Not Going Back
Nas Lyrics

What nigga! What bitch-ass niggaz!
Emphasis on frustration and anger towards unknown individuals.

Nasir, come on let's go! Get in the car now, let's go! Throw it out, let's go!
Kelis is urging Nas to get in the car and leave, while questioning his actions in not disposing something earlier.

But I got 'em. But I got 'em, though.
Nas acknowledges that he still has whatever caused Kelis to urge him to leave, despite her urging him to throw it out.

This is crazy, why didn't you just throw it out of the car?
Kelis questions Nas's reasoning for not disposing of the item earlier to avoid the current situation.

This is so stupid, what are you doing? Why are we even out here?
Kelis expresses confusion and exasperation about the situation and Nas's actions.

Why are we out here? What's going on? This is retarded, yo we gotta
Kelis continues to express her confusion and frustration about the situation and urges Nas to take action.

This is crazy. Never again. You'd throw everything away, for what?
Kelis questions Nas's actions and why he would risk everything for something that could potentially cause trouble.

Yeah, my man Kool G Rap told me son do not look back
Nas references advice from Kool G Rap to not dwell on the past or old ways of living.

Chill up in the mansion with a fat glutious max, relax
Nas describes a more luxurious and relaxing lifestyle than before, with a bigger house and less worries.

When people act schoolin' with facts, tell 'em
Nas is not interested in being schooled or preached to, and advises to tell those who try that he is living his own life.

At this point in my life I'm all about chillin'
Nas is focused on enjoying his life and relaxing, rather than getting caught up in drama or the streets.

Ridin' around in something sick and the dress flies
Nas enjoys cruising in an impressive car with a stylish outfit, without much care for what others may think.

And twist, homie's hermano just died I gotta let it ride
Despite the death of a friend's brother, Nas is still focusing on living his life and moving forward.

That's what I got the public thinkin' my nigga
Nas is aware of how the public perceives him and his lifestyle, while still carving his own path.

Just cause I ain't in the hood don't mean shit my nigga
Nas emphasizes that his lifestyle doesn't define his character, and that he can still relate to the struggles people from the hood face.

I know who died before the body dropped
Nas is aware of deaths before they happen, either through connections or knowledge of the streets.

I know the guns that were used how much money the shooter got
Nas has knowledge of the specifics surrounding violent incidents, including the weapons used and the amount of money involved in the criminal activities.

'Cause on the private yacht I'm still within earshot of it all
Nas is able to maintain connections to the streets and the activity that happens there, despite enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.

The top ten list of the most grimiest guys of all time
Nas and his friends discuss the most notorious and shady characters in New York, emphasizing their influence in the area.

Is all we talk when we talk of New York y'all
The topic of discussion amongst Nas and his friends is often related to the notorious figures of New York, which they discuss with familiarity.

Who to call and who to stay away from
Nas and his friends have a clear understanding of who to trust and who to avoid in the streets.

Whose mother's address to have just to play it safe son
Nas and his friends maintain knowledge of safe locations or contacts, including the homes of mothers who can offer protection.

Women they lust up so quick to give 'em up
Women are often quick to get involved with Nas and his friends due to their influence and lifestyle.

What cars and what trucks they drive in what towns
Nas and his friends have knowledge of the vehicles that other people are driving, and where they can be found throughout the city.

They spend the most time in when they grindin'
Nas and his friends are aware of the areas where people spend the most time working or making deals.

I found out most of them are cowards they hidin'
Despite their influence, Nas and his friends have come to the realization that many of the notorious figures of New York are actually cowards who hide from confrontation.

The streets keep tryin' to say
Despite his new lifestyle, Nas is still being called back to the streets and the drama that comes with them.

Come back around this way
The streets are asking Nas to return to his old ways and get involved in their activities again.

I've already gone that way
Nas has already lived that life and moved on to something different.

I won't go back today
Despite the temptation, Nas has made the decision to not return to his old lifestyle today or in the near future.

First thing that happen when you make a little paper
Nas is referencing the immediate materialism and focus on luxury that often occurs when someone first earns money.

You think the Marriot is livin' in a skyscraper
When someone first earns money, they often believe that staying at the Marriot hotel and living in a tall building is a sign of success.

Til you come across some ever more flyer paper
However, as someone earns more money, they begin to realize that there are always higher levels of luxury and better things to have.

Realize that five-star 'tellies are even greater
As Nas has earned more money, he has come to appreciate even higher-end hotels and lifestyles, with five-star hotels being a new standard.

Terry-cloth robes, elegance, movie shit
Nas describes the luxurious accessories and lifestyle that comes with staying in high-end hotels.

Heated-up marble floors with jacuzzis in it
Nas continues to describe the luxurious amenities of high-end hotels, with heated marble floors and jacuzzis.

First-class flights, diamonds in your crucifixes
Nas describes the materialism that often comes with success, including diamonds in jewelry and first-class plane tickets.

All those things you still ain't really doin' shit kid
Despite the luxury and success, Nas feels that he isn't really doing anything of real value or importance.

'Cause in reality I'll earn my salary
Nas knows that he is only earning what he deserves for his work and success, and nothing more.

The way I flaunted it then would now embarrass me
Nas feels embarrassed when he thinks about how he used to flaunt his success and materialism, as it comes off as shallow and unnecessary.

It kinda make me wanna hate bling it's a race thing
Nas has grown to dislike the culture of materialism and the emphasis on expensive jewelry, linking it to issues related to race and class.

How they sell blacks to bootleg shit infact
Nas believes that the materialism and obsession with luxury is being sold to black people, in a way that is harmful and not beneficial.

Real millionaires spend 60 mil on paintings
Nas contrasts the shallow materialism of jewelry with the idea of true wealth and investment, with millionaires spending vast sums on art and other valuable items.

Whores charge niggaz with raping
Nas acknowledges the darker side of wealth and success, including sexual assault allegations and other legal troubles for high-profile people.

'Cause we come out doors of Maybach cars
Nas and his friends are associated with luxury cars, which can attract attention and criticism from others.

Watch us make bets on race tracks smokin' cigars
Nas and his friends gamble and enjoy luxury activities like smoking cigars, reinforcing their association with excessive wealth and lifestyles.

So they counter the laws to take what's ours
Nas feels that laws and regulations are targeting the wealthy to take away their money and success.

Bout 500K on a lawyer to beat the charge
Nas acknowledges the legal advantages that come with wealth, including being able to afford expensive lawyers to offset legal troubles.

So you can't stop us from making a billion dollars
Nas and his friends are determined to earn even more money and wealth, and believe that nothing can stop them.

Instead of goin' back I'm buying the projects
Nas uses his success and wealth to give back to the community where he grew up, investing in the development of public housing projects.

The hood's in me forever y'all
Despite his success and wealth, Nas feels a sense of connection and loyalty to his old neighborhood and community.

And of course y'all know what I'm not going back to
Nas emphasizes that he is determined to move forward and not return to his old ways or habits.

(And I'm not going back to) Ten carat gold it shine
Nas is moving forward from the obsession with flashy jewelry and materialism.

(And I'm never going back to) Sony if they don't have dough to sign
Nas isn't interested in signing with companies who don't offer enough money or support for his work.

(Not going back to) Y'all know that I'm not going back to Those no friends of mine
Nas isn't going to return to the company of those who were never truly his friends or supported him.

(And I'm not going back to) Coke on the stove in the hood
Nas isn't going to return to the lifestyle of drug use and violence that he used to be associated with.

Y'all should know that I'm not going back
Nas emphasizes that he is looking forward, and not interested in dwelling on the past or returning to old habits.