Nas Is Like
J.Period & Nas Lyrics

Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby's being born
Life is full of paradoxical moments that involve both new beginnings and sudden endings, highlights and lowlights, such as the birth of a child and the loss of a friend.

Same time my man is murdered, the beginning and end
A moment where the joy and the sorrow overlap, where the birth of new life coincides with the death of a friend, marking the beginning of an uncertain future.

As far as rap go, it's only natural, I explain
For Nas, rapping is a way of expressing himself, a way of telling stories and sharing his unique perspective with the world. It comes naturally to him, and he feels compelled to explain himself through his music.

My plateau, and also, what defines my name
Nas reflects on his rise to fame and how his artistic growth has helped define him as an artist, how he has developed his own unique style and signature sound.

First it was Nasty, but times have changed
In the early days of his career, Nas used the moniker 'Nasty Nas,' which represented his raw, gritty, and unpolished style. However, time and experience have changed him both as a person and as an artist, and he has evolved into something more.

Ask me now, I'm the artist, but hardcore, my science for pain
Nas has become a true artist in every sense of the word, capable of conveying deep emotions through his music. His style is still hardcore and gritty, but he has learned to harness his pain and channel it into his art.

I spent time in the game, kept my mind on fame
Nas has been in the rap game for a long time, and he understands the importance of staying focused on his goals. Fame has always been a driving force for him, and he has worked hard to achieve it.

Saw fiends shoot up, and do lines of cocaine
Nas has seen the darker side of life, the struggles that people go through, the addictions that take hold of them. He has seen the harm that drugs can cause, and he knows that there is a high price to pay.

Saw my close friends shot, flat-line am I sane?
Nas has witnessed the violence that can erupt in the streets, the senseless shootouts and the innocent victims caught in the crossfire. He wonders if he himself is still sane in the face of all this senseless brutality.

That depends, carry Mac-10's to practice my aim
Nas is aware that the world is a dangerous place, and he is prepared to defend himself if necessary. He practices his aim with a Mac-10, a symbol of the harsh reality of life on the streets.

On rooftops, tape CD covers to trees
Nas is a guerrilla marketer, using innovative tactics to get his music heard. He tapes his CD covers to trees, hoping that fans will take notice and spread the word.

Line the barrel up with your weak picture then squeeze
Nas is not afraid to call out his enemies, his detractors, or anyone who stands in his way. He lines up the barrel of his gun and takes aim, symbolizing his willingness to fight for what he believes in.

Street scriptures for lost souls, in the crossroads
Nas's lyrics are like gospel for those who feel lost, who are searching for meaning in a world full of chaos. He speaks truth to power, offering guidance and hope to those at the crossroads of life.

To the corner thugs hustling for cars that cost dough
Nas knows that many people are driven by materialistic desires, that they hustle and grind in order to acquire the trappings of wealth and success. He acknowledges that everyone has a different motivation, and he respects that.

To the big dogs living large, taking it light
Nas also understands that there are those who have already achieved success, who are living large and enjoying the fruits of their labor. He respects them too, acknowledging that they have paid their dues and deserve to enjoy the good life.

Is what you make it, suicide, few try to take it
Nas believes that life is what you make it, that happiness is within your reach if you are willing to work for it. However, he also acknowledges that some people choose to end their lives, unable to cope with the challenges that face them.

Belt tied around they neck in jail cells naked
Nas knows that some people feel trapped, that they are unable to break free from the cycle of addiction or despair. He imagines them taking their own lives, in a hopeless bid for escape.

Heaven and hell, rap legend, presence is felt
Nas understands that he is a rap legend, a trailblazer who has left his mark on the industry. He also acknowledges that there is both good and evil in the world, that there is a heaven and a hell, and that his presence is felt in both places.

And of course N-A-S are the letters that spell
Nas takes pride in his name, the letters that spell out who he is and what he represents. He knows that his name carries weight and significance, and he is aware of the legacy that he is building.

Earth Wind & Fire, rims and tires
Nas is like a combination of Earth Wind & Fire, a soulful force of nature, and the flash and style of rimmed tires, a symbol of his love for cars and luxury.

Bulletproof glass, inside is the realest driver
Nas may appear to be invincible, protected by bulletproof glass, but he is still the one behind the wheel, driving his own destiny and making his own choices.

Planets in orbit, line em up with the stars
Nas sees himself as a cosmic force, a powerful entity that could align the planets in orbit with the stars if he chose to. He recognizes his own strength and influence.

Tarot cards, you can see the pharaoh Nas
Nas is like a pharaoh, one who is connected to the spiritual world and can see beyond the veil of reality. He is able to see the future, like reading the Tarot cards, and he channels this power through his music.

Iron Mike, messiah type
Nas is like Iron Mike, the legendary boxer, a powerful and unstoppable force in his own right. He is also like a messiah, a spiritual leader who offers hope and guidance to his followers.

Before the Christ, after the death
Nas is a historical figure, one who exists before and after the birth of Christ, symbolizing his timeless and universal appeal. He is a legend in his own time, and he will continue to be remembered long after he is gone.

The last one left, let my cash invest in stock
Nas sees himself as the last one standing, the one who has survived the struggles and hardships of life on the streets. He is ready to invest his money in the stock market, a sign of his ambition and forward-thinking mindset.

Came a long way from blasting, techs on blocks
Nas has come a long way from his days on the block, where he used to carry and use weapons. He has left that life behind him, and he now uses his words as his most powerful weapon.

Went from Seiko to Rolex, owning acres
Nas has achieved success and wealth beyond his wildest dreams, going from wearing a Seiko watch to owning a Rolex and even owning vast amounts of land. He has worked hard to earn what he has, and he is proud of his accomplishments.

From the projects with no chips, to large cake dough
Nas has gone from being a poor kid from the projects, with no money and no prospects, to rolling around in large sums of money. He has worked hard to achieve his success, and he will not forget where he came from.

Dimes, giving fellatio, siete zeros
Nas is living the high life, surrounded by beautiful women who are willing to do whatever he desires. He is rich beyond belief, with millions of dollars to his name.

Bet my nine spit for the pesos
Nas is still a thug at heart, one who is willing to fight for what he believes in. He bets his life and his reputation on his actions, just as he would bet his money on a game of chance.

But what's it all worth, can't take it when you under this Earth
Nas recognizes that his wealth and success are temporary and that he cannot take them with him when he dies. He reflects on the meaning of life and the legacy that he will leave behind when he is gone.

Rich men died and tried, but none of it worked
Nas has seen the futility of riches, the way in which they cannot shield a man from death. He acknowledges that many rich and powerful men have tried to escape their fate, but none have succeeded.

They just rob your grave, I'd rather be alive and paid
Nas knows that death comes for us all and that the best way to live is to enjoy life while we have it. He would rather be alive and successful than to waste his life in fear of death.

Before my number's called, history's made
Nas wants to make his mark on the world, to leave behind a legacy that will be remembered long after he is gone. He knows that he has a limited amount of time, and he wants to make the most of it.

Some'll fall, but I rise, thug or die
Nas knows that life is a struggle, that some people will fall by the wayside while others rise to the occasion. He is determined to succeed, no matter what happens, even if it means dying a thug.

Makin choices, that determine my future under the sky
Nas understands that his choices are what determine his future, that he must take control of his own destiny if he wants to achieve success. He is mindful of the fact that his time on earth is limited, and he wants to make the most of it.

To rob steal or kill, I'm wondering why
Nas is troubled by the violence and aggression in the world, by the way in which people are willing to hurt and kill each other. He questions the motives behind these acts, wondering why people would resort to such extremes.

It's a dirty game, is any man worthy of fame?
Nas acknowledges that the world is a dirty and corrupt place, where success often comes at a high price. He questions whether anyone is truly worthy of fame, given what it takes to achieve it.

Much to success to ya, even if you wish me the opposite
Nas is not threatened by his competition, nor does he wish ill of them. He acknowledges that success comes to those who work for it, and he hopes that his rivals will achieve their own measure of success.

Sooner or later we'll all see who the prophet is
Nas understands that time will tell who is truly a prophet, who has something meaningful and timeless to say. He is confident in his own abilities, and he trusts that his work will speak for itself.