New York
Jay-Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West Lyrics

Yeah, "the city"
Acknowledging the significance of New York City as a cultural and economic center.

This is serious, here "number one"
New York City is the highest-ranking city in terms of cultural and economic significance.

New York! It's beyond the 5 boroughs keep it real, I get ill
New York City extends far beyond its five boroughs, and its residents are proud of their authenticity and creativity.

Number one, this will rock! "the city" "I gotta get in"
New York City is the best and most exciting place to be, and the artist is eager to be a part of it.

This is that, Riker's Island, not slipping rap flows
The artist is acknowledging the tough and gritty nature of New York City, referencing one of its most notorious prisons.

For them box bitten bing monsters, sniffin' that blow
The singer is referring to drug addicts or dealers who use cocaine, and the blocks where they hang out.

Block covers know the style, triple that dough
The singer is referencing the business of dealing drugs, and the money that can be made by those who do it well.

Forty cal. for them cock suckers, sittin' back slow
The artist is warning potential rivals or thieves that he is armed and ready to protect his territory.

What y'all know about Coke pies, give 'em that low
The artist is bragging about his knowledge and involvement in the drug trade.

I mouth them before the bowtie resemble cash flow
The artist is alluding to his involvement in organized crime, and his skill at making deals.

Rap NY, no lie, my side is back Ghost, so hot
The singer is saying that New York's rap scene is on fire, and he is a part of a group of talented rappers.

Crooked cops are searching your asshole, it's the drop
The artist is referencing police corruption and harassment, and saying that one's illegal activities could result in being subjected to an invasive search.

That freeze niggaz right where they stand for the gwap
The singer is saying that the potential for money or profit can make people act in a cold or calculating way.

Niggaz'll play Pac and pop with they man, it don't stop
The singer is referencing the violence that often goes hand in hand with life in the city, and the fact that it can happen at any time.

We up top, but we locked and landing
The singer is asserting his position as a top player in his field, but acknowledging that there are still obstacles to overcome.

He roadblock, he flow shots, get Ghost and scram
The artist is saying that when faced with a difficult situation, he takes decisive action to get out of danger.

Gingerbread niggaz on the run from feds
The artist is referring to those who have run afoul of the law, and are now avoiding arrest.

Shit is sick, pretty chicks'll put a gun to ya head
The singer is pointing out the dangers of living in the city, and the fact that danger can come from unexpected sources.

Never a vic', either think quick or end up dead
The singer is saying that he isn't one to fall victim to danger, and is always ready to react.

'Cause when we flip, what's left to be said? New York
The artist is suggesting that when he and his team take action, it speaks for itself and proves their dominance.

Yo, we was raised in the dead arm district
The artist is referencing his tough upbringing in a neighborhood with a lot of crime and violence.

Before guns was called biscuits, Stapleton was on that hood shit
The artist is referencing the history of violence in his neighborhood, and saying that it was a part of life even before guns became a common weapon.

Live from the New York borough, keeping it thorough
The singer is saying that he represents the true spirit of New York City.

Bunch of snakes in the grass, stay creepin' like squirrels
The artist is referencing the fact that there are many deceitful people in the city, who are always looking for an opportunity to take advantage of others.

Cuz a snitch gon' crack that nut, don't give a fuck
The singer is saying that someone who is willing to inform on others can cause a lot of damage, and doesn't care about the consequences.

Did ten hours long and try to wrap us up
The singer is referencing a specific incident where someone may have tried to implicate him or his associates in a crime.

He dry snitching, post up in the whip with a fly wisdom
The singer is saying that someone is talking about his illegal activities, even though they are not directly accusing him.

Hopped out to get a dutch, but he left with his wig splitten
The artist is saying that someone was attacked, likely because they were suspected of being involved in a crime or informally.

We from New York, my city never sleeps (No)
The artist is saying that he believes New York City is always active and vibrant, even in the middle of the night.

We runnin' with a hundred heats
The singer is saying that he and his associates are heavily armed.

When beef pop off, we ain't the one to speak
The singer is saying that when there is a conflict, he doesn't waste time talking but takes action.

Dressed in all black, driving six feet hurses
The artist is referencing the fact that death is a common reality in the tough neighborhoods of New York City.

With sixteen niggaz, dropping sixteen verses
The artist is saying that he is part of a talented group of rappers who are all working together to make their way in the city.

Big faces, bolgin' outta big green purses
The artist is referencing the large amounts of money that can be made in New York City's underground economy.

Stuck ya man for his vegi's and his lame ass circus
The singer is referencing a specific incident where someone was robbed or attacked.

So I dare niggaz act up, y'all niggaz act up
The artist is daring his rivals to make a move, knowing that he and his crew are ready to take them on.

Now like cars in reverse, y'all better back up
The singer is saying that he and his crew are moving forward and making progress, and no one can stop them.