Brooklyn B
Joell Ortiz Lyrics

Brooklyn is in the house and
Acknowledging the presence of Brooklyn in the song and in the place.

Just wave your hands in the air
Encouraging the people in the party to put their hands up in the air.

And wave them like you just don't care, care
Further emphasizing and encouraging people to let loose and have fun.

Yes I am on that Brooklyn bullshit
Admitting to being immersed in the culture of Brooklyn, its unique way of life, and the mannerisms associated with it.

That's where I was born and raised nigga
Explaining that the reason for being on that Brooklyn bullshit is because that’s the place where the artist was brought up, and therefore, he is undeniably influenced by it.

It's 718 nigga
Referring to the area code of Brooklyn.

It's a genuine borough nigga
Stating the authenticity and uniqueness of Brooklyn.

Greezy niggaz man
Acknowledging that there are some shady characters in Brooklyn, but the people are still genuine and down-to-earth at the core.

So what I act for an ace on your sigarette
Not feeling ashamed about asking for the last bit of nicotine on someone else's cigarette filter, despite being viewed as a cheap request by some people.

On the first and third I'm happy cuz all the fiends get a check
Indicating that even though being paid by drug addicts for their welfare benefits can lead to criticism, it's still a paycheck and is thus helpful.

So what I still go up to the roof to bone
Not letting shame get in the way of pursuing sexual activities in the privacy of the roof, away from judging eyes.

With a bird from the p's who gives ruthless dome
Having no qualms about receiving oral sex from a woman who is from a nearby project despite public expectations.

So what I'm still chipping for a bag of weed
Admitting to splitting a bag of marijuana with someone, even if it's not enough to last long.

And if that L looks skimpy I leave half the seeds
Disclosing that when the marijuana is less than expected, carrying a significant number of seeds is an investigation to determine potential outcomes and reasons for its occurrence on some occasions.

So what it's the second day I wore these jeans
Being unfazed by wearing jeans for a second day despite being deemed as dirty and smelly by some standards.

I was chilling yesterday, they don't stink, ya'mean?
Explaining that the jeans don't smell because they were just worn yesterday and therefore haven't accumulated an odor yet despite what others might think.

So what I get a shape up when I need a cut
Admitting to going to the barber shop for quick cuts only instead of getting complete haircuts, as a way of saving money.

I ain't woofing that bad, I can use these 5 bucks
Recognizing that the option to keep five dollars instead of using them solely on a full haircut is possible, even if it means leaving the shop with a less-than-perfect haircut.

So what I get a beer on credit, from my corner store
Being alright with asking for credit from the liquor store, recognizing that he has been a loyal customer over the years.

I be going there for years goddammit
Emphasizing that he is a regular client and is letting his frustration known.

So what I lose my re-up in dicegames
Knowing there’s a high chance of losing money in gambling and not having it as a second thought.

In the mall I'll be scheming to find me a nice chain
Looking for ways to buy that elusive gold chain and willing to spare no effort in the search.

So what exit dinner when I don't feel like cooking
Not having qualms about going out to eat instead of cooking just for oneself or the family.

I ain't my fault I'm on that bullshit, I'm from bullshit
Bragging about living under the constraints of Brooklyn life, not bemoaning how situations occur or the decisions made due to the context of surroundings.

E'time you come around your face turn to a frown
Depicting the fact that trouble and danger are never far away in Brooklyn, making people, even visitors, wary of their surroundings out of fear or caution.

You see us 'bout to go down That's that Brooklyn bullshit!
Acknowledging that something negative might happen as a way of expressing anxiety or tension among the people, with heightened emotions of fear and stress.

They won't let us in the spot cuz last time they let us rock
Knowing that, oftentimes, the establishment in Brooklyn known for emitting music and other stimuli might not let the people get in because of unanticipated issues from a prior date.

The party came to a stop That's that Brooklyn bullshit!
Implying that Brooklyn people can cause trouble during events or establishments and are capable of halting anything that was once entertaining or enjoying music, food or drinks.

Fitted over your eyes your shirt double your size
Describing the typical style and fashion within Brooklyn, with loose-fitting clothes and shirts over the eyes in a carefree manner.

Your belt hugging your thighs That's that Brooklyn bullshit!
Further describing the fashion staple to be distinct to Brooklyn, where people can be seen wearing their belts under the belly button, with their pants hugging the thighs.

Looking up and down the block with work tucked in your sock
Depicting the experience of carrying cash in a place where danger is always around the corner because of the high crime rate and lack of police security.

Dodging and weaving the cops That's that Brooklyn bullshit!
Avoiding the police while walking on the streets of Brooklyn is an everyday experience within the Brooklyn lifestyle.

So what every now and then I hop out cabs
Not feeling ashamed of jumping out of a taxi after the driver takes a longer route and avoiding additional payments for the longer routes.

Papi took the long way, papi think I'm ass
Describing the interactions with the cab drivers in Brooklyn, who take more extended and unnecessary routes as a way of earning more money on the meter.

So what I cop blue Hawaiians instead of a bottle
Buying Hawaiian blue drinks instead of the usual expensive wine and spirits.

I'll catch Brooklyn drinks if they close the Apollo
Bringing in humor by comparing this drink choice to a drink usually had after a performance at the famous Apollo Theater on 125th St, which situated very far from Brooklyn.

So what I got my mans shirt on my back
Wearing a shirt lent by a friend, which allows for a change in look but doesn't necessitate having to buy new clothes.

I had this shit for 4 months, he don't want this back
Not returning the shirt to its rightful owner even after four months, implying it’s with him to keep.

So what when we 20 deep, I act up
Being an instigator among the group when it comes to instigating trouble.

Yo best better be easy, don't get clapped up
Asserting dominance, warning others that they should think twice before challenging him or his gang, as they are quite capable of intimidating or clapping others up.

So what these ain't real rocks up in my watch
Not feeling ashamed of the lesser quality watch and the faux diamonds within it.

When the sun hit the face this shit still looks hot
Reinforcing the idea that the watch looks flashy and glitzy when it catches the rays and light from the sun, making it still capable of drawing attention.

So what I rob you blind if your ass ain't looking
Taking advantage of people who aren't looking, stealing from them without being noticed, which is a common practice in Brooklyn.

I ain't my fault I'm on that bullshit, I'm from bullshit
Reiterating the idea of having to deal with the shortcomings of Brooklyn and the people from the community.