ABC's
K'naan Lyrics

Bundle up my whole style is so cold
I'm not dressing for fashion, I'm dressing for function, it's cold out there.

I glow like old guys who go bald
I'm shining brighter than those old guys' scalps in the sun.

My flow got no front in the vocal
In my rapping, I don't hold anything back.

Your flow got no button its so old
Your rapping is outdated and lacks energy.

I don't mean to sound like a showboat
I'm not trying to brag or show off.

But it's true my persona's no joke
I'm for real, my personality is not a joke.

I stepped into some kinda portal
I've transcended my past and I'm creating a new identity.

I'm legend and sometimes I'm noble
I'm a legendary figure and sometimes I represent nobility.

I'm from the most risky zone, oh
I'm from the most dangerous area where nothing is safe.

No place is more shifty global
There's no place that's more uncertain and unstable than where I'm from.

More pistols, Russian revolvers
There are more guns, including weapons like Russian revolvers, where I'm from.

We shootin' all that is normal
We shoot at things that people in regular neighborhoods would describe as normal.

But it ain't just because we want to
We don't shoot just for fun or because we enjoy it.

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

Somebody please press the undo
I wish we could go back and undo all the violence that has happened.

They only teach us the things that guns do
We are taught only how to use guns and not much else.

They don't teach us the ABCs
We don't get a basic education, we are instead thrown into a violent environment.

We play on the hard concrete
We don't have access to safe or soft play areas, so we play on the streets.

All we got is life on the streets
Our lives revolve around the danger of the streets.

(Chubb Rock)
This is a guest verse by Chubb Rock.

Rock, you know my era
My name is Rock and I'm from a certain era of music.

B-boy seasoning, salt -n- pepa
I represent a hip hop culture that includes breakdancing, and I'm adding flavor to the scene.

Grown and sexy, come with the extra
I represent a mature, sophisticated Hip Hop style with added flair.

Crushed up linen, fly like sess-a
I'm dressed up in quality, expensive clothes and I'm as high as marijuana (session).

This type brew I gave it birth
I created a unique style that has become popular in the music world.

Now it's time again to give it a verse
I'm going to continue to contribute to the hip hop scene by rapping again.

Jamaican born, not a fan of the ganja
I was born in Jamaica but surprisingly, I'm not a fan of marijuana.

? Brooklyn to Somalia
I'm representing Brooklyn, but also acknowledging my Somali roots.

And it goes in the background
I'm going to continue rapping while K'naan's melodies continue to play in the background.

Playa, that is my sound
I'm known for my style of music, and that's what you're hearing right now.

The green doesn't symbolize I made it on the top
I'm not flaunting luxury to prove I'm successful.

Pioneer legend, and they call me Mr. Rock
I'm an influential figure in the industry and people respect me as Mr. Rock.

No B word or N word, I don't need those words (no)
I don't use controversial or offensive words in my music lyrics because I don't need them.

Respect for hers
I respect women and don't use derogatory terms to describe them.

The game dried up, so we come with the grease
The music industry is struggling, so artists like me are bringing our own energy and spark to the scene.

Leadin' ya right and treatin' ya right, so peace
I'm leading the way with positive messages and treating others with respect for a peaceful outcome.

Superman is known by the locals
I'm a popular and powerful figure in my neighborhood.

As this dude who's so fly it's global
I'm not only respected in my neighborhood, but I'm known all around the world.

Attitude that came outta struggle
My tough background has shaped my mindset and attitude towards life.

Destitute but I make it hopeful
Despite my impoverished background, I have worked hard to create a better future for myself.

You real, but my real is tenfold
Your reality is genuine, but mine is many times more intense and dangerous.

My real'll make yours a rental
My life experience is so extreme that it would make your life seem temporary by comparison.

Gangsta if at ease, essential
I project an air of being a gangster even when I'm relaxed, it's necessary for my survival.

Fight with guns or utensils
I have to always be ready to fight for my life, whether with guns or with everyday objects as weapons.

So bold nothin's confidential
I'm so confident in myself and in the streets that nothing is off limits or secret.

Breakfast was not continental
I didn't have a fancy breakfast with international cuisine, my meals were basic and simple.

And lunch could not compliment all
My lunches were also basic and didn't necessarily have all the necessary nutrients.

We still become competent souls
Despite our lack of resources, we are still able to become successful and competent individuals.

These streets ain't paved with no gold
The streets I live on are not wealthy or glamorous in any way.

Matter fact someone stole the light bulb
My environment is so poor and neglected that even the streetlights and light bulbs are stolen.

Nobody fat enough for lypo
No one in my neighborhood is rich or overweight enough to need liposuction.

They don't teach us to read and write, so
We don't receive a basic education and aren't taught the fundamental skills of reading and writing.

They don't teach us the ABCs
Our education is so lacking that we don't even get taught the basics like the alphabet.

We play on the hard concrete
We don't have access to safe or soft play areas, so we play on the streets.

All we got is life on the streets
Our lives revolve around the danger of the streets.