JFK 2 LAX
Gang Starr Lyrics

Yo
Opening line and a way of addressing someone

Yo Premier?
Asking the person named Premier a question

Yeah whassup G?
Asking G, a slang term for friend, how they are doing

That trip to L.A. may be delayed
Informing G that their trip to Los Angeles may not go as planned

Why whassup I'm on my way to the airport now
Questioning why their trip may be delayed and stating that they are on their way to the airport

Yeah well your boy Guru got knocked
Informing G that Guru has been arrested

What?
Asking for clarification on what happened to Guru

I don't know what this is about sounds crazy man
Expressing confusion and disbelief about Guru's arrest

Somethin' about a gun
Mentioning that Guru's arrest may be linked to a firearm

"The court calls Keith Elam to the stand. Please approach the bench."
A court announcement indicating that Guru's case is being called for trial and he is being summoned to the stand

Yo they got me handcuffed I'm down in central booking
Guru is talking about being under arrest and held in central booking

Things are fucked up the way my future's looking
Guru is expressing concern over the consequences of his arrest on his future

But I'm too fly, I'ma change this scenario
Despite his current predicament, Guru is confident in his abilities and plans to change his situation

Make some power moves and tighten up my bankroll
Guru plans to make some wise financial decisions to improve his situation

Chumps are leary though, they see me as a threat
Despite his good intentions, some people may be suspicious of Guru due to his reputation

I'm like the black Dutch Schultz when you get me upset
Guru is comparing himself to a notorious gangster known for his violent temper

Five-oh makes me want to flip, Larry Davis style
Guru is referencing Larry Davis, who was known for shooting six police officers to avoid arrest

Got a nigga depressed, while he's awaitin' trial
Guru is feeling overwhelmed and upset while waiting for his trial

It's OK though, cause from grey skies comes blue
Despite his current setback, Guru is optimistic that things will improve eventually

Through darkness comes light and I be known as the Guru
Guru is affirming his role and reputation as a wise teacher and leader

And this I certify we all should be alerted by the traps within the system, our youth is gettin' murdered by
Guru is warning others to be aware of the dangers and pitfalls of the legal system, which can be harmful to young people

the D.A. says they got me on a felony
Guru is stating that he has been charged with a serious crime

I'm tryin' to live my life, so what the fuck is you tellin' me?
Guru is questioning why he is being punished when he is trying to live a good life

The streets are war, that's what brothers carry weapons for
Guru is acknowledging the dangerous nature of street life and explaining why some people carry weapons

And I take the weight as I did before
Guru is accepting responsibility for his actions and facing the consequences of his choices

The next thing you know, they got me on the radio
Guru is commenting on the media attention that has arisen due to his arrest

A rapper arrested, suckers showin' me on video
Guru is criticizing those who are mocking him and broadcasting his arrest

Of course I know, that I'm a role model
Guru is aware that he is a public figure and is looked up to by some

But yo this rap life is real life sometimes it's full throttle
Guru is acknowledging the ups and downs of the music industry and how it can affect one's personal life

Right now I gotta think about me fuck the industry
Guru is prioritizing his own well-being over his career and the music industry

You gets no love, except those who support me
Guru is indicating that he only cares about the support of true friends and fans

What's the story, what happened when I went to L.A.?
Guru is curious about what happened regarding his arrest in Los Angeles

Mixin' shit up, no not there I got family
Guru is denying any involvement with illegal activity in Los Angeles and mentioning that he has connections there

Nothin' happened, mind your business yo step
Guru is telling others to mind their own business and implying that nothing happened in Los Angeles related to his arrest

You know we connect, JFK 2 LAX
Guru is referencing the frequent flights and connections between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX)

They want to lock us all up, and throw away the key
Guru is criticizing the justice system for imprisoning too many people and for too long

Don't want to see us come up, don't want to see us makin' G's
Guru is suggesting that some people in power attempt to prevent others from achieving success and wealth

Long as we know this is the key to our destruction
Guru is warning that the desire for money and status can be harmful to one's well-being and freedom

Let's make moves no discussion
Guru is advocating for taking action to improve one's situation, without hesitation or debate

Peace to my man Hass, and Orange Man payin the cost
Guru is sending a shoutout to his friends Hass and Orange Man, who are either facing hardships or helping him in some way

All the twenty-five to lifers all my brothers gettin' tossed into the system, supposed to rehabilitate
Guru is expressing concern for those serving long prison sentences and questioning whether the justice system actually helps people recover and reintegrate into society

It's why you gotta regulate your own mindstate
Guru is suggesting that individuals must take responsibility for their own thoughts and feelings in order to avoid negative consequences

Read, study lessons and build your inner power
Guru is advocating for self-education and personal growth as a means of improving one's life and situation

The next level, doesn't tolerate cowards
Guru is suggesting that success and progress demand courage and determination

For example, I know this rich Nigerian Powerful American that's proud to be an African
Guru is giving an example of someone who he admires for their self-confidence and pride in their ethnicity

He asked me why do all us brothers be gettin' trapped
Guru is recounting a conversation with the Nigerian man who asked why black men seem to have so much trouble with the law

I told him I'd explain it broke it down in a rap
Guru is suggesting that he will explain the situation in a song, using his lyrical abilities

Whether you got naps, braids waves or no hair
Guru is emphasizing that physical appearance is not what matters - black men are all in the same boat when it comes to facing discrimination and unequal treatment

Without esteem for yourself nigga, you goin' nowhere
Guru is saying that having self-respect and confidence is key to achieving success

And you can swagger like you rule this; Josey Wales
Guru is referencing a famous cowboy movie character known for his bravado and suggesting that posturing and showing off is not enough to succeed

unorganized revolt almost always mostly fails
Guru is suggesting that rebellions and resistance movements are more successful when they are well-coordinated and strategic

Give up the savage ways, be effective soldiers
Guru is suggesting that black men should strive to improve their situation using peaceful means instead of resorting to violence or crime

To elevate the mental is to be poor no more
Guru is suggesting that personal growth and education can help individuals escape poverty and achieve success

There's war in the streets, prepared men know best
Guru is suggesting that the streets are a dangerous and unpredictable place, and one must be ready for anything

Our rhyme as live as it gets, JFK 2 LAX
Guru is celebrating the power of his music to connect with people and motivate them during difficult times

They're always makin' trouble yo, against the righteous
Guru is suggesting that those in power or authority often target those who are doing the right thing

Killin' us in cold blood, those beats those vipers
Guru is using violent language to describe the harm that he believes is being done to black men by police and other authority figures

And as I sit feelin' the pain in my wrist
Guru is referencing the physical pain that comes with being handcuffed and arrested

I vow to myself that I'ma change this shit
Guru is making a personal commitment to fight against oppression and injustice

Or at least I gotta try, or part of me will die
Guru is saying that he must try to make a difference, because not doing so would be a personal failure

And only by action will any ideas solidify
Guru is suggesting that only by taking action can one's beliefs and plans become concrete and effective

So I inhale, exhale as I ponder
Guru is taking a moment to reflect and think deeply about his situation

This grown man will make mistakes no longer
Guru is indicating that he has matured and learned from his past mistakes

I've been there, I've seen how they make us fall victim
Guru is speaking from personal experience about the ways in which the system can hurt and exploit black men

to their tricknowledgy, with no apology I diss em
Guru is criticizing the deceptive practices of those in power and showing defiance towards them

And so I rip facts to dope tracks I caress
Guru is expressing his passion for making music that is both truthful and musically pleasing

You're gonna hear about it, from JFK 2 LAX
Guru is confident that his message and music will be heard and spread widely, from coast to coast