The City Is Mine (Album Versio
Jay-Z feat. Blackstreet Lyrics

You belong to the city
The city is the source of your identity and purpose

You belong to the night
The darkness and nightlife are your natural habitat

In the river of darkness
The darkness is like a flowing river, guiding you through life

He's a man of the night
Jay-Z is a person who thrives in the nighttime and embodies its energy

What the deal playboy, just rest your soul
Hey man, relax and let me handle things for a bit

I be holding it down yo still love the dough
I'm still hustling and making money while maintaining control

Got these ladies on the cock now you know how we go
Women are attracted to me and I know how to handle it

Got the whole world on lock down you know how we flow
I have the world under my influence and control, and it's because of my particular style

Don't worry about Brooklyn I continue to flame
I'm representing Brooklyn and will keep it on top

Therefore a world with amnesia won't forget your name
I'm creating a legacy that will last, even if people forget the specifics

You held it down long enough, let me take those reigns
You've done a good job but it's my turn to take the lead now

And just like your spirit the commission remains
Your spirit and influence will still be felt even though I'm taking over

Niggas can cross the T's and, dots the I's
I'm meticulous and precise in everything I do

Now that I got too popular to cop them pies
I'm too successful to personally engage in drug-dealing anymore

I'm taking this rap shit serious, to my demise
I'm taking my career seriously, even if it leads to my downfall

Jay shit's like cake mix, watch me rise
My talent and presence in the industry will continue to grow

Basics in the basement, waste it
The basics and fundamentals of life can easily be overlooked and wasted

Asking my dog for advice so when he can't say shit
Sometimes those we trust can't offer advice or support, leaving us on our own

My hatred is, fueled just give me a sign
My anger and frustration is always simmering, waiting for a trigger

And I let the world know that the city is mine, what?
I'm declaring my dominance and control over the city and industry

Y'all want to know how I flow just seek and you find
My style and talent is readily apparent and recognizable

I'm like a brain in the voice box, I speak my mind
I speak what's on my mind with intelligence and clarity

About to redefine rap mami, either I'm
I'm about to change the game of hip hop, either through my own success or by outlasting my critics

The illest nigga doing it or these niggas is losing it
I'm either the best in the game or everyone else is falling behind

I read a article that said I was ruining shit
Some people see me as a negative influence on the industry

But every time I look, I'm moving units in quick
Despite criticism, my success and influence is undeniable

So I'ma hit y'all, with these last two and split
I'll make a final statement and leave the industry in awe

And leave niggas with nothing but my influences-es
Even after I'm gone, my impact on the industry and culture will remain

Soon it's the Jigga, I ain't mad yeah, bite my shit
People will soon be copying and imitating my style

Sell half of what I sell because it's not quite my shit
Others may try to sell something similar, but without my level of talent and style they won't achieve the same level of success

I'm the type to buy a Roley and just ice my shit
I have a wealth and luxury that I enjoy flaunting

On the spot, fuck coming back twice to shit
I don't hesitate or wait, I take action and succeed quickly

How real is that? My floss game, still intact
My success and flamboyance is still going strong

Boss game, you lame dudes can't feel that
I'm in charge and successful, and others can't measure up

Like the first dude to cop the 850 and 89
I'm pioneering new territory and blazing a path of luxury and success

And drove it up to 55th, the city is mine, what?
I'm declaring my success and control over the city and industry yet again

I snatch your girl cause your arm ain't strong enough
I'm successful and attractive to women, while others are weak or lacking

Plus ya don't stay in the studio long enough
Others aren't as dedicated or talented as I am in the recording studio

I make hits while y'all stay hating and take bricks
I'm focused on creating successful hits while others engage in negativity and drug dealing

Had it locked til I came in the club, Take 6
I'm in control and dominating in everything I do, including the club scene

Got your chick cause you swore she was innocent
I attract women who others don't value or overlook

Got her a Chinese manicure hair done by Dominicans, all for what
I'm capable of providing luxury and experiences that others can't, and I do so just because I can

So I could be in a dark corner, all in the butt
I live a life of luxury and pleasure, even in private or secretive moments

At the bar alcholing her up
I'm indulging in drinking and having fun, while others are more reserved

I represent the lifestyle of those who thirst cream
I live a luxurious and indulgent life that others aspire to

A buck fifty a shot, Louis the Thirteenth
I indulge in expensive and high-end liquor, like Louis XIII cognac that costs $150 a shot

Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella yo, know the name
I'm successful and influential, and my name is a powerful brand

I ain't a player get it right, I'm controlling the game
I'm not just a participant, I'm in charge and running things

From now until they blow holes in my frame
I'll keep going and succeeding until I can't physically do it anymore

I'ma stand firm, holding my aim, feel me?
I'm determined and focused on my goals, and others should take notice

I'm the focal, point like Biggie in his prime
I'm the center of attention and the main figure in the industry, like Biggie Smalls was in his prime

On the low though, the city is mine!
I'm still in charge and dominating the city, even when it's not being talked about or recognized by others