A Dream
Jay-Z feat. Faith Evans & The Notorious B.I.G Lyrics

It was all a dream
The experience was only a dream and not reality.

Last night I had a dream
The dream was experienced the previous night.

Thoughts was racing through my head (it was all a dream)
The dream was vivid and intense, with many thoughts occurring rapidly.

Felt so real to me
The dream felt like it was actually happening.

This is what was said
The following lines are what was communicated in the dream.

Had a dream I said, bout who he said?
In the dream, the singer asked about whom they were discussing.

'Bout B.I.G. I said, that's big he said
The dream was about the late rapper Notorious B.I.G.

Dig he said, proceed he said
The artist was given instructions to dig and proceed.

Indeed I said, so, breathe I did
The artist agreed and followed the instruction to take a breath.

Don't repeat what I say I said, he said nothing
The artist was told not to repeat what was said, and the other party did not respond.

He agreed with his head, he just nodded like this
The other party silently agreed by nodding their head.

What I believe to be a yes I repeated what was said
The artist repeated what was said, believing it to be agreement.

It came to me like a well as even I said
The singer had a sudden realization and spoke about it as well.

"You feel playboy," was the greeting he said
The other party greeted the singer by calling them 'playboy' and asking how they were feeling.

First thing I wanted to know, what's the reason he was dead?
The singer's first question was about the reason for Notorious B.I.G.'s death.

"More money, more problems, better believe it," he said
The other party explained that Notorious B.I.G. faced many problems due to his increasing wealth.

"Careful what you wish for you might receive it," he said
The other party warned the artist to be cautious about what they wish for, as they may actually receive it.

I see I said, jealousy I said
The singer expressed their understanding that jealousy may have played a role in Notorious B.I.G.'s death.

Got the whole industry mad at me I said
The singer acknowledged that they have caused animosity within the music industry.

Then B.I. said, "Hov' remind yourself
Notorious B.I.G. reminded the artist to remember their own worth and potential.

Nobody built like you, you designed yourself"
The late rapper emphasized that the artist is unique and created their own identity.

I agree I said, my one of a kind self
The artist agreed with Notorious B.I.G.'s sentiment and expressed that they are truly unique.

Get stoned every day like Jesus did
The singer humorously compared their daily habits to those of Jesus.

What he said, I said, has been said before
The artist acknowledged that the message they received from the dream has been conveyed previously.

"Just keep doing your thing," he said, say no more
Notorious B.I.G. encouraged the singer to continue with their current actions and to not worry about others' opinions.

Was it all a dream, tell me
The singer questions whether the experience was truly a dream.

It was all a dream
The realization that the experience was definitely a dream.

I used to read Word Up magazine
The artist reminisces about their past, when they read music publications.

Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine
The artist recalls listening to Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D while in a fancy car.

Hanging pictures on my wall
The singer enjoyed displaying pictures on their wall.

Every Saturday, "Rap Attack," Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
The singer enjoyed listening to certain radio programs that aired each Saturday.

I let my tape rock 'til my tape popped
The artist would listen to their cassette tapes until they could no longer work.

Smokin' weed and bamboo, sippin' on private stock
The artist partied and indulged in certain substances, including marijuana and private liquor.

Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack
The artist reminisces about an item of clothing they used to own.

With the hat to match
The item of clothing had a matching hat.

Remember Rappin' Duke? "Duh-ha, duh-ha"
The artist recalls a particular rap artist and one of their lyrics.

You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far
The singer comments on the impressive success of the hip-hop genre.

Now I'm in the limelight cause I rhyme tight
The singer acknowledges their own success and talent as a rapper.

Time to get paid, blow up like the
The singer is now in a position to make money and become more successful.

Born sinner, the opposite of a winner
The artist acknowledges that they were not set up for success from the start.

Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner
The artist recalls a time when they were not as financially stable and could only afford to eat cheap food.

Peace to Ron G, Brucey be, Kid Capri, Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starsky
The singer shows respect to certain well-known DJs and personalities in the music industry.

I'm blowin' up like you thought I would
The singer is becoming increasingly successful, as some people had predicted.

Call the crib, same number same hood, it's all good
Despite their success, the artist has remained loyal to their roots and community.

Uhh, and if you don't know, now you know, nigga
The artist suggests that others should recognize their success and talent.