Slow Down
A.I.P. Lyrics

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
Countdown is used as a metaphor of how time is running out for humanity

We cry for peace (Uh huh) But we live for war (You know I got that shot in the Chevy what it is?)
As a society, we demand peace, but our actions speak otherwise, showing we love the thrill of war

We ain't start the wire taps down in Baltimore (But I still slangin' bricks where I live)
We may not have started some problems, but we continue to contribute to them

Sometimes she love me, sometimes she love me not (Doin' 10 now my girl turning tricks at the crib)
Some people may love us, but their feelings can change unexpectedly and without warning

But let check out his eyes, in the inner city Chi' (Layin' down ASAP, e'erbody in the trap gettin' killed)
Violence and death are rampant in inner-city areas.

Evil lurks in the heavenly disguise (Tryin' to get the ruler all I need is about a mil)
People who appear good can sometimes be the most evil and deceiving individuals

I seen two birds crash into two New York giants (Bush still lyin', he don' never keep it real)
The world is full of shocking and unexpected events, often aggravated by the lies of leaders

I wish Katrina spoke French at the quarter to New Orleans (Haha, but you'd a told her that)
The need for a better communication strategy during natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina

But how we smoke French back, seduced this stone (Okay)
The desire to find temporary pleasures to escape from reality

Told this is your death, please don't rain on my people
A plea to protect one's safety and well-being when faced with danger

Where'd the hope go, Where'd the hope (I don't know)
An inquiry about the loss of hope in society

I see the whole world turn into a war-zone (What?)
The world is becoming increasingly violent and chaotic

Ain't no love in the city keep your vest on (G' that right)
The world can be a dangerous place, and protection is necessary to stay safe

Guns 'n roses welcome to the jungle
A reference to the dangers of city life

On the flip side (ay), she shakin' her back side (Shake it for me)
A reminder that, despite the chaos, there are still moments of beauty and pleasure in life

That's the only way tuition gon' come right
A statement on the astronomical cost of education and the need to find creative ways to pay for it.

He got a crush on Mary Jane (Ay, Ay)
A reference to someone who is infatuated with marijuana

If you ain't got five on she ain't doing her thang (Come on, you know you need to)
A commentary on the hypocrisy of some marijuana users who don't want to share their stash unless others contribute financially

Slow down, young girl Keep it real hun, you gotta keep it real hun Slow down somebody gon' crash (Come on, you know you need to)
An advice to young girls to slow down, be true to themselves and avoid making reckless decisions that could lead to trouble

If you livin in the street You know your livin' free (And if you ain't you know your doin' time like me)
A reflection on the harsh reality of life on the streets, where freedom is synonymous with danger and risk-taking

Thugs with the heat, are the coldest ones to meet (You can catch yourself a case get a fine do 3)
The most dangerous people in society are often the most merciless and cruel

We flyin' high, but still can't touch the sky (But on conspiracy your doing ten at the least)
The struggle to reach seemingly impossible heights, compounded by the injustices of the legal system

Everbody's a gangsta, but no-body wanna die (With all this snitchin' you might never see the streets
People often act tough and pretend to be gangsters, but are unwilling to take the real risks of violence that come with it

Nuclear testing, replacin' the SAT's (With all this going on why they worried about me)
A commentary on society's emphasis on trivial issues, while ignoring more pressing problems

Stem cell research there's another you another me (I'm just hustling in the streets tryin' to flip a couple keys)
The future of science, and the potential for cloning and creating new life, colliding with the reality of life in the streets and the desperation that can drive people to sell drugs.

With what goes up, must come down, the laws of gravity (I know I see it happen to my partner big neege, We miss ya shawty!)
A reminder that everything in life is temporary and constantly changing, and a tribute to a friend who died.

To win at chess, you've got to trap the king (Ay)
A metaphor for the importance of strategy, focus, and patience in achieving success

Boy better slow down (Ay, Ay, Slowdown Ay, Ay, You wanna show 'em that da dope keep coming But if shit keep runnin' their mouth Eye your stuck jacking coming for ya better slow down)
A warning to someone who is moving too fast and taking too many risks, especially in the drug trade.

Hey I remember get money (Get money) All we do is get money (Get money) 'Til the feds raided the trap and took my (Thang) from me Put me in a room alone, separated the click form me (Click from me) Next thing you my lawyer said (My partner snitched on me) on me Now ain't that a bitch homie, (They ain't have a thing on us) Until you started telling now they talking big numbers We could've split charges up, against five or six summer (Summers) Instead you tryin' to talk telling so you could walk How could you tell 'em who we sold told to? E'erthing we bought How we used to get in, all the way 'til we can ship it off? (Who woulda thought?) Thought Hey keep it pimpin', wait a minute (Whoa) Ay keep it pimpin' wait a minute, ay
A recollection of past successes in the drug trade and the bitter reality of being betrayed by a trusted partner and getting caught by the police.

I'm gonna let my guitar do the talking now
A statement that the singer is finished talking and will let his music speak for him now