New York
Jay-Z & Tapemasters Inc Lyrics
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This is serious, here "number one"
New York! It's beyond the 5 boroughs keep it real, I get ill
Number one, this will rock! "the city" "I gotta get in"
This is that, Riker's Island, not slipping rap flows
For them box bitten bing monsters, sniffin' that blow
Block covers know the style, triple that dough
What y'all know about coke pies, give 'em that low
I mouth them before the bowtie resemble cash flow
Rap NY, no lie, my side is back Ghost, so hot
Crooked cops are searching your asshole, it's the drop
That freeze niggaz right where they stand for the gwap
Niggaz'll play Pac and pop with they man, it don't stop
We up top, but we locked and landing
He roadblock, he flow shots, get Ghost and scram
Gingerbread niggaz on the run from feds
Shit is sick, pretty chicks'll put a gun to ya head
Never a vic', either think quick or end up dead
'Cause when we flip, what's left to be said? New York
New York, New York, New York
New York, New York
Number One
New York, New York
Keep it real, I get ill
New York, New York
Number one
New York, New York
The city, I gotta get in
New York, New York
Number One
New York, New York
Keep it real, I get ill
New York, New York
Number one
New York, New York
The city, I gotta get in
You know the town stupid, this is all authentic ground
You can get poked, grabbed and choked, then shot up, for product
Bank holders stay in the lab, too many dumb niggaz is scheming
You can get murked up in the cab
Shout out to niggaz that be jerking tags, rollin' in Jags
Good boy leathers, hood boys'll blast you
Niggaz that carry ones and hit grass
And love hip hop, the shit that bring money outta ziplocs
Protect your dome, I'm warning you, what harm I do to the kid
I have you on the floor with ya armor loose
Break the raw down and sign truces
Then switch the next muthafuckin' date, fuck all excuses
When you see me it's real, I'm just a natural born hustler
The castle where they wrap you in plastic, duke
So every soldier that's armed, remind your general
It's critical, you might stay a night, if you pretendable
New York, New York
Number One
New York, New York
Keep it real, I get ill
New York, New York
Number one
New York, New York
The city, I gotta get in
New York, New York
Number One
New York, New York
Keep it real, I get ill
New York, New York
Number one
New York, New York
The city, I gotta get in
Yo, we was raised in the dead arm district
Before guns was called biscuits, Stapleton was on that hood shit
Live from the New York borough, keeping it thorough
Bunch of snakes in the grass, stay creepin' like squirrels
Cuz a snitch gon' crack that nut, don't give a fuck
Did ten hours long and try to wrap us up
He dry snitching, post up in the whip with a fly wisdom
Hopped out to get a dutch, but he left with his wig splitten
We from New York, my city never sleeps (No)
We runnin' with a hundred heats
When beef pop off, we ain't the one to speak
Dressed in all black, driving six feet hurses
With sixteen niggaz, dropping sixteen verses
Big faces, bolgin' outta big green purses
Stuck ya man for his vegi's and his lame ass circus
So I dare niggaz act up, y'all niggaz act up
Now like cars in reverse, y'all better back up
New York, New York
Number One
New York, New York
Keep it real, I get ill
New York, New York
Number one
New York, New York
The city, I gotta get in
New York, New York
Number One
New York, New York
Keep it real, I get ill
New York, New York
Number one
New York, New York
The city, I gotta get in
The lyrics of the song "New York" by Jay-Z ft. Tapemasters Inc. are a tribute to the city of New York, its culture, and its gritty reality. The lyrics describe the harsh realities of life in New York, including the violence, drug trade, and police brutality that are a part of everyday life. The song also makes reference to the city's history and its unique character, such as Riker's Island, a notorious prison in the city, and the many different neighborhoods that make up the five boroughs.
The lyrics are filled with gritty, street-smart language that expresses the roughness and harshness of the city. The lines "You can get poked, grabbed and choked, then shot up, for product" and "Crooked cops are searching your asshole, it's the drop" paint a picture of a city that is both dangerous and unforgiving. At the same time, the song celebrates the spirit of the city and the many people who call it home, with lines like "We runnin' with a hundred heats / When beef pop off, we ain't the one to speak" and "We from New York, my city never sleeps."
Overall, the lyrics of "New York" are a love letter to the city, with all its flaws and strengths. They capture the energy and resilience of the people who make their lives there, and the true grit of the culture that defines the city.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah "the city"
Referring to the city of New York; starting the song with enthusiasm and affirmation of the city's greatness.
This is serious, here "number one"
Stating that New York is the best city and indicating its importance.
New York! It's beyond the 5 boroughs keep it real, I get ill
Emphasizing the reach and power of New York beyond its five boroughs with a slang reference to being sick or great.
Number one, this will rock! "the city" "I gotta get in"
Reiterating that New York is the number one city, and expressing a desire to be a part of its culture.
This is that, Riker's Island, not slipping rap flows
Referencing Riker's Island, a notorious New York prison, as a symbol of the serious and dangerous nature of the rap game.
For them box bitten bing monsters, sniffin' that blow
Describing drug addicts who use cocaine, highlighting the issue of addiction and its influence on the streets.
Block covers know the style, triple that dough
Asserting that the streets of New York know their way of making money, and can triple their earnings.
Forty cal. for them cock suckers, sittin' back slow
Referencing a 40 caliber gun for enemies who sit back and do nothing while others take action.
What y'all know about coke pies, give 'em that low
Talking about the drug trade and selling drugs at a low price for a large quantity.
I mouth them before the bowtie resemble cash flow
Referencing symbols of wealth and power, indicating that he can point out people in power and recognize their wealth.
Rap NY, no lie, my side is back Ghost, so hot
Boasting about his skill and representing New York rap, as well as referencing Ghostface Killah, a famous New York rapper.
Crooked cops are searching your asshole, it's the drop
Describing the corruption of the police in New York and how they will go to any length to find drugs and take people down.
That freeze niggaz right where they stand for the gwap
Saying that profit is so important that people will stop and stand still when there is an opportunity to make money.
Niggaz'll play Pac and pop with they man, it don't stop
Referencing notorious rapper Tupac Shakur and saying that crime never stops in New York.
We up top, but we locked and landing
Explaining that they are in a position of power in New York, but they are still surrounded and have to be careful.
He roadblock, he flow shots, get Ghost and scram
Talking about the danger of rival gangs in New York and how they have to fight back and leave the scene quickly.
Gingerbread niggaz on the run from feds
Describing people who are on the run from law enforcement.
Shit is sick, pretty chicks'll put a gun to ya head
Describing the unpredictability and danger of New York, where even attractive women may turn out to be dangerous criminals.
Never a vic', either think quick or end up dead
Saying that in New York, it's important to be quick on your feet and alert, or you could end up dead.
'Cause when we flip, what's left to be said? New York
Saying that there is nothing left to say after they have flipped or engaged in violence or crime, referring back to the city of New York.
Yo, we was raised in the dead arm district
Describing a tough neighborhood in New York where they grew up.
Before guns was called biscuits, Stapleton was on that hood shit
Referencing Stapleton, a neighborhood in Staten Island, and how it was known for its violence even before guns became as prevalent as they are today.
Live from the New York borough, keeping it thorough
Stating that they are from a New York borough and keeping their lyrics authentic and real.
Bunch of snakes in the grass, stay creepin' like squirrels
Saying that there are many dangerous people in New York who are always lurking and waiting to attack, like snakes and squirrels.
Cuz a snitch gon' crack that nut, don't give a fuck
Explaining that a snitch (informant) will reveal information, regardless of the consequences for others.
Did ten hours long and try to wrap us up
Describing how a snitch may testify against them for hours in court.
He dry snitching, post up in the whip with a fly wisdom
Saying that someone is giving away information without outright stating it, while riding in a car with an air of arrogance or wisdom.
Hopped out to get a dutch, but he left with his wig splitten
Describing a violent attack that took place when someone got out of their car to buy a dutch (loose tobacco for a blunt), and ended up getting their head split open.
So I dare niggaz act up, y'all niggaz act up
Challenging others to try to act up and confront them, because they know they can handle it.
Now like cars in reverse, y'all better back up
Saying that others should back down and move away, like cars backing up.
Lyrics © NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT,INC.
Written by: JAY GORNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
steveo976
@vft559 well , hope 15 reasons is enough. Sorry if I misspelled or grammer errors
1. Tupac's ability to predict the future.
There have been theories regarding his death, but still, no one knows about how was he able to predict his death. There were many songs where he prophecised things which came true. In the song, Niggas Done Changed, he rapped, "I been shot and murdered, can't tell you how it happened, word for word. But best believe niggas' gonna get what they deserve."
Even he recorded a song on the death of The Notorious B.I.G., who died nearly a year after Tupac's death. He knew that sooner, he would meet Biggie in heaven.
2. Passion towards work.
Most of the rappers today release their album and take rest for two years or more, but Tupac was different. He was known for recording three to four songs in a few hours. He even completed an album in two weeks. Tupac believed that his time on the Earth is limited and he can't just still around and his waste time. He spent most of his time in the studio recording songs and partying.
3. The flow and lyrics of a genius.
There were always questions asked regarding the best flow between Tupac and Biggie. But, I think there's no competition as they both had different approaches. Tupac depended on the content, and his flow came from the lyrics he wrote.
Today, many rappers are known for their flow, but I guess no one can match the level of 2Pac because of the complexity of sentences he used and also due to the use of hard-edged rhymes.
4. Influence
There's an old saying on his death, "When Tupac died, everybody moved up one." This can not get more perfect because the artists who were there at the time of Tupac are at the top of the charts today. He was a great influencer, and he told people to talk about their miseries, and he always took a stand for serious issues.
5. Impact on people and artists.
Tupac had a great impact on many people and artists. Some even compared him with The Notorious B.I.G., but he said that 2Pac's music had a significant impact on him. People were able to relate 2Pac's words with their daily life because he used to rap about them. He was not afraid to share the problems his mother faced in growing him up. Shakur called himself, a thug, and he is one who defined the meaning of 'Thug Life.' Many of us today use this phrase, but we didn't know that he made it famous.
6. Versatility
Today's generation has mostly heard his diss song, Hit 'Em Up but he was not just about abusing and dissing East Coast rappers. He has recorded many other songs which talk about serious issues. Rappers are known for disrespecting women, but in his song, Keep Ya Head Up, he asks women to stay strong and never back down to any problem. He even dedicated one song to his mother, 'Dear Mama,' which I think is one of the best songs in the hip-hop culture.
7. He made people believe that he is alive.
Ever since his death in Las Vegas in 1996, there have been numerous theories released that he is alive. Many people claimed that they had seen the rapper and also claimed that he lives in Cuba but, no one was able to prove it. In 2015, the police officer who first reached Tupac when he was shot, claimed that he was given $1.5 million to help rapper to fake his death, although nothing was proved and his death is still a mystery.
8. Consistency
Tupac remained consistent throughout his career. He only worked on his missions and never made an album for commercial sales. He always talked about social and political issues in his album. He was an activist who was born to an activist in jail. He has also recorded more songs than any other hip-hop artist, but none of them failed to impress the listeners.
9. Induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Tupac Shakur was recently inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He was inducted by his fellow rapper, Snoop Dogg. The notable point here is that this honour is given to an artist who has worked 25 years in the field of music. But 2Pac had a career of only six years, so it is an incredible achievement for anyone like him to get a posthumous induction into Hall of Fame.
10. Tupac is the first artist to have #1 albums in a row.
The list of his accomplishments is quite long, and there are only a few rappers who can match them. Tupac is the first hip-hop artist to have two #1 albums on the Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart. Tupac achieved this when hip-hop and rap had a few followers.
And if we talk about Biggie regarding this then he was again way back. The best position he held was #13.
11. One of the greatest lyricist of all time.
You can not understand Tupac's lyrics until you listen to them. Every single word he wrote had a reason and meaning behind it. Many people don't call him the greatest rapper of all time; they call him the greatest lyricist who ever lived. But this is a never ending debate, and whatever may be the case, he was invincible.
12. Storytelling at its best.
Listen to his songs like Dear Mama and Brenda's Got a Baby and you'll be able to witness Pac's storytelling ability also realising that he is the best at it. There are only a few artists who can tell a complete story in a 5-minute song, Tupac is one of them. Many people say that Eminem is the best storyteller, but when 2Pac does it, his voice gives him an extra advantage.
13. He was an inspiration.
There are many things which Tupac did that were considered wrong, but still, his thug persona was something which was associated with his personality. He changed people's thinking about rappers, rap industry and became an inspiration for all.
14. More posthumous records and albums.
The discography of Tupac Amaru Shakur is very long for an artist who died at the age of 25. He released a total of 11 Studio albums, four of them were released before his death and seven posthumously. The first album after his death was The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory and it was released on November 5, 1996.
15. Legacy
Today, there are many places in the world which have paintings and image of Pac's face. The Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Georgia was built to the honour the late rapper. He even has a statue at the MARTa Herford, Germany.
Tupac may have died at a very young age, but his legacy lives on till this date.
Repunza
@222◇ramdane⊙moctar YEP - Bro, that whole album bang from beginning to end. NOTHING Jay-Z has competes with that album. One of my favorite joints is Thinkin' back
Reminiscing on my teens
A young G
Gettin' paid over dope fiends
Fuckin' off cash that I make
Nigga, what's the sense of workin' hard
If you never get to play
I'm hustlin'
Stayin' out till it's dawn
And commin' home
At 6 o'clock in tha mornin
rloco80
@Victor Okay, I understand where you are coming from and you do have a point. But truthfully the exact same thing can be said about Jay-Z. Especially the part about being "A Great Rapper but Overrated," I feel Jay can fall under that category too. Although personally I would never call 2pac overrated cause to me he's not. To be honest even tho I consider myself to be a Huge 2pac fan, even I admit that he was not the most lyrical Emcee. However, I still feel that Pac was Underrated as a Lyricist. To me Pac was more lyrical then most people give him credit for, and I'm only talking about the people who don't consider Tupac to be a "Lyricist" or that lyrically good. Personally I feel that 2Pac and Jay-Z are both equally lyrical. But I'll give you a list of Emcees who I consider to be "More Lyrical" than both Pac & Jay:
1.K-RINO
2.IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE
3.NAS{You know that nigga "ETHERED" your boy Jay-Z. Lol, sorry bro no disrespect to you but I had to put that there}.
4.RAKIM
5.GZA
6.EMINEM
7.CANIBUS
8.R.A. THE RUGGED MAN
9.MOS DEF
10.KRS-ONE
I'm pretty sure there's more, but I feel those ten Emcees are enough to mention.
PLayAshEFF72
Jay has got some HARD ass songs. Jay’s had some of the best producers the best marketing the best of everything and created some magnificent art along the way and diversified phenomenally into a billionaire business mogul from selling rocks on the corner. That’s all it’s own story.
Tupac’s story is completely different, Pac came from the panthers. He came to improve black people in America he came to highlight social problems beyond just being a hustler.
His voice his charisma and lyrics that just hit hard with a raw realness never seen again. Pac was just different with it. And so young. So so young. I’m 30 and I feel like Pac was so wise beyond me it’s unbelievable at 22 23 24 25 years old.
Soon as you hear ‘I WONT DENY IT IMA A STRAIGHT RIDAH’ with that beat from DAZ and pac straight out the pen angered and fueled up, you know what time it is.
Reasonable doubt and blueprint ain’t creating that mood.
Or when you hear ‘Makaveli n this, kilimunati all thru ya body’ you also know this a whole different level of nga we talking bout here.
No one brings that mood to music since pac and no one ever will. A truly individual leader.
I do like Jay Z - but I LOVE TUPAC.
Tupac is like everyone’s big brother. Tupac ain’t feel like no celebrity, Tupac feel like you could bump into him on the street and you could kick it on a human level.
Cooley High
Pac was on a whole nother level. Could write a whole song in 10 minutes. He was a natural, he didn't try to be the best rapper/lyricist, he just did him. I never heard Pac ever label himself "the best rapper", he just did his thing and kept it moving. His music was felt on every coast
Global K
Jay doesnt even write down his lyrics period. He does them in his head.
Jordan Walls
@Global K AND HE DOES EM IN FIVE MINUTES LITERALLY DOES A SONG IN ONE TAKE , PPL ALWAYS TRYNNA DISCREDIT JAY-Z HE IS THE TRUTH , AND I LIKE JAY-Z & PAC..
Global K
@Jordan Walls Facts. I’m not a pac fan by the way. Never was.
Cooley High
@Global K who even mentioned JZ? Btw Kanye wrote some of JZ stuff. I like some of JZ stuff don't get me wrong but he takes alot of lines from his peers eg: Nas & Biggie. As far as writing in his head and recording I can see alot of "punching in". I'm a studio engineer I know how it goes
LookOut
@Cooley High Even DMX And Big L
ERiseCali
2pac was the whole package! He had a captivating style, Charisma, intelligence and leader trait's that made you a believer! He touched you with his music, interviews movies etc. He reached the core! There's no one in my opinion that has come close to how magnifying his presence was as an actor and artist in the hip hop community! He's unmatched! One of a Kind! It's truly not debatable if you grew up in that area. He's timeless, still very relevant and all his competition, have decades of body of work that still doesn't measure to the success and impact he had by the age of only 25! Period! Case closed!
eric johnson
😂stop the 🧢, decades of work really 😂😂😂😂 good one thoe
Lonnie Snow
if he was as intelligent as you say,why the fuck would he involve himself in dealings he wasnt cut out for?
Jimmy Charlotin
I agree with but don't sit there Jay-Z is garbage because I've seen hip hop.fans list pac not for beyond