his experiences.

I'm pushing 40, she only 21
Nas has always been known for his romances with younger women, and at the age of 40, he is still indulging in such relationships.

Don't applaud me, I'm exhausted G
Despite his wealth and success, Nas is still tired and burnt out from the years of hustling and trying to make it to the top.

Me and my red cup, my blunt and my red cup
Even with all his success, Nas still enjoys simple pleasures like smoking weed and drinking out of red plastic cups.

Y'all wouldn't know me without one, I keep a fresh cut
Nas is constantly reinventing himself and his image, and is always looking for ways to maintain his relevance and stay fresh in the public eye.

Remember talking to Biggie inside his Lex truck
Nas is known for his complex relationship with the late rapper Biggie Smalls, and often reflects on their conversations and encounters together.

Said stay fly when you bummy, keep your pajamas Armani
Biggie gave Nas advice on how to look and behave like a successful person, even when you're not there yet, such as wearing designer pajamas.

Hood forever, I just act like I'm civilized
Despite his success and wealth, Nas still identifies as being from the streets and maintains his street knowledge and lifestyle.

Really what's in my mind is organizing a billion black motherfuckers
Nas is passionate about social justice and has a vision for organizing and empowering his community to take charge of their own futures.

To take over JP and Morgan Goldman and Sachs
Nas sees big banks and financial institutions as part of the problem with modern society and wants to dismantle them in favor of a more equitable system.

And teach the world facts and give Saudi they oil back
Nas wants to use his wealth and influence to educate people on important current issues, such as oil ownership and environmental destruction.

1990's Polo Ralph Lauren on him
In the 1990s, Nas was often seen wearing designer clothes such as Polo Ralph Lauren.

Gone a few years, the whole world snoring on him
Despite Nas's success and continued relevance in the music industry, he feels as though the world has forgotten about him at times.

Girls all up on him, I spread them, hit them and dead them
Nas enjoys the attention of women and often engages in sexual relationships, but is not interested in committing to long-term relationships.

She says, "third leg from a legend is sheer heaven"
Nas has a reputation for having a large penis, and some women find this to be an exciting and pleasurable aspect of their encounters with him.

She says, "it is the greatest loving"
In sexual encounters, Nas prides himself on being a skilled and attentive lover.

The tales you hear is the truth on me
Despite what some people may say or think about him, Nas is true to himself and his experiences.

Who wasn't the most faithful husband
Nas has been married and has struggled with infidelity in his relationships.

Reveal my life, you will forgive me
Nas is confident that if people truly knew the details of his life and what he went through while growing up, they would be more understanding and accepting of him.

You will love me, hate me, judge me, relate to me
Nas recognizes that his life and experiences are complex and that people will have a wide range of reactions to him.

Only a few will, this how it sounds when you too real
Despite the difficulty of living a truly honest and open life, Nas recognizes that only a few will truly understand him, and he is okay with that.

They think it's just music still
Some people don't appreciate the depth and complexity of Nas's music and think it's just entertainment.

Well I am a graphic classic song composer
Nas sees himself as a true artist and composer, and takes pride in creating work that is timeless and meaningful.

Music notes on sheets, I wrote this piece to get closure
Nas writes his music as both a form of catharsis and as a way to work through his personal experiences and emotions.

Some of y'all might know Kelis, this goes to her with love
Nas has had a highly publicized marriage to the singer Kelis, and this line is a nod to their relationship and the difficulties they faced.

Also goes to y'all, let's see
Nas wants his music to be meaningful to his fans and feels a deep connection to them.

The craziest things already happened to me
Nas has experienced many wild and difficult things in his life, and continues to navigate his success and fame with caution and grace.

So either you'll be laughing at me or you're laughing with me, ha
Nas recognizes that people may have different reactions to his music and to him as a person, and is okay with either one.