A Dream
Faith Evans; Jay-Z; Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics

It was all a dream
The experience was not real, it was just a dream

Last night I had a dream
The dream occurred the previous night

Thoughts was racing through my head (it was all a dream)
The thoughts in the dream were compelling and came rapidly

Felt so real to me
The dream was vivid and realistic

Had a dream I said, bout who he said?
The dreamer asked who they were dreaming about

'Bout B.I.G. I said, that's big he said
The dreamer confirms they were dreaming about the rapper The Notorious BIG

What I believe to be a yes I repeated what was said
The dreamer thought that the rapper was agreeing with them

"You feel playboy," was the greeting he said
The rapper greeted the dreamer, calling them a playful nickname

First thing I wanted to know, what's the reason he was dead?
The dreamer asked about the rapper's death, which was a fact of reality

"More money, more problems, better believe it," he said
The rapper explained that the negative aspects of having an excess amount of wealth comes with problems

"Careful what you wish for you might receive it," he said
The rapper warns the dreamer to be careful about what they wish for, as it may not always bring happiness

"Hov' remind yourself
B.I.G. reminds Jay-Z of important information

Nobody built like you, you designed yourself"
B.I.G. tells Jay-Z that he is unique and has created his own path

"Just keep doing your thing," he said, say no more
B.I.G. advises Jay-Z to continue with his own unique style

It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine
The dreamer reminisces about their past, reading the magazine 'Word Up'

Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine
The dreamer recalls musicians Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D in a fancy car

Hanging pictures on my wall
The dreamer remembers putting up pictures in their room

Every Saturday, "Rap Attack," Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
The dreamer reminisces about listening to the radio show "Rap Attack" hosted by Mr. Magic and Marley Marl

I let my tape rock 'til my tape popped
The dreamer played their mixtape continuously until it stopped working

Smokin' weed and bamboo, sippin' on private stock
The dreamer recalls themselves smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol

Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack
The dreamer remembers owning a red and black lumberjack-style jacket

With the hat to match
The dreamer also owned a hat that matched the jacket

Remember Rappin' Duke? "Duh-ha, duh-ha"
The dreamer recalls the novelty song 'Rappin' Duke' and its catchphrase

You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far
The dreamer reflects on the widespread success and influence of hip-hop music

Now I'm in the limelight cause I rhyme tight
The dreamer discusses how their talent for rapping has brought them fame

Born sinner, the opposite of a winner
The dreamer reflects on their past mistakes and challenges as a rapper

Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner
The dreamer recalls times of relative poverty when they ate canned fish for dinner

Peace to Ron G, Brucey be, Kid Capri
The dreamer gives a shout-out to fellow musicians Ron G, Brucey B, and Kid Capri

Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starsky
The dreamer acknowledges the contributions of Funkmaster Flex and Lovebug Starsky to the hip-hop scene

I'm blowin' up like you thought I would
The dreamer is becoming increasingly successful despite any doubts others may have had

Call the crib, same number same hood, it's all good
The dreamer still lives in the same place as before and everything is going well

Uhh, and if you don't know, now you know, nigga
The dreamer asserts their presence and skill in the rap scene