The city is mine
Jay-Z feat. Blackstreet Lyrics
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You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
Yeah
What the deal playboy, just rest your soul
I be holding it down, yo, still love the dough
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
Niggas 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 shit serious, to my demise
Jay shit's like cake mix, watch me rise
Basics in the basement, wasted
Asking my dog for advice and when he can't say shit
My hatred is fueled just give me a sign
And I let the world know that the city is mine, what?
You belong to the city
You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
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 nigga doing it, or these niggas is losing it
I read a article that said I was ruining shit
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 niggas with nothing but my influences-es
Soon it's the Jigga, I ain't mad, yeah, bite my shit
Sell half of what I sell 'cause it's not quite my shit
I'm the type to buy a Rollie and just ice my shit
On the spot, fuck coming back twice and shit
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 in '89
And drove it up to 55th, the city is mine, what?
You belong to the city
You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
I snatch your girl 'cause your arm ain't strong enough
Plus y'all 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
Snatched 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 alcoholing 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, shhh, the city is mine
You belong to the city
You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
You belong to the city
You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
You belong
You belong
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
The lyrics of Jay-Z's "The City is Mine" featuring Blackstreet is a song about Jay-Z's rise to fame in the music industry. The song is a declaration of Jay-Z's control over the rap game, with lyrics that assert his dominance and influence in the industry. The opening lines, "You belong to the city, you belong to the night, in the river of darkness, he's a man of the night" set the tone for the rest of the song, with Jay-Z positioning himself as a powerful figure in the night-time world of rap music.
The lyrics go on to describe the way that Jay-Z has taken over the industry, with lines like "Got these ladies on the cock now, you know how we go, got the whole world on lock down, you know how we flow." These lyrics convey the idea that Jay-Z is in complete control of his career, with fans and women alike flocking to him. The song also contains lyrics about Jay-Z's fame and how he plans to maintain his success, even as others try to bring him down.
One interesting fact about "The City is Mine" is that it was released as the lead single from Jay-Z's second album, "In My Lifetime, Vol. 1," which was released in 1997. The song was produced by Blackstreet member Teddy Riley, who also provided vocals for the track. Another interesting fact is that the song samples the melody from the popular 1983 song "You Belong to the City" by Glenn Frey, which also features lyrics about the dangers and excitement of city life.
Line by Line Meaning
You belong to the city
This is the city that I belong to
You belong to the night
I am one with the night
In the river of darkness
The darkness is a place where I am at ease
He's a man of the night
I am a creature of the night, thriving in it
What the deal playboy, just rest your soul
What's up, my friend? Don't worry, just relax and let go of your troubles
I be holding it down, yo, still love the dough
I'm still in control and making money despite any challenges
Got these ladies on the cock now, you know how we go
Women are attracted to our lifestyle and we enjoy their attention
Got the whole world on lock down, you know how we flow
Our influence is global and our power is undeniable
Don't worry about Brooklyn, I continue to flame
I am keeping the Brooklyn legacy alive and thriving
Therefore a world with amnesia won't forget your name
My impact on the world will be unforgettable
You held it down long enough, let me take those reigns
You have done well, but now it's my time to shine
And just like your spirit the commission remains
I will continue our work with the same passion and drive as you did
N****s can cross the T's and, dots the I's
We are meticulous with our work and pay attention to every detail
Now that I got too popular to cop them pies
I have become too successful to engage in illegal activities
I'm taking this rap shit serious, to my demise
I am committed to my craft, even if it means sacrificing my personal life
Jay shit's like cake mix, watch me rise
I have a talent for rap and am destined for success
Basics in the basement, wasted
I am reminded of my humble beginnings and feel I have wasted time
Asking my dog for advice and when he can't say shit
I am seeking guidance from my closest friend, but he is unable to help
My hatred is fueled just give me a sign
I use my anger as motivation to succeed
And I let the world know that the city is mine, what?
I make sure everyone knows that I have taken control of the city
Y'all want to know how I flow just seek and you find
If you want to understand my rap style, all you need to do is listen
I'm like a brain in the voice box, I speak my mind
My rap is a reflection of my thoughts and opinions
About to redefine rap mami, either I'm
I'm on the cusp of changing the rap game
The illest nigga doing it, or these niggas is losing it
I am either the best at rap or everyone else is failing
I read a article that said I was ruining shit
I am aware that some critics do not approve of my work
But every time I look, I'm moving units in quick
Despite the criticism, my music is selling rapidly
So I'ma hit y'all, with these last two and split
I'm going to leave you with a couple more hits before I go
And leave niggas with nothing but my influences-es
My impact on the rap game will outlast my physical presence
Soon it's the Jigga, I ain't mad, yeah, bite my shit
I am confident in my abilities and don't mind if others imitate me
Sell half of what I sell 'cause it's not quite my shit
Others may try to copy my style, but they can never replicate my success
I'm the type to buy a Rollie and just ice my shit
I enjoy flaunting my wealth by buying expensive items and covering them in jewels
On the spot, fuck coming back twice and shit
I am impulsive with my purchases and don't hesitate to spend money
How real is that? My floss game, still intact
I am still living a lavish lifestyle and showing off my riches
Boss game, you lame dudes can't feel that
I am in charge and you cannot compete with me
Like the first dude to cop the 850 in '89
I am a trendsetter and a pioneer in the industry
And drove it up to 55th, the city is mine, what?
I am proud to have taken control of the city and everyone else knows it
I snatch your girl 'cause your arm ain't strong enough
I am more attractive to women than my competition
Plus y'all don't stay in the studio long enough
I am more focused and dedicated to my music than other rappers
I make hits while y'all stay hating and take bricks
I am successful and productive while others waste their time and energy being negative
Had it locked 'til I came in the club, Take 6
I am well-respected and influential in the club scene
Snatched your chick 'cause you swore she was innocent
I am capable of stealing your girlfriend even if you think she is faithful to you
Got her a Chinese manicure, hair done by Dominicans, all for what
I am willing to spend money to keep my girlfriend looking good
So I could be in a dark corner, all in the butt
I am willing to engage in sexual activities with my girlfriend in public
I represent the lifestyle of those who thirst cream
I embody a lavish and luxurious lifestyle that others aspire to
A buck fifty a shot, Louis the Thirteenth
I can afford to drink expensive liquor such as Louis XIII cognac
Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella yo, know the name
I am a part of the Roc-A-Fella music label and my name is well-known
I ain't a player get it right, I'm controlling the game
I am not just a player in the rap game, I am in charge of it
From now until they blow holes in my frame
I will continue to be successful until death
I'ma stand firm, holding my aim, feel me?
I will remain steadfast and true to my goals
I'm the focal, point like Biggie in his prime
I am the center of attention and influence, much like Biggie was at his peak
On the low though, shhh, the city is mine
I am quietly and confidently taking control of the city
Lyrics Β© Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jack Tempchin, Teddy Riley, Glenn Lewis Frey, Shawn C. Carter, Kenny Gamble, Leon A. Huff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LATIGRE
"[Intro: Jay-Z]
Uh-uhh-uh, ge-ge-geyeah
[Chorus: Blackstreet and (Jay-Z)]
You belong to the city (uh-uhh-uh, what what)
You belong to the night (uh-uhh-uh, ge-ge-geyeah)
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night
[Verse 1: Jay-Z]
What the deal playboy, just rest your soul
I be holding it down yo, still love the dough
Got these ladies on the cock 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
Niggas 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 shit serious, to my demise
Jay shit's like cake mix, watch me rise
Basics in the basement, wasted
Asking my dog for advice so when he can't say shit
My hatred is, fueled just give me a sign
And I let the world know that the city is mine, what?
[Chorus: Blackstreet and (Jay-Z)]
You belong to the city (the city is mine, what-what-what)
You belong to the night (ge-ge-geyeah, uh-uhh-uh, pa-pau)
In the river of darkness
He's a man of the night (the city is mine, that's right...)
[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Y'all wanna 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 nigga doing it or these niggas is losing it
I read a article that said I was ruining shit
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 niggas with nothing but my influences-es
Students of Jigga, I ain't mad yeah, bite my shit
Sell half of what I sell because it's not quite my shit
I'm the type to buy a Rollie and just ice my shit
On the spot, fuck coming back twice to shit
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 in '89
And drove it up to 55th, the city is mine, what?
[Chorus: Blackstreet and (Jay-Z)]
You belong to the city (the city is mine)
You belong to the night (yeah, uhh, the city is mine)
In the river of darkness (pa-pause, feel me)
He's a man of the night (yeah, yeah, bounce, bounce)
[Verse 3: Jay-Z]
I snatch your girl 'cause your arm ain't strong enough
Plus y'all 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 her butt
At the bar alchoholing 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 - shhhhh, the city is mine!
[Chorus: Blackstreet and (Jay-Z)]
You belong to the city (uh-huh, yeah, the city is mine)
You belong to the night (ah ah, the city is mine)
In the river of darkness (feel me, the city is mine)
He's the man of the night (the city is mine, is mine, is mine, is mine)
You belong to the city
You belong to the night
In the river of darkness
He's the man of the night
[Outro: Blackstreet]
You belong
You belong
In the river of darkness
He's the man of the night "
@Griswaldization
16 years old driving a 1992 oldsmobile cutlass playing this on cassette via bootleg mixed tape!! 1997 Lord take me backπ
@BobbyLondon-uq6gq
That cut supremeπ―π₯
@runninzz
A lot of people say it's not his best but I remember when this tune came out, blew me away! One of Jay-Z's best!
@doktastrange911
Totally agree fam..and this is 1 of his best to me..blown away when it dropped..will never forget
@JESUS_Is_KING573
Yeah cool track to roll up the highway in
@abbyrose8448
This beat would slam my 12s
@Bwwe82090
I heard this in my brother's car, I love that chrous and I didn't know it was on this cd.
@saracarr3962
I woke up wanting to hear this. I love the sample from the 80s.
@randmiller88
That's Chad Hugo from Neptunes playing the sax. Legend
@Fernandosantanajr83
No lie, this is the album that got me into hip-hop. Listened to this when i was 14 in Dr when i didnt even understand the language lol