02.The City Is Mine
Jay-Z feat. Blackstreet Lyrics

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[Chorus: Blackstreet]
You belong to the city
You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night

[Jay-Z]
Yeah,

What the deal playboy, just rest your soul
I be holding it down yo still love the dough
Got these ladies on the c*** now you know how we go
Got the whole world on lock down you know how we flow
Don't worry about Brooklyn I continue to flame
Therefore a world with amnesia won't forget your name
You held it down long enough, let me take those reigns
And just like your spirit the commission remains
N****s can cross the T's and, dots the I's
Now that I got too popular to cop them pies
I'm taking this rap s*** serious, to my demise
Jay s***'s like cake mix, watch me rise
Basics in the basement, waste it
Asking my dog for advice so when he can't say s***
My hatred is, fueled just give me a sign
And I let the world know that the city is mine, what?

[Chorus]

[Jay-Z]
Y'all want to know how I flow just seek and you find
I'm like a brain in the voice box, I speak my mind
About to redefine rap mami, either I'm
The illest n**** doing it or these n****s is losing it
I read a article that said I was ruining s***
But every time I look, I'm moving units in quick
So I'ma hit y'all, with these last two and split
And leave n****s with nothing but my influences-es
Soon it's the Jigga, I ain't mad yeah, bite my s***
Sell half of what I sell because it's not quite my s***
I'm the type to buy a Roley and just ice my s***
On the spot, f*** coming back twice to s***
How real is that? My floss game, still intact
Boss game, you lame dudes can't feel that
Like the first dude to cop the 850 and 89
And drove it up to 55th, the city is mine, what?

[Chorus]

[Jay-Z]
I snatch your girl cause your arm ain't strong enough
Plus ya don't stay in the studio long enough
I make hits while y'all stay hating and take bricks
Had it locked til I came in the club, Take 6
Got your chick cause you swore she was innocent
Got her a Chinese manicure hair done by Dominicans, all for what
So I could be in a dark corner, all in the butt
At the bar alcholing her up
I represent the lifestyle of those who thirst cream
A buck fifty a shot, Louis the Thirteenth
Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella yo, know the name
I ain't a player get it right, I'm controlling the game
From now until they blow holes in my frame
I'ma stand firm, holding my aim, feel me?
I'm the focal, point like Biggie in his prime
On the low though, the city is mine!

[Chorus: Repeats]

Overall Meaning

In "The City Is Mine," Jay-Z and Blackstreet collaborate to create a powerful anthem for the city of New York. The song's chorus sets the tone, with Blackstreet singing about how the city belongs to those who thrive in the night and the darkness. Jay-Z's verse speaks directly to the legacy of his predecessor, the Notorious B.I.G., who had famously claimed the city for himself. Jay-Z declares himself the new heir to the throne, taking on the mantle of rap's heavyweight champion and declaring his dominance over the industry. Throughout the song, Jay-Z asserts his authority and control, from his ability to command a room full of women to his expert lyricism and flow. The song is a bold statement of confidence and pride, both for Jay-Z and for the city he represents.

One interesting fact about "The City Is Mine" is that it samples the melody and chorus from the classic rock song "You Belong to the City" by Glenn Frey. In fact, the song was originally intended to simply be a remix of Frey's hit, but Jay-Z and Blackstreet decided to create a new song around the sample. "The City Is Mine" was released in 1998 as part of Jay-Z's album Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life, which would go on to become one of his most successful projects. The song's music video features Jay-Z's trademark style, with the rapper striding confidently through the city while surrounded by beautiful women. The video also includes a brief cameo from comedian Chris Rock.

Another interesting fact about "The City Is Mine" is that it was produced by Blackstreet's Teddy Riley, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential producers of the 1990s. Riley was a pioneer of the new jack swing sound, blending R&B, hip-hop, and funk into a new and distinctive style. He had previously worked with Michael Jackson, Keith Sweat, and Bobby Brown, among others. "The City Is Mine" showcases Riley's talent for creating catchy and memorable hooks, as well as his ability to blend different genres seamlessly.

Other notable facts about "The City Is Mine" include the fact that it features a brief sample from the classic hip-hop song "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and that it was covered by rapper Papoose in 2015 as part of a tribute to Jay-Z's career. The song has also been referenced in numerous other rap songs over the years, testament to its enduring popularity and influence. Overall, "The City Is Mine" remains one of Jay-Z's most beloved and iconic songs, a testament to his long-lasting legacy and impact on the rap industry.

Chords: The chords for "The City Is Mine" are not available as it is primarily a hip-hop song.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JACK TEMPCHIN, TEDDY RILEY, GLENN LEWIS FREY, SHAWN C. CARTER, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON A. HUFF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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