HIP HOP
N.A.S.A. Lyrics

We need unity in the community
We must come together as a community and work towards a common goal

KRS, hip-hop is one
KRS-One believes that hip-hop culture is a unified entity

Conscious, gangsters, hustlers
Hip-hop culture is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with different lifestyles and beliefs

Man
This line is likely an interjection indicating surprise, or possibly frustration

Hiiiip-Hop; I'm livin for that
The artist is emphasizing their love and dedication to hip-hop culture

Yo - we went from nuttin to somethin, bein real and not frontin
The singer reflects on their humble beginnings in life and emphasizes their authenticity in everything they do

No one was givin us nuttin so we resorted to gunnin
The singer is reflecting on the lack of opportunities they had and the violence they engaged in as a result

Growin up and we comin, up the ladder not bummin
The artist is expressing their determination to succeed despite the difficulties they faced growing up

Dodgin warrants and summons, from the cops we were runnin
The artist reflects on their past experiences with the law and the constant fear of being caught and punished

Goin to school not for nuttin they teachin lies and assumptions
The artist criticizes the education system for teaching falsehoods and making assumptions about their lives

And they tell us keep comin, comin to school now for what? When
The singer questions the value of continuing to go to school if they are not being taught anything useful

Comin back to a system that's whack and really not runnin
The artist expresses their frustration with a system that is ineffective and corrupt

Oh I'm sorry it's runnin, it's not PROPERLY runnin
The singer acknowledges that the system is technically functioning, but believes that it is not working as it should be

It's a conspiracy hear me man it's got to be somethin
The singer believes that there is a larger, hidden force at work that is responsible for the issues they face

I can get guns faster than I can get an english muffin
The singer uses hyperbole to emphasize the ease with which they can obtain guns in their community

And the black church ain't sayin nuttin
The artist criticizes the black church for not speaking out against the problems faced by their community

We on our own cousin, I'm stickin to this
The artist acknowledges that they must rely on themselves and others in the community to effect change, and they are committed to doing so

I'm livin for this hip-hop, I'm spittin for this hip-hop
The singer is dedicated to hip-hop culture and is actively contributing to it through their music

I'm givin to this hip-hop, my life is hip-hop
Hip-hop culture is a central part of the singer's identity and informs their entire way of life

Culture, and y'all know that
The artist emphasizes that hip-hop is a culture, not just a genre of music

Hip-Hop in the media, y'all know it's whack
The artist criticizes the way hip-hop culture is often portrayed in the media as shallow and materialistic

But just like them dopefiends who keep comin back
The artist compares the addiction of drug users to the addictive nature of hip-hop culture

Like the mayor of D.C., buyin Joey's crack
The singer references the former mayor of D.C. (Marion Barry) who was caught in a drug sting, to further emphasize the addictive nature of drugs and hip-hop culture

No disrespect to either one of them but look at that
The artist acknowledges that they are not trying to offend anyone, but want to make a point about the harmful effects of addiction

Study the metaphors in this rap
The singer encourages listeners to pay attention to the deeper, metaphorical meanings in hip-hop lyrics

We bigger than crack, but we keep buyin it
The singer emphasizes that hip-hop culture is more important than material possessions like drugs or money, but people still prioritize those things over the culture

We bigger than rap, but we keep denyin it
The singer believes that hip-hop culture is more than just music, but people fail to see that

Justice, equality, keep cryin it
The artist highlights the importance of social justice and equality within hip-hop culture

But the only way to get it is to start applyin it
The artist believes that change can only happen if people actively work towards it

Fat Joe that's my bro shows 'nuff respect
The singer has respect for Fat Joe as a fellow member of the hip-hop community

Talib, that's my bro, shows 'nuff respect
The singer has respect for Talib Kweli as a fellow member of the hip-hop community

50 Cent that's my bro he shows 'nuff respect
The artist has respect for 50 Cent as a fellow member of the hip-hop community

Common! That's my bro he shows 'nuff respect
The artist has respect for Common as a fellow member of the hip-hop community

Snoop Dogg is my bro showed 'nuff respect
The artist has respect for Snoop Dogg as a fellow member of the hip-hop community

Dead Prez that's my peeps yo 'nuff respect
The singer has respect for Dead Prez as fellow members of the hip-hop community

Cassidy's an MC who shows 'nuff respect
The artist has respect for Cassidy as a fellow hip-hop artist

Hip-Hop is one, don't forget
The singer emphasizes that despite differences, everyone in the hip-hop community is part of a unified whole

I'm livin for that hip-hop culture, shape it like a sculpture
The singer is dedicated to hip-hop culture and sees it as something that can be shaped and molded like a work of art

Touch it why don'tcha, touch it why don'tcha
The singer is encouraging listeners to engage with hip-hop culture and explore it for themselves

Hip-Hop is yours and mine and that's fine
Hip-hop culture does not belong to any one person or group, it is for everyone to enjoy and participate in

But hip-hop's culture ain't about just crime
The artist rejects the common misconception that hip-hop culture is all about criminal activity

You caught up in the image and, don't know they rhymes
The singer criticizes people who are more focused on the appearance and image of hip-hop artists rather than their lyrics and message

You caught up in they bodies and don't know they minds
The singer is emphasizing the importance of looking past physical appearance and recognizing the intellectual and artistic contributions of hip-hop artists

So I'm, here to bring the truth in the place
The artist sees themselves as someone who can shed light on the true meaning and value of hip-hop culture

Like don't think Common won't punch you in your face~!
The artist is using humor to challenge the perception of Common as a peaceful, non-violent artist

And don't think Talib won't hold the heat
The artist is again challenging stereotypes about Talib Kweli, this time around violence and aggression

To stop the violence you gotta know your street
The singer believes that to address the issue of violence in their community, people must first understand the conditions and experiences of those who live there

You gotta know who Tanga Reed is
Tanga Reed is likely a reference to someone from the artist's community who is influential and respected

Fat Joe's a leader, Busta Rhymes a preacher
The singer sees Fat Joe as someone who has the ability to inspire and influence others, and sees Busta Rhymes as a spiritual or moral guide

KRS-One's a teacher
The singer acknowledges KRS-One's role as an educator and mentor within the hip-hop community

But through Cassidy my lessons are quicker to reach ya
The singer sees Cassidy as someone who can help them to spread their message more effectively and efficiently

We one community
The artist emphasizes the unity and shared identity of the hip-hop community

I'm talkin about unity, in other words you and me
The artist believes that unity is the key to success and is encouraging listeners to work together towards a shared goal

I'm with this
The singer is dedicated to the cause of hip-hop culture and is committed to making a difference in their community through their music