Brooklyn
Jay-Z Feat. Santogold Lyrics

Brooklyn, we go hard, we go hard
We represent Brooklyn through our rap lyrics and we do it with intensity and strength.

This is black hoodie rap
Our music style and lyrics are influenced by the tough and gritty environment of Brooklyn.

There's no fear in my eyes where they lookin' at
I'm not intimidated by anyone who tries to challenge or threaten me.

Better look on map, besides, me nah like to eye fight
If you have a problem with me, find me on the map, but I'm not interested in engaging in a physical fight.

Me nah think such a ting is worth a man's life (Christ!)
Violence and physical altercations aren't worth risking someone's life for.

But if a man test my Stuy
If someone tries to disrespect my neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, I'll respond accordingly.

I promise he won't like my reply
I'll retaliate in a way that the person won't appreciate or enjoy.

Boom bye bye, like Buju I'm crucial
I am decisive and effective in my actions, like the song 'Boom Bye Bye' by Buju Banton.

I'm a Brooklyn boy, I may take some gettin' use to
I'm proud to be from Brooklyn, and while some may find me and my music style different, I won't change who I am.

Chain snatchin', ain't have it, gotta get it
Growing up poor in Brooklyn, I resorted to stealing and robbing to make ends meet.

Same shitted, from Brownsville to Bainbrid-idge
Poverty and struggle exists in many different areas of Brooklyn.

Fatherless child, Mama pulled double shifts
I grew up without a father and my mother worked tirelessly to provide for our family.

So the number runners was the only one I hanged widith
I hung out with people involved in illegal activities, such as running numbers, as it was my only option for companionship and survival.

Before you know it I'm in the game, bang fidith
I became involved in the world of crime and hustling before I even realized what was happening.

Fear no orangutans, pe-deal cid-daps
I'm not afraid of anyone or anything, even those who may seem untouchable, like orangutans or police officers.

Like oranges-es, I'm dangerous
Just like the fruit oranges, I possess the qualities of danger and destruction.

Please tell me what the name of this shit
I'm asking if you can recognize and appreciate the raw, authentic nature of my music and lifestyle.

I father, I Brooklyn Dodger them
I am leading and dominating my competition like a father figure, similar to how the Brooklyn Dodgers were a successful baseball team.

I jack, I rob, I sin
I admit to committing crimes such as theft and robbery in order to make a living.

Aww man, I'm Jackie Robinson
Similar to how Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, I'm breaking societal norms and expectations by making a name for myself through my music and life experiences.

'Cept when I run base, I dodge the pen
I may have a history of criminal activity, but I'm avoiding getting caught and landing in prison.

Lucky me, luckily they didn't get me
I've been fortunate to avoid getting caught by the law, despite my actions.

Now when I bring the Nets, I'm the black Branch Rickey
Similar to how Branch Rickey brought Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, I'm bringing success and attention to Brooklyn through my involvement with the Brooklyn Nets basketball team.

From Brooklyn corners, burnin' branches of sticky
I come from the rough and impoverished areas of Brooklyn, and we would burn marijuana to escape our realities.

Spread love, Biggie, Brooklyn, hippie
Biggie Smalls, a rapper from Brooklyn, often preached love and positivity, and I'm carrying on his legacy by advocating for love and positivity in my community.

I pity the fool with jewels like Mr. T
I feel sorry for those who flaunt their wealth and possessions, as they become targets for theft and robbery.

With no history in my borough, they borrow
Those who come into Brooklyn and try to claim it as their own with no understanding or appreciation for its history and culture are not welcomed.

With no intentions of returnin' tomorrow
Those who come into Brooklyn with no intention of contributing to or helping the community are not respected or valued.

The sun don't come out for many, like Annie
Life is often difficult and bleak for many in Brooklyn, similar to the character Annie's story of growing up poor and orphaned.

Half orphan, Mama never had an abortion
I lost my father at a young age, but my mother chose to keep and raise me despite the difficulties and struggles of being a single parent.

Papa sort of did, still I managed to live
My father may have left me, but I've still been able to survive and make something of myself in Brooklyn.

I go hard, I owe it all to the crib
I work hard and hustle to succeed, and it's all thanks to my upbringing and experiences in Brooklyn.

Now please tell me, what the fuck's harder than this?
I'm confident that my experiences and success in Brooklyn are unparalleled, and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.

While I'm doin' my time due to circumstance
I may be serving time in prison, but it's not necessarily because of my actions or choices, but rather due to external circumstances.

Cross that bridge, face the consequence
I'm aware that my actions have consequences and I'm prepared to face them, even if it means crossing bridges and facing new challenges.

Once bid 10, now I paid my dues
I may have once been in custody and incarcerated, but now I've paid my debt to society and am working towards a better future.

Risk takers, we break the rules
In Brooklyn, we don't always follow the rules, but instead take risks and push boundaries to achieve success and survival.

Get so dark but I see good
Even though life in Brooklyn can be difficult and grim, I choose to focus on the positive aspects and have hope for a better future.

Bed-Stuy stay high in my neck of the woods
Where I come from, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, is always a part of me and influences my perspective and outlook on life.

Now, let it ring out, it's a warnin'
I'm making a statement with my music and lifestyle, and it serves as a warning or call to action for those who want to make something of themselves in Brooklyn.

(Brooklyn) Let it be sworn in
I'm confident in my roots and identity as a Brooklyn native, and I'm swearing it in as a crucial part of who I am.

Gotta make it stick workin' like we blue collar
We work hard and tirelessly like those in blue-collar professions to achieve success in Brooklyn.

Rip it to the core, underneath it all we harder
We may appear tough on the surface, but beneath it all, we're even more resilient and unbreakable in our quest for success.

Right into the clip, bring it to the floor
We're not afraid to face challenges or take risks, and we'll do whatever it takes to succeed and achieve our goals.

One step, one step, give it up more
We're always pushing ourselves to do more and give more, even when it seems impossible.

The road is rough and the street's a mess
Life in Brooklyn is not easy, and it can be messy and dangerous on the streets.

Got big cash dreams and a sick death wish
We have lofty aspirations for success and wealth, but we're also aware of the risks and consequences that come with our lifestyle.

Robbin' out the commercial stash
We're willing to rob and steal from those who flaunt their wealth and success in our faces.

Kill the voice screamin' in my head
We sometimes face our own internal struggles and doubts, but we work to overcome them and maintain a focus on success.