A Dream
Jay-Z ft. Notorious B.I.G. Lyrics

It was all a dream
The dream that he talks about in the song was just a figment of his imagination.

Last night I had a dream Thoughts was racing through my head (it was all a dream) Felt so real to me This is what was said
The singer had a dream that felt very real to him and in that dream, he had a conversation with the late rapper Biggie Smalls.

Had a dream I said, bout who he said? 'Bout B.I.G. I said, that's big he said Dig he said, proceed he said Indeed I said, so, breathe I did Don't repeat what I say I said, he said nothing He agreed with his head, he just nodded like this What I believe to be a yes I repeated what was said It came to me like a well as even I said "You feel playboy," was the greeting he said
The singer's dream involves a conversation with Notorious B.I.G., where he is giving advice but telling the singer to keep it quiet. Biggie acknowledges this with a silent agreement and a greeting, saying that the singer is feeling or playing like him.

First thing I wanted to know, what's the reason he was dead? "More money, more problems, better believe it," he said "Careful what you wish for you might receive it," he said I see I said, jealousy I said Got the whole industry mad at me I said
When the artist asked about the reason for Biggie's death, he was told that more money leads to more problems, and that one should be careful about what they wish for. The artist then comments on how jealousy has caused the entire industry to turn on him.

Then B.I. said, "Hov' remind yourself Nobody built like you, you designed yourself" I agree I said, my one of a kind self Get stoned every day like Jesus did What he said, I said, has been said before "Just keep doing your thing," he said, say no more
Biggie encourages the artist to remind himself that he is unique and to keep being himself. The artist agrees and notes that he smokes weed daily, like Jesus allegedly did. The sentiment of continuing to be oneself has been said before, as Biggie notes.

It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine Salt'n'Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine Hanging pictures on my wall Every Saturday, "Rap Attack," Mr. Magic, Marley Marl I let my tape rock 'til my tape popped Smokin' weed and bamboo, sippin' on private stock Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack With the hat to match Remember Rappin' Duke? "Duh-ha, duh-ha" You never thought that hip-hop would take it this far Now I'm in the limelight cause I rhyme tight Time to get paid, blow up like the Born sinner, the opposite of a winner Remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner Peace to Ron G, Brucey be, Kid Capri Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starsky I'm blowin' up like you thought I would Call the crib, same number same hood, it's all good Uhh, and if you don't know, now you know, nigga
The singer reminisces about his past, where he used to read hip hop magazines and listen to certain DJs on the radio. He talks about his love for music and how he pursued it, even during hard times, like when he could only afford to eat sardines for dinner. Finally, he acknowledges the success he has now achieved and gives a shoutout to some of the influential people in his life.