The Message
Mary J. Blige Dr. Dre Rell Lyrics

This one is for my brother, Tyree, R.I.P
A tribute to Tyree, who has passed away

A message to God
An expression of grief towards God

Since you finishin' 'em early, what posessed you to start him?
Questioning God's choice to take Tyree early

We made a vow later we'll regret 'til death do us part
Regretting fighting with Tyree and wishing to reconcile

Lord, I thought we was made for each other
Feeling like Tyree was meant to be a part of his life

You shouldn't connect those, made to be taken away from each other
Disagreeing with God's plan to take Tyree away

Now what I'm supposed to do? I'm only half the man that I was
Feeling incomplete without Tyree

I'll never last, 'cause my better half is up there with you
Feeling like Tyree was his better half and is now in heaven with God

You knew what you was doin' when you made us; so with all due respect
Acknowledging God's power and plan for their lives

You coulda forgave him, you didn't have to take him
Questioning why God had to take Tyree instead of forgiving him

He can take the game with him, 'cause he defines the word
Acknowledging Tyree's talent and influence in their world

The one who puts the G in it, who you think put me in it?
Attributing his success and influence to Tyree

I'm feelin like my whole world is blinded wonderin' why
Feeling lost and confused about Tyree's death

Cryin', pourin' out my heart, pourin' out liquor behind it
Expressing grief and sorrow in his own way

We fought like brothers, somethin' we never should do
Regretting fighting with Tyree and wishing they had a better relationship

We coulda used time spent arguin tellin' the truth
Realizing that they should have used their time together to be honest and reconcile

He had talent too, I had plans on watchin' him grow
Reflecting on the potential and future that Tyree had

Don't know what hurts more - seein' him leave, or watchin him go
Reflecting on the pain of Tyree's absence

If you wonder why (why I live my life)
Explaining his motivation for hustling

The way that I do ('cause I got to get this money)
Motivated by the need to make money

So don't worry about me (don't worry, don't worry worry)
Assuring others that he's okay

You'se a soldier, you're probably packin heat up there
Imagining Tyree's life in heaven

Met up with homies from the street, and got deep up there
Imagining Tyree reunited with old friends in heaven

If you only knew the way I felt before they ruined the crew
Reflecting on how things were different before Tyree's death

I thought I learned from Eazy, now I'm goin through it with you
Comparing the pain of losing Tyree to the loss of Eazy-E

We lost a thug, a son, and a father
Acknowledging the many roles Tyree had in life

I spoke to your son, the other day, and told him Uncle Dre got him
Promising to be there for Tyree's son

The Lord must be accidentally pulling your file
Jokingly suggesting that God made a mistake taking Tyree

Cause I'm still paging you, 911, straight in denial
Calling out to Tyree and struggling to accept his death

Prayin' you get it, but no man can choose the card he was dealt
Wishing Tyree could understand his pain, but realizing it's out of his control

You either quit, or you gon' play 'em like you get it
Reflecting on the choices people have when faced with hard situations

I done been through all emotions, from in shock, to keepin a poker face
Describing the many emotions he's felt since Tyree's death

To straight breakin down and showin' all emotions
Acknowledging that he's not afraid to show his vulnerability

I'm anxious to believe in real G's don't cry
Questioning the idea of masculinity that says men shouldn't cry

If that's the truth, then I'm realizin I ain't no gangsta
Acknowledging that he doesn't fit the typical definition of a gangsta

It's just not me, but you know I'mma always ride wit you
Admitting his true self but still being loyal to Tyree

I miss you, sometimes I wish I just died wit' you
Expressing the depth of his sorrow and longing for Tyree

Listen
Calling for attention and focus on his message

Listen, children listen
Addressing his audience and encouraging them to pay attention

I'm tryin' to tell you somethin' good
Sharing his personal experiences and emotions as a way of connecting with others

Don't get caught up in the hood
Warning against getting involved in dangerous and negative situations

If you don't know why
Encouraging listeners to seek knowledge and understanding

You gotta find out the reason why
Emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and self-reflection

Brother brother
Addressing his audience as if they were his own brothers, creating a sense of unity and community