The Message
Dr Dre ft Mary J Blige & Rell Lyrics

This one is for my brother, Tyree, R.I.P A message to God
The song is dedicated to the rapper's deceased brother Tyree, and serves as a message to God.

Since you finishin' 'em early, what posessed you to start him?
The rapper questions why God would take someone so early in their life.

We made a vow later we'll regret 'til death do us part
The rapper made a promise to his brother that he now regrets since his death.

Lord, I thought we was made for each other You shouldn't connect those, made to be taken away from each other
The rapper believed that he and his brother were meant to be together, but now realizes that some people are not meant to stay in our lives forever.

Now what I'm supposed to do? I'm only half the man that I was I'll never last, 'cause my better half is up there with you
The rapper feels lost and incomplete without his brother, who he considers his 'better half.'

You knew what you was doin' when you made us; so with all due respect You coulda forgave him, you didn't have to take him
The rapper recognizes that God has a plan for everyone, but is still questioning why his brother had to die so young.

He can take the game with him, 'cause he defines the word The one who puts the G in it, who you think put me in it?
The rapper acknowledges that his brother was a talented rapper and contributed to the definition of the rap game. He also credits his brother with getting him into the industry.

I'm feelin like my whole world is blinded wonderin' why Cryin', pourin' out my heart, pourin' out liquor behind it
The rapper is struggling to understand why his brother had to die and is mourning his loss by crying and drinking.

We fought like brothers, somethin' we never should do We coulda used time spent arguin tellin' the truth
The rapper and his brother had their fair share of arguments and regrets not using that time to be honest with each other.

He had talent too, I had plans on watchin' him grow Don't know what hurts more - seein' him leave, or watchin him go
The rapper had hopes for his brother's future and is unsure which is more painful, the loss of his brother or the realization that he won't get to see him grow and succeed.

If you wonder why (why I live my life) The way that I do ('cause I got to get this money) So don't worry about me (don't worry, don't worry worry) I'm just hustlin' everyday, runnin this race, makin this paper
The rapper is living his life with a purpose, which is to make money and be successful. He advises others not to worry about him, as he is focused on his goals.

You'se a soldier, you're probably packin heat up there Met up with homies from the street, and got deep up there
The rapper imagines his brother as a soldier in heaven, reconnecting with old friends.

If you only knew the way I felt before they ruined the crew I thought I learned from Eazy, now I'm goin through it with you
The rapper recalls the feeling of losing someone close to him when Eazy-E died, but now he is going through it again with his brother's death.

We lost a thug, a son, and a father I spoke to your son, the other day, and told him Uncle Dre got him
The rapper acknowledges that his brother had a significant role in his community and family. He also assures his brother's son that he will be there for him.

The Lord must be accidentally pulling your file Cause I'm still paging you, 911, straight in denial Prayin' you get it, but no man can choose the card he was dealt
The rapper is struggling to accept his brother's death and feels like it must have been a mistake. He wishes he could still talk to him but knows that everyone has their time.

You either quit, or you gon' play 'em like you get it I done been through all emotions, from in shock, to keepin a poker face To straight breakin down and showin' all emotions
The rapper acknowledges that in life, you either give up or keep playing even when things get tough. He has gone through a range of emotions since his brother's death, from shock to sadness.

I'm anxious to believe in real G's don't cry If that's the truth, then I'm realizin I ain't no gangsta It's just not me, but you know I'mma always ride wit you I miss you, sometimes I wish I just died wit' you
The rapper is struggling with the idea that real gangsters don't show emotions like crying, but realizes that it's just not in his nature. He will always be loyal to his brother and sometimes wishes he could have died with him.

Listen Listen Listen Listen
The repeated use of 'listen' serves as a call for the listener to pay attention to the message of the song.

Yeah, yeah, ah oh listen Mm
The rapper is urging the listener to pay attention to what he is saying.

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah Yeah Listen
The repetition of 'yeah' and 'listen' emphasize the importance of the message being delivered.

Listen, children listen I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' good Don't get caught up in the hood Yeah hah, yeah hah, aooh
The rapper is advising young people to listen to his message, which warns against getting caught up in dangerous situations in their neighborhood.

If you don't know why You gotta find out the reason why Brother brother
The song ends with the rapper encouraging listeners to seek out the reason for their existence just as he is trying to come to terms with his brother's untimely death.