First Things First
Blu & Exile Lyrics

First things first
Let's establish some priorities

Ain't tryna game you up so girl I'll be straight (First things first)
I don't want to play games, I'll be honest

Don't want to mess it up before it's too late (First things first)
I don't want to ruin our chance by making a mistake

My name is, and you are?
May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?

I'd like to get to know you if it's okay (First things first)
I would like to pursue a potential relationship with you

Ayo, tell me what I'm s'posed to do
Please advise me on how to proceed

You gotta tell me what I'm s'posed to do
I need your guidance in this situation

Let me know just what I'm s'posed to do (First things first)
Please give me clear direction on how to pursue you

See it's so many ways I can approach you
There are many options for me to initiate contact

I can either start off like, "'scuse me miss", but shit that's too old school
One approach is the classic 'excuse me miss', but it's outdated

And I can flow to you but that's too cliche
Reciting poetry or rap verses is too expected

Plus I don't bust to bust nuts, I bust over beat breaks
I'm not interested in shallow encounters, I'm more focused on music

I could be honest with you and tell you I'm a cheapskate
I could admit that I'm frugal with my money

But, you probably seen me sharing drinks with my deejay
However, you may have seen me buying drinks for my friend who is a DJ

So, fronting like I got chips is out the question
I won't pretend to have more money than I actually do

And acting like my Benz is in the shop is outdated
Lying about having car troubles to seem more relatable is not a viable option

And I ain't into playing games
I am not interested in mind games or manipulation

Plus I already hate them fake ballers that be always dropping names
I despise people who constantly boast and name-drop

And yeah I'm in the game but if I say I rap
I am a rapper, but I don't want to be judged solely on that

You'll be looking for my range, gold chains and my strap
People might expect me to have expensive cars, jewelry, and weapons

And I can act conscious, but if we talk politics
I could pretend to be politically aware, but I'm not well-informed

You'll notice that I'm out of the loop, 'cause I don't follow it
I don't keep up with politics and current events as much as I should

I rock fitted caps, kufis ain't for Blu, see
I prefer fitted baseball caps over traditional Muslim hats

I eat red meat 'cause tofu don't move me
I prefer meat over vegetarian options

And women are confusing, but that's for later on
I find women complicated, but that's a topic for another time

And the only way to tell you is to say it in a song
I can only express my thoughts and feelings through my music

Like darling you a doll, don't confuse it with sexual
I think you're beautiful, but I don't want to objectify you

But don't think, I don't think of having sex with you
However, I'll be honest and admit that I am attracted to you

I'm trying to get next to you, but you being rude
I'm interested in pursuing you, but your attitude is hindering me

In the club with ya guns out, shooting down fools
You are defensive and hostile, possibly due to previous negative experiences

She shot down one, and shot down two
You have already rejected multiple suitors at the club

Now tell me what the fuck am I suppose to do
I am at a loss on how to approach you and gain your interest

Now, don't get it twisted broke niggas need love too
I don't have to be wealthy to deserve love and a relationship

And underground rappers like to chill at the club too
I may not be famous, but I still enjoy going out and socializing

I wanna get buzzed, get drunk and get crunk
I want to enjoy myself and have fun by drinking alcohol and dancing

Get a chick to kick it with when I'm feeling fucked up but
I would like to have a female companion to hang out with when I'm intoxicated

Women be mentioning ya' whips and your chains
Women are often impressed by material possessions such as cars and jewelry

So I flip it like slaves come with whips and chains, we gotta liberate
Instead of celebrating materialism, we should focus on freeing ourselves from societal oppression

But before I could mention my name
I haven't had a chance to introduce myself yet

They be talking to the nigga with the keys to the Range
Women often gravitate towards men who have expensive cars and wealth

And I can't even compete with these ballers trying to get at you
I can't measure up to the wealthy and flashy men pursuing you

'Cause I ain't even got enough cheese to try to match dude
I don't have enough money to compete with them

Nor do I got a flat to bring you back to
I don't have a fancy apartment or house to impress you

But, I can roll up a blunt and try to relax you
I can offer you some marijuana to help you unwind and have a good time

Probably make you laugh when you mad in a bad mood
I have a good sense of humor and can probably cheer you up when you're upset

And ask a few questions 'bout caressing your statue
I can ask you about your interests and passions, and show genuine interest in them

'Cause no, I ain't got corn rows or hood tattoos
I don't fit the stereotype of a typical rapper with tattoos and a certain hairstyle

But, I can fuck up any track that I rap too
Despite not looking like a typical rapper, I am skilled in my craft

I, know it's irrelevant, but rap is my profession
My career is in music, specifically as a rapper

And just cause I'm a gentleman, don't mean I'm into settling
I may have a respectful demeanor, but I still have standards and aspirations

I spend most my time on the grind, but I ain't peddling rocks
I work hard on my music career, but I am not involved in illegal activities

Or trying to sign to the Roc, I'm trying to meddle in my own business
I am not trying to sign with Jay-Z's record label, I prefer to handle my career independently

So tell your girls mind they own business
Please ask your friends to stay out of our personal matters

And I would give you my digits but see my phone isn't accepting calls 'til the bills get paid
I would like to exchange phone numbers, but my service may be disconnected due to unpaid bills

Now you say you want the real, but it's the real I'm saying, so what the deal?
You claim to want honesty and authenticity, but I am being genuine and you still seem unsure

If it's okay with you, if it's okay with you, if it's okay with you
If you are willing and interested, I would like to pursue a relationship with you