JFK 2 LAX
Gangstarr Lyrics

Yo
Beginning of conversation between Gangstarr members

Yo Premier?
Gangstarr member addressing DJ Premier

Yeah whassup G?
DJ Premier greeting back and asking what's up

That trip to L.A. may be delayed
DJ Premier informing Guru of possible delay in their trip to L.A.

Why whassup I'm on my way to the airport now
Guru asking for reason of the delay while on his way to the airport

Yeah well your boy Guru got knocked
DJ Premier informing Guru that he has been arrested

What?
Guru surprised and curious about the reason

I don't know what this is about sounds crazy man
DJ Premier uncertain about the reason of Guru's arrest

Somethin' about a gun
DJ Premier mentioning the reason of Guru's arrest

"The court calls Keith Elam to the stand.
Lyrics from court proceeding, where Guru is summoned as Keith Elam

Please approach the bench."
Judge asking Guru to come closer to the judge's bench

Yo they got me handcuffed I'm down in central booking
Guru describing his situation, being arrested and detained in central booking

Things are fucked up the way my future's looking
Guru feeling hopeless about his future after being arrested

But I'm too fly, I'ma change this scenario
Guru expressing his confidence to change the outcome of his current situation

Make some power moves and tighten up my bankroll
Guru planning to make money moves to improve his financial status

Chumps are leary though, they see me as a threat
Guru acknowledging that some people see him as a threat

I'm like the black Dutch Schultz when you get me upset
Guru comparing himself to notorious gangster, Dutch Schultz, when he gets angry

Five-oh makes me want to flip, Larry Davis style
Guru referencing Larry Davis, who was famous for shooting cops in self-defense

Got a nigga depressed, while he's awaitin' trial
Guru feeling down while waiting for his trial

It's OK though, cause from grey skies comes blue
Guru remaining hopeful despite his current situation

Through darkness comes light and I be known as the Guru
Guru recognizing that his difficulties will lead to him being known and respected

And this I certify we all should be alerted by
Guru warning listeners to be aware of the system's traps

the traps within the system, our youth is gettin' murdered by
Guru referencing the harm that the system is causing to young people

the D.A. says they got me on a felony
Guru stating the charge against him

I'm tryin' to live my life, so what the fuck is you tellin' me?
Guru questioning why the system is trying to stop him from living his life

The streets are war, that's what brothers carry weapons for
Guru acknowledging the violence in the streets and why people feel the need to carry weapons

And I take the weight as I did before
Guru taking responsibility for his actions

The next thing you know, they got me on the radio
Guru referencing the media coverage of his arrest

A rapper arrested, suckers showin' me on video
Guru expressing his frustration with the media's obsession with his arrest

Of course I know, that I'm a role model
Guru recognizing his status as a role model

But yo this rap life is real life sometimes it's full throttle
Guru acknowledging that his rap career comes with real-life consequences

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

You gets no love, except those who support me
Guru staying loyal to those who support him

What's the story, what happened when I went to L.A.?
Guru asking about what people are saying about his arrest and L.A. trip

Mixin' shit up, no not there I got family
Guru denying any wrongdoing in L.A. as he has family there

Nothin' happened, mind your business yo step
Guru telling others to mind their own business

You know we connect, JFK 2 LAX
Guru referencing the connection between JFK and LAX airports

They want to lock us all up, and throw away the key
Guru recognizing the bias and injustice within the criminal justice system

Don't want to see us come up, don't want to see us makin' G's
Guru acknowledging that the system doesn't want to see black people succeed financially

Long as we know this is the key to our destruction
Guru warning others that seeking financial success can lead to their downfall

Let's make moves no discussion
Guru suggesting that people need to take action to change their situation without hesitation

Peace to my man Hass, and Orange Man payin the cost
Guru sending out shoutouts to his friends who are also suffering from the system

All the twenty-five to lifers all my brothers gettin' tossed
Guru recognizing the struggle and suffering of those who have received long sentences

into the system, supposed to rehabilitate
Guru pointing out the failed rehabilitation efforts of the criminal justice system

It's why you gotta regulate your own mindstate
Guru emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and self-improvement

Read, study lessons and build your inner power
Guru suggesting that people need to read and learn to improve their mental and emotional strength

The next level, doesn't tolerate cowards
Guru stating that true success requires bravery and courage

For example, I know this rich Nigerian
Guru giving an example of a successful person he knows

Powerful American that's proud to be an African
Guru describing the pride that a successful African feels in his heritage

He asked me why do all us brothers be gettin' trapped
Guru being asked by the African man why black people are often trapped in the system

I told him I'd explain it broke it down in a rap
Guru promising to explain the answer to the African man through music

Whether you got naps, braids waves or no hair
Guru emphasizing that physical appearance doesn't determine one's worth

Without esteem for yourself nigga, you goin' nowhere
Guru stating that self-respect and self-esteem are important for success

And you can swagger like you rule this; Josey Wales
Guru referencing Josey Wales, a character who is confident and self-assured

unorganized revolt almost always mostly fails
Guru stating that unorganized rebellion doesn't usually succeed

Give up the savage ways, be effective soldiers
Guru urging people to give up violent behavior and become productive members of society

To elevate the mental is to be poor no more
Guru stating that improving one's mental and emotional state can lead to financial success

There's war in the streets, prepared men know best
Guru acknowledging the violent environment and the importance of being prepared

Our rhyme as live as it gets, JFK 2 LAX
Guru ending the song by referencing the relevance of their music to current issues