(The Infamous Prelude)
Mobb Deep Lyrics

Yeah yeah yeah
Acknowledgement and agreement to proceed.

Hold the fuck up
Request for attention and pause in activity.

We gonna take this little intermission to listen
A short break to convey a message.

To what the fuck I got to say, you know
To hear his thoughts and opinions.

I been doing this shit for years:
To have been in a certain industry or activity for a long time.

Holding heat, selling
Carrying weapons and selling drugs.

Using, abusing all kinds of drugs;
Consuming and mistreating all manner of substances.

Robbing niggas, running up in niggas' cribs
Stealing from and invading people's homes.

So don't ever in your life get me confused
Not to mistake him for someone else.

With some of them other niggas that you might see
Not to confuse him with other individuals.

On TV
Broadcast media for the masses.

Or hear on the radio and such
Audio content distributed by traditional means.

I mean, this is me: P
This is his real identity.

I'm speaking for my fucking self
Expressing his views from his personal perspective.

When you see me:
In instances where he is visible.

At the show
During a musical performance.

Or on stage
Performing in front of an audience.

Or on the street
In everyday public life.

I DEFINITELY got the gat on me
To always carry a firearm for protection.

And it ain't like I'm trying to be a tough guy
Not posturing as someone aggressive.

Or trying to make people think I'm crazy
Not attempting to appear mentally unstable.

But what it is, dat
The reality of the situation is that.

I know how niggas gets down, alright?
To understand the actions of some individuals.

I used to be in the clubs:
Frequenting nightclubs to socialize.

The Muse, The Tunnel, whatever the fuck
Specific venues he once visited.

Niggas get they little drink on
People getting inebriated.

Havin'
Enjoying themselves in various ways.

Fun with they little crew
Having a good time with friends.

(You know what I'm saying)
Phrase indicating agreement or understanding.

Start cuttin' shootin' whatever
Behaving recklessly and violently.

A lot of these so-called "rap niggas"
Individuals labelled as rap musicians.

Ain't never seen no parts of that shit
Have not experienced similar situations.

You know what I'm saying
A rhetorical phrase indicating shared knowledge or experience.

You dig where I'm coming from?
Asking if listeners understand and share his perspective.

Word up, yo
Affirmation and agreement.

And I know a lot of y'all niggas
Acknowledging a specific group of people.

Matter of fact, all y'all niggas
Including all listeners in the statement.

Is right now listening to this shit
Listeners who are currently engaged in listening.

Is like
Indicates a potential assumption or judgement.

"We gonna see them Mobb Deep niggas
Expectation to encounter the individuals.

We gonna see what they about
To observe and determine their character.

Know what I'm saying
Phrase indicating shared understanding.

I'm gonna let you niggas know right now:
Statement to the listening audience.

You ain't gotta waste your time
Advising listeners to not engage in unnecessary activity.

Or your money
Advice to not spend funds frivolously.

On your hospital bills
Warning of the potential for physical harm.

And if you step to me on a personal level
In the event of a face-to-face confrontation.

I don't back down easy
Unwillingness to submit or surrender.

There's a good chance your ass is gonna get
A high likelihood of a negative outcome.

Shot, stabbed, or knuckled down
Potential physical harm.

One out of the three
A gamble on the specific type of harm.

So don't gamble with your life, duke
Advising to not take unnecessary risks with life.

Word up
Affirmation and agreement.

And believe me
Statement intended to convey the seriousness of the topic.

I know very well I could get shot, stabbed or fucked up too, whatever
Acknowledgement of the potential for danger.

I ain't "Super Nigga", I'm a little skinny motherfucka
Not claiming to be invincible or superhero-like.

It's all about who gets who first, though
Emphasis on the importance of speed and action.

So therefore, say no more
Expression indicating that no further explanation is needed.

To all my niggas: Get the money
Encouragement to focus on financial gain.

Frontin' niggas get deceased
Negative consequences for those who act falsely or insincerely.

And, oh yeah, to all them rap-ass niggas
Addressing a targeted group of individuals.

With your half-assed rhymes
Criticism of the quality of their lyrics.

Talking about how much you get high, how much weed you smoke
Mocking of those who boast about their intoxication.

And that crazy space shit that don't even make no sense
Disdain for nonsensical and confused content.

Don't ever speak to me when you see me, know what I'm saying, word
To not engage in conversation or interaction with them.

I'ma have to get on some ole "high school" shit
Threat of physical violence and bullying behavior.

Start punching niggas in they face just for living
Willingness to inflict harm for any reason or no reason at all.

Yo, I'm finished what I had to say
Conclusion of the monologue.

Ya'll can continue on
Instructions for listeners to proceed with other activities.