Let There Be Light
Nas; Tre Williams Lyrics

Check, let there be light
Starting off the song with a declaration, let there be light.

No gang banging in New York tonight
Advocating for peace, no gang activity in New York tonight.

Just murals of Biggie Smalls, bigger than life
Instead of violence, celebrate and honor Biggie Smalls through large murals.

Turn up the kid mic 'cause ya'll ain't listening right
The message and words are important, so pay attention and turn up the microphone volume.

What's all this talk that Nas got bought?
Denying rumors and accusations that Nas has been bought out by others.

I'd rather outline my body in white chalk
Death before betrayal, rather die than give in to pressure and manipulation.

Ain't nobody been where I been, they at a stand still
Recognizing that Nas's experiences and journeys are unique and unmatched.

This is all overseen by my man Will
Acknowledging the presence and guidance of a close friend named Will in Nas's life.

As I walk through the shadow of death
Referencing the famous Bible verse about walking through difficult times and facing challenges.

I know that I ain't got much time left
Feeling a sense of urgency due to the limited time Nas has to make an impact and leave a legacy.

And they don't really wanna see the good in me
Feeling misunderstood and unrecognized for the positive aspects of Nas's life and character.

Ain't satisfied until they see the fool in me
Others wanting to see Nas fail and make mistakes, enjoying the negativity rather than encouraging and supporting him.

I know my business, so my sins great
Acknowledging personal accountability and facing consequences for past mistakes and wrongdoings.

I thank the hood for all the love they gave
Appreciating and expressing gratitude for the support and love shown by the community Nas grew up in.

Forgive 'em all, they did they best to hate
Choosing to forgive those who may have caused harm or negative feelings towards Nas in the past, recognizing that they may have been trying their best with the resources and knowledge they had available.

This ain't the glorified, just painting the street picture
Correcting and clarifying perceptions that may have been glorified or misrepresented, and providing an authentic description of reality.

There's no God in sir Bibles, just blunt and switches
Commenting on the prevalence of drug paraphernalia and the absence of religious texts or guidance in certain areas of society.

Gillettes cut pain in kitchen
Drawing attention to the danger and harmful effects of using razors or other sharp objects for harmful purposes.

Now every rapper wanna claim he hang with Kenneth 'Supreme' Griffith
Observing the trend of people wanting to associate themselves with well-known or infamous figures, like Kenneth 'Supreme' Griffith.

It's like the same difference except when niggas get arraigned
Highlighting the contrast between similar situations where the consequences may differ based on individual circumstances.

They don't want the same sentence, niggas get to snitchin
Noticing an unfortunate pattern where some individuals may betray their own morals or loyalty for selfish reasons or to avoid consequences.

If I could reverse the monsters and turn forward the razas
Expressing a hypothetical desire to reverse negative and harmful behavior, and encourage more positive and uplifting actions and attitudes.

And bring back the niggas who was livest
Remembering and missing those who were full of life and positive energy in the past.

Old hustlers, reminiscing on better days
Reflecting on the nostalgia and happier times of former hustlers, who may have experienced more difficulties or negative circumstances nowadays.

They home, doing nothing, might as well be in a cage
Commenting on the unfortunate reality where some individuals may be confined to a limited or unfulfilling life, despite being free from physical restraints or bars.

Hating on young brothers, one foot in the grave
Noticing the presence of negative attitudes or behaviors towards younger generations, often from those who may not have much time left in their own life.

They used to love us till we found our own way through the maze
Remembering a time when they were more supportive and loving, but witnessing a shift in attitude after Nas and others found success through their own path and choices.

New York, set trippin and flaggin
Describing the tension and conflict between different groups and affiliations in New York, leading to violence and danger.

Got the West Coast laughing, now Esco's asking what happened?
Noting the perception of outsiders, who may be amused or confused by the situation in New York, causing Nas to question what caused the situation to reach this point.

My homegirl from upper Manhattan
Introducing a friend from a specific area of New York, providing a personal connection to the location and its culture.

She remembers the quarters that's Latin, alotta rat-a-tat-tatting
Reminiscing on specific details and moments from the past, including the sound of gunfire in a certain area of New York.

The son of the audio cassette era, tech wearer
Identifying as someone from a specific generation with unique characteristics and experiences, including the use of audio cassette technology and modern tech devices.

Bullets and begets, Binzbo's speaker terror
Referencing violent aspects of society, including gun violence and fear caused by speakers or sound systems.

Till man I get mine till I'm dead, so I can drive sumpthin red
Working hard to achieve personal goals, including the desire to own a red car, despite potential consequences of overworking and burnout.

Like that horse standing on it's hind legs
Comparing oneself to a majestic or strong animal, in order to express confidence and power.

Since Arnold and Willis in they bunk beds
Referencing an iconic television show to express a long-standing desire or dream.

I wanted bread like Wonder, not manned-a-wanno like the parent of Lionel
Describing the desire to achieve success and financial stability, but not wanting to become a controlling or domineering figure like a famous television character.

Nas is the Ghetto American Idol
Asserting a level of popularity and admiration within a specific community, based on success and positive qualities.

No matter what you do you're never getting my title
Feeling confident in one's own abilities and accomplishments, and not feeling threatened or challenged by others attempting to succeed in the same field.

I can't sound smart 'cause ya'll'll run away
Feeling the pressure to sound perfect or intelligent, but recognizing that others may not appreciate or relate to that level of thinking or conversation.

They say I ain't hungry no more and I don't talk about 'ye
Receiving criticism or pressure from others to continue to produce and create, despite being satisfied with one's current state of success and no longer being as motivated by hunger or desperation.

Like there's no other way for a ex-hustler
Recognizing the stereotypes and assumptions that may be placed on someone who has had a history of hustling or illegal activity.

Cake ya, the x-ray splitter to touch ya, I beg to differ
Asserting strength and power, and challenging anyone who might underestimate or oppose Nas's abilities.

When you're four years into the game, we can have a conversation
Requiring a certain level of experience and success before being considered worthy of Nas's time or attention.

Eight years in the game, I invite ya on vacation
Offering an opportunity to spend time with Nas and enjoy the benefits of success and wealth.

Ten years in the game, after I've enjoyed my fame
Looking forward to a future where Nas has reached a certain level of success and acclaim, and can relax or retire.

Only then I let ya pick my brain, niggaz
Requiring a certain level of respect and admiration, as well as personal trust and connection, in order to share personal thoughts and insights with someone.

Right about now (They don't really know)
Acknowledging uncertainty or confusion surrounding certain topics or situations.

(They don't really see) I don't even deal with all that garbage
Dismissing or ignoring negative or unimportant issues and focusing on more positive or meaningful things.

We getting real right, ya know?
Stating the intention to be honest and genuine, and to avoid superficial or fake behavior.

(Though I walk through the valley) That is Tre Williams ladies and gentlemen
Introducing and highlighting the voice of a featured artist on the song.

(They should fear no) [And I] (no, no-oh)
Expressing confidence and assurance, and hoping to alleviate any fears or doubts in others.

Focus on good things man, good times
Encouraging a positive mindset and attitude, and suggesting that people focus on enjoyable and fulfilling experiences.

Let it be, let it be
Embracing a sense of peace and acceptance, and letting things unfold naturally.