The City Is Mine )
BlackStreet feat. Jay-Z Lyrics

You belong to the city
The singer believes that the listener is a product of the urban environment they grew up in.

You belong to the night
The singer believes that the listener is comfortable in the rowdy and chaotic nightlife of the city.

In the river of darkness
The city, with its abundance of crime and sin, is compared to a river that flows in the darkness.

He's a man of the night
The artist identifies with the image of a man that's at home in the night, a time when the city truly comes alive.

What the deal playboy, just rest your soul
The artist is addressing a companion as he says that his friend shouldn't worry because he's got everything under control.

I be holding it down yo still love the dough
The singer asserts that they've been keeping their hustle going and making money despite any challenges that may arise.

Got these ladies on the cock now you know how we go
The singer is bragging about their ability to attract women with ease.

Got the whole world on lock down you know how we flow
The artist says confidently that he and his crew are in control of everything everywhere.

Don't worry about Brooklyn I continue to flame
The artist is telling listeners not to worry about the state of the Brooklyn borough because he's going to keep things hot.

Therefore a world with amnesia won't forget your name
The artist says that they're going to create such an impact on the world that they'll never be forgotten.

You held it down long enough, let me take those reigns
The singer is suggesting (perhaps to the previous speaker) that he's capable of a more impressive performance and should take over.

And just like your spirit the commission remains
The artist refers to the previous person's spirit and reminds them that their legacy will carry on.

Niggas can cross the T's and, dots the I's
The singer is saying that he's one step ahead of others and has everything under control.

Now that I got too popular to cop them pies
The singer says that they've gained too much fame to be involved in the same shady dealings they once were.

I'm taking this rap shit serious, to my demise
The singer says that they're dedicated to their craft, even if it ends up being their downfall.

Jay shit's like cake mix, watch me rise
The artist believes that he's on the verge of a major breakthrough in his music career.

Basics in the basement, waste it
The artist thinks that other rappers waste their talent by not focusing on the fundamentals.

Asking my dog for advice so when he can't say shit
The singer is suggesting that even his friends don't have advice or criticisms for his music.

My hatred is, fueled just give me a sign
The singer says that his anger is what motivates him and he's willing to act on it.

And I let the world know that the city is mine, what?
The artist is once again proclaiming dominance over the urban landscape.

Y'all want to know how I flow just seek and you find
The artist suggests that his exceptional rapping ability is easily found and can be recognized by anyone.

I'm like a brain in the voice box, I speak my mind
The artist compares himself to the center of thought that resides in the voice box which is similar to how he raps without hesitation or filter.

About to redefine rap mami, either I'm
The singer claims he is about to revolutionize rap music.

The illest nigga doing it or these niggas is losing it
The artist believes either he is the best rapper in the game or everyone else is falling behind.

I read a article that said I was ruining shit
The singer refers to criticism of his music.

But every time I look, I'm moving units in quick
The singer is pointing out that his music is still selling very well regardless of what the critics say.

So I'ma hit y'all, with these last two and split
The singer is about to wrap up his performance with two more songs before leaving.

And leave niggas with nothing but my influences-es
After he leaves, the artists' performance and style will have influenced those who were there to see him.

Soon it's the Jigga, I ain't mad yeah, bite my shit
The artist doesn't mind if other rappers or artists imitate his style or music.

Sell half of what I sell because it's not quite my shit
The singer knows that imitators cannot match his true talent and so will not sell as well as he does.

I'm the type to buy a Roley and just ice my shit
The singer likes to show off his wealth by wearing expensive and flashy jewelry.

On the spot, fuck coming back twice to shit
He doesn't need to shop around or bargain for better prices because he can just buy whatever he wants on the spot.

How real is that? My floss game, still intact
The artist is bragging that his flaunting of wealth is still as powerful as ever.

Boss game, you lame dudes can't feel that
The artist is stating that only true bosses can understand and appreciate his mentality and success.

Like the first dude to cop the 850 and 89
The singer compares his success to earlier technical achievements but in a more materialistic way.

And drove it up to 55th, the city is mine, what?
He is once again asserting that he is the king of the city.

I snatch your girl cause your arm ain't strong enough
The singer is saying that he can easily win a woman's affections away from another man.

Plus ya don't stay in the studio long enough
The singer is suggesting that the other guy is not working hard enough to keep his woman.

I make hits while y'all stay hating and take bricks
The singer is producing successful music while his critics are doing nothing productive.

Had it locked til I came in the club, Take 6
The artist is bragging that he can walk into a nightclub and easily take control of the vibe and atmosphere.

Got your chick cause you swore she was innocent
The artist says that he was able to take another man's woman because the man was too naive.

Got her a Chinese manicure hair done by Dominicans, all for what
The singer took the girl out and paid for her beauty treatments because he could afford it.

So I could be in a dark corner, all in the butt
The singer brags about having sexual experiences in a very public and daring manner.

At the bar alcholing her up
The artist is buying drinks for his woman in order to influence her decisions.

I represent the lifestyle of those who thirst cream
The artist represents a lifestyle of wealth, luxury, and excess.

A buck fifty a shot, Louis the Thirteenth
The artist is saying that he drinks expensive liquor which costs a hundred and fifty dollars a glass.

Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella yo, know the name
The singer is reminding everyone of his name and the Rap-firm he's associated with.

I ain't a player get it right, I'm controlling the game
The artist is more than a player, his level of control is over the whole game.

From now until they blow holes in my frame
The singer is pronouncing his dedication to music until the day he dies.

I'ma stand firm, holding my aim, feel me?
The singer will remain steadfast and true to his goals in music.

I'm the focal, point like Biggie in his prime
The singer is saying that he's in the same prominent position as The Notorious BIG was in his prime.

On the low though, the city is mine!
The artist is once again asserting his dominance over the city, but now in a more subdued manner.