ABC's
K´naan Lyrics

Bundle up my whole style is so cold
I may come across as unfriendly, but it's just my image

I glow like old guys who go bald
Despite my hard exterior I shine and stand out

My flow got no front in the vocal
I am confident and without hesitation in my raps

Your flow got no button its so old
Your rhymes are outdated and lack flavor

I don't mean to sound like a showboat
I don't want to come across as arrogant

But it's true my persona's no joke
But it's true that my personality is strong

I stepped into some kinda portal
I have undergone a transformation

I'm legend and sometimes I'm noble
I am an influential figure and aspire to do good

I'm from the most risky zone, oh
I come from a dangerous area

No place is more shifty global
There is nowhere more unstable around the world

More pistols, Russian revolvers
Guns are a common sight and Russia is a major supplier

We shootin' all that is normal
We use guns for everyday things due to the lack of resources

But it ain't just because we want to
It's not that we enjoy it

We ain't got nowhere we can run to
We have nowhere to escape the violence

Somebody please press the undo
We wish we could undo the violence and bring peace

They only teach us the things that guns do
Education is limited to violence and weapon use

They don't teach us the ABCs
We don't receive a proper education

We play on the hard concrete
We have no proper facilities or resources to play on

All we got is life on the streets
Our lives are confined to the streets due to lack of opportunities

Rock, you know my era
Referring to the time period and style of his rap

B-boy seasoning, salt -n- pepa
Paying homage to pioneers of rap music

Grown and sexy, come with the extra
Confident and mature, with extra flair

Crushed up linen, fly like sess-a
Dressed impeccably and elegantly

This type brew I gave it birth
I created and originated this style

Now it's time again to give it a verse
Continuing to innovate and push the style forward

Jamaican born, not a fan of the ganja
Proud of his Jamaican heritage, but not necessarily in favor of marijuana use

? Brooklyn to Somalia
Representing both his home in Brooklyn and his roots in Somalia

And it goes in the background
His style is recognizable and pervasive in the background of rap music

Playa, that is my sound
This is the sound that defines me

The green doesn't symbolize I made it on the top
Money isn't indicative of my success

Pioneer legend, and they call me Mr. Rock
Acknowledging his status as a pioneer and legend of rap

No B word or N word, I don't need those words (no)
Refusing to use derogatory language towards women or minorities

Respect for hers
Showing respect to women

The game dried up, so we come with the grease
The rap game has become mundane, and he brings a fresh and exciting energy

Leadin' ya right and treatin' ya right, so peace
Setting an example and treating others with respect and positivity

Superman is known by the locals
Being seen as a superhero by those who know him well

As this dude who's so fly it's global
Being well-known and respected all around the world

Attitude that came outta struggle
His confident and strong attitude was born out of difficult experiences

Destitute but I make it hopeful
Despite being in a bad situation, he still maintains hope and a positive outlook

You real, but my real is tenfold
He acknowledges that others may have struggles, but his are even bigger

My real'll make yours a rental
His reality is so intense that others' problems appear trivial in comparison

Gangsta if at ease, essential
Being a gangster is a necessary survival strategy in his environment

Fight with guns or utensils
Violent conflict is common and can be fought with anything available

So bold nothin's confidential
He is unafraid and has nothing to hide

Breakfast was not continental
He didn't have a fancy or elaborate breakfast

And lunch could not compliment all
Even his lunch was limited and not satisfying

We still become competent souls
Despite the difficult circumstances, they are still able to become successful and competent individuals

These streets ain't paved with no gold
There are no opportunities or rewards waiting for them

Matter fact someone stole the light bulb
The situation is even worse than expected

Nobody fat enough for lypo
Nobody is rich or well-off enough to afford plastic surgery

They don't teach us to read and write, so
Basic education is not taught or emphasized

All we got is life on the streets
Their lives are limited to the streets and lack opportunities and resources