Streets Of New York
Kool G Rap Lyrics

In the streets of New York
The following lyrics describe the harsh realities of life in New York City

Dope fiends are leaning for morphine
Drug addicts are desperate and hopeless, searching for their next fix

The TV screen followed the homicide scenes
Violent crime is prevalent and constantly reported on the news

You live here, you're taking a chance
Living in New York City is dangerous and unpredictable

So look and I take one glance, there's a man inside an ambulance
There is always someone in need of medical attention, whether from violence or illness

Crowds are getting louder, I wonder how the
Large groups of people gather in public, creating a sense of chaos

People want to go fight for the white powder
Addicts, some of whom are impoverished, will do anything to obtain drugs like cocaine

People hanging in spots
Individuals loitering on street corners, often seeking illegal activities

They waited until the blocks got hot
Criminals wait until the area is busy with activity before committing criminal acts

And got raided by the cops
Law enforcement officials often intervene and make arrests

I'll explain the man sleeping in the rain
Homelessness is a common issue, with individuals living on the streets and in outdoor areas

His whole life remains inside a bottle of Night Train
Alcoholism can be used as a coping mechanism for those experiencing difficult circumstances

Another man got his clothes in a sack
Some people resort to panhandling or criminal activities to make ends meet

'Cause he spent every dime of his rent playing blackjack
Gambling addiction can lead to financial ruin and homelessness

And there's the poor little sister
Children are often affected by the hardships their parents face

She has a little baby daughter
Young mothers may struggle to provide for their children

Named Sonya, and Sonya has pneumonia
Lack of access to proper healthcare is a major issue

So why's her mother in a club unzipped though?
Women may resort to sex work to make ends meet

Yo, that's her job, Sonya's mommy is a bar stripper
Stripping is a common job and may be viewed as a viable source of income

Drug dealers drive around looking hard
Drug trafficking is a prevalent issue, with dealers taking on a tough persona

Knowing they're sending their brothers and sisters to the graveyard
Drug overdoses and gang violence lead to early deaths, often affecting a community as a whole

Every day is a main event, some old lady limps
Every day, something dramatic and tragic happens in someone's life

The pushers and pimps eat shrimps
Those involved in illegal activities may live lavishly and indulge in luxurious foods

It gets tiring, the sight of a gun firing
Violence is experienced so frequently that it becomes a normalized, exhausting aspect of life

They must desire for the sound of a siren
Despite the fear and trauma caused by sirens, it brings a sense of relief and safety to some

A bag lady dies in an alleyway
Homeless individuals may be viewed as undesirable or overlooked by society

She's seen the last of her days inside the subways
The subway system may serve as shelter for some, but it is dangerous and life-threatening

More and more down the slope, the kid couldn't cope
Young people may turn to drugs or violence as a result of trauma or poverty

So he stole somebody's dope and a gold rope
Robberies and theft are commonplace, often motivated by drug addiction

Now my son's on the run, he's a wanted one
Children caught up in criminal activities may face severe legal consequences

Had fun then was done by a shotgun
Death is a frequent occurrence in communities with high levels of violence

Upstairs I cover my ears and tears
Others may feel helpless and overwhelmed by the violence and trauma experienced in their communities

The man downstairs must have drank too many beers
Domestic violence and substance abuse are common issues that can lead to tragedy

'Cause every day of his life he beats his wife
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many women and children

Till one night she decides to pull a butcher knife
Some may resort to violence and retaliation as a means of self-defense

Blind man plays the sax
Individuals with disabilities are also a part of New York's diverse population

A tune called: "The Arms on My Moms Show Railroad Tracks"
Music can be a source of comfort and nostalgia, bringing back memories of loved ones

Many lives are cut short
Life expectancy is reduced due to poverty, violence, and lack of access to healthcare

That's when you're living
This is the reality of living in the streets of New York

Baby needs new shoes
Children's basic needs are often neglected due to poverty and financial struggles

But his papa uses all the money for booze
Alcoholism can have a devastating effect on finances and familial relationships

A young girl is undressed in the back seat of a caddy
Sexual exploitation and assault are issues that affect young people in vulnerable situations

Calling some man daddy
The term 'daddy' is used in a skewed manner to get what they want

Three men, slain inside an apartment
Violent crime can take place anywhere, including one's own home

All you could see was the sparks when it darkened
The violence is intense and leaves a lasting impact

The drug war, daily routine
Drug trafficking is a major issue that is constantly being battled by law enforcement

Gambling spots, just a poor man's jackpot
Gambling can be viewed as a quick solution to financial struggles, but often leads to more harm than good

You winning a lot, you get shot
Jealousy, greed, and violence are often tied to gambling activities

The drug dealing fanatics
Those involved in the drug trade are often passionate and dedicated to the lifestyle

But you don't want no static
Avoiding confrontation is often the goal in order to survive

'Cause they got crack addicts with automatics
Drug addicts may resort to violence and aggression to feed their addiction

Shoot-outs for a desire for territory
Gangs and drug dealers may fight for control over specific areas

A kid got caught in the crossfire
Innocent people are hurt and killed in conflicts between criminals

A tired mother can't take no more
Parenting can be overwhelming and exhausting, especially in difficult circumstances

She grab the bottle full of sleeping pills and took about twenty-four
Some may turn to suicide or prescription drugs as a means of escape

Human beings are laying on the pavement
Violent crime and homelessness are issues that can often intersect

'Cause they're a part of a mental enslavement
Society often fails to provide adequate resources to those in need, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair

The cop snipers, little babies in dirty diapers
Law enforcement officials may use violent tactics, which can harm children and other vulnerable populations

This type of life is making you hyper
Living in a high-stress environment constantly can lead to a sense of desperation and anxiety

People scouting a torched-out building
Abandoned buildings are often used by homeless individuals, but can also be dangerous and unstable

And got killed when the cold air filled in
The winter months can be especially difficult for those living on the streets

Is Hell really suggested?
The conditions of life on the streets are unbearable and inhumane

No more persons arrested, a child molested
The criminal justice system may fail to properly protect and serve its citizens

A little kid says: "Yo I got a color TV, CD
Even young people can become consumed by material possessions and desires

Player and car stereo, and all I want
Despite material possessions, there is a sense of dissatisfaction and yearning for more

Is a castle, I also got a thirty-eight
Delusions of grandeur and a need for power can lead to dangerous behavior

Don't give me no hassle"
The desire for freedom and autonomy is strong, even in the face of danger and harm

One kid heads straight for the top
Some children may dream of success and prosperity despite difficult circumstances

And gets stopped and popped by a crooked cop
Corruption and police brutality are issues that further exacerbate social problems

Look behind you when you walk
One must always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings to ensure safety

That's how it is in the streets of New York
New York City is a place of hardship, violence, and struggle – where many people struggle to survive on a daily basis.