Hate Me Now
D Lyrics

Escobar season has returned...
A reference to the rapper Nas' alter ego, Escobar. The return of Escobar signifies Nas' resurgence as a dominant force in the rap game.

Its been a long time
Nas has been absent from the rap game for a while and this line acknowledges that fact.

Been a long time comin'
Nas has been working hard to make his comeback and this line is a testament to his perseverance.

Looks like the death of me now
Nas is aware of the haters and detractors who want to see him fail, and they are his biggest obstacle.

But you know, there's no turning back now
Despite the challenges he faces, Nas is determined to succeed and will not give up.

This is what makes me This is what I am
Nas is who he is because of the struggles he's faced and the adversity he's overcome. He has a chip on his shoulder and is driven by his past experiences.

You can hate me now (QB)
Nas is aware that some people may dislike him, but he won't let that stop him from pursuing his goals. 'QB' is a reference to his hometown Queensbridge.

But I won't stop now (Real Niggas)
Nas won't let the hate ultimately stop him from achieving his goals. 'Real Niggas' is a reference to those who are true to themselves and their values.

Cause I can't stop now (Bravehearts)
Nas has no intention of giving up, and nothing will deter him. 'Bravehearts' is a reference to his rap group and their tenacity.

Do it now, do it now
This line is a call to action for Nas' haters to come forth and voice their dislike directly to him.

Don't hate me, hate the money I see, clothes that I buy Ice that I wear, clothes that I try
Nas is aware that some people only hate him because of his success and the material possessions that come with it. He's saying that if they have a problem with that, they should direct their hate towards those things instead of him personally.

Close your eyes, picture me rollin', Sixes, money foldin' Bitches honeys that swollen The riches, Nas get in ya
This is Nas flexing about his riches and image. He's painting a vivid picture for the listener of his extravagant lifestyle.

Most critically acclaimed Pulitzer prize winner Best storyteller thug narrator my style's greater
Nas is highlighting his status as a rap legend, emphasizing his great storytelling capabilities and his unique style.

Model dater, big threat to a lot of you haters Commentators ring side try watchin' my paper Almost a decade quite impressive
Nas is listing his accomplishments and success in the industry, particularly over the course of the past decade.

Most of the best is in the essence For this rap shit that I stand for Expanding more to the big screen Bill gates dreams
Nas is discussing his vision for expanding his brand beyond music, and potentially into acting or filmmaking. He draws a parallel to Bill Gates and his entrepreneurial aspirations.

But it seems you'd rather see me in jail With state dreams
Nas is aware that some people may want to see him fail and go to jail or prison, and he's not going to let them get what they want.

Want me off the scene fast But good things last Like your favorite M.C. still makin' some mean cash
Despite the hate he receives, Nas believes that he will continue to have success, and he points to other rappers who have remained relevant for a long time as proof of this.

First rapper to bring a platinum plaque Back to the projects But you still want to hate, be my guest I suggest
Nas is reminding his haters that he's accomplished a lot, including bringing commercial success back to his hometown. He isn't going to let any amount of hate bring him down.

You want to hate me then hate me What can I do? But keep gettin' money
Nas isn't going to stop making money and succeeding just because some people dislike him. He's saying that if they're going to hate, they might as well do it while he continues to succeed.

Funny I was just like you I had to hustle hard never give up Until I made it Now why'all sayin' that's a clever nigga Nothing to play with
Nas is acknowledging that he came from a similar place to his haters, and worked hard to get where he is today. Now that he's successful, they recognize his talent and skill.

Hate on me, I blew but I'm the same ol G
Nas is saying that despite his success, he is still the same person he always was.

People warn me, when you're on top there's envy Took my niggas out the hood but you doubt on us Sayin' we left the hood But can't get it out of us
Nas is acknowledging that there are always going to be people who are envious of his success, and he's saying that despite moving himself and his friends out of the hood, they still carry it with them as part of their identity.

My bad, should I step out my shoes Give 'em to you? Here's my car and my house You can live in that too
Nas is essentially saying that if his haters want his life so badly, they can have it. He's switching the power dynamic and essentially asking if they want to switch places.

Criticize when I flow for the streets Hate my dress code Gucci this, Fendi that What you expect hoe Nickname esco
Nas is highlighting the fact that he's always represented the streets in his music, in contrast to those who criticize his fashion sense. 'Esco' is a nickname for himself, also referencing his iconic Escobar persona.

Took this game to its threshold Best flow I bet the whole U.S. know Try to make it like you the realest But who the illest? Think we all know the answer to that Cause niggas feel this right
Nas is heralding his status as the best rapper alive, and he's confident that his audience recognizes his skill and authenticity.

Its a thin line between paper and hate Friends and snakes, nine millis and thirty-eights Hell or the pearly gates
Nas is reflecting on the dangers and risks involved in his line of work, and the fine line between success and failure, loyalty and betrayal, and life and death.

I was destined to come Predicted, blame God, he blew breath in my lungs Second to none, wicked turn wives to widows Shoot through satin pillows, the desolate one
Nas is saying that he was meant to become a successful rapper and that his talent was predetermined. He also discusses the darker aspects of his persona, such as his violent tendencies.

Took a little time to claim my spot Chairman of the board until this game stop And I side with the Lord Ride for the cause While driving, niggas shot out my doors
Nas is reflecting on how he had to work hard to become successful, and how he's been a target throughout his career. However, he's also saying that he trusts in a higher power and is committed to using his platform for a greater cause.

Plottin', I'm sure to catch me With they glocks to my jaw Try stickin' my up but I But I flipped on these ducks Instead of me Ambulances were picking them up
Nas is reflecting on how he had to deal with people trying to rob him and end his life. However, he's also saying that he was able to defend himself successfully and that his attackers ultimately suffered the consequences.

Niggas fear what they don't understand Hate what they can't conquer Guess its just a theory of man Became a monster, atop of the world Never fallin'
Nas is saying that people fear what they don't know or understand, and that this fear can lead to hatred and resentment. However, he's also saying that he has achieved a level of success that makes him feel invincible and unstoppable.