Illmatic was a critically acclaimed bestseller and is widely considered one of the greatest rap albums of all time. He married R&B singer Kelis in 2005, they have one son together, and she filed for divorce on the 29th of April 2009. Nas was also a part of hip hop supergroup The Firm, which released one album.
In the years following the release of Illmatic, Nas pursued a more commercial direction, which resulted in wider success but decreased artistic credibility among critics and hip-hop purists. Furthermore, Nas' increased commercial success was accompanied by stylistic changes that fostered accusations of "selling out". Nevertheless, the LP Stillmatic is often credited for restoring Nas' credibility among fans. Since the success of Stillmatic, Nas continues to maintain a high profile within the hip hop community, and has pursued a decidedly progressive and personal aesthetic. While Nas' current artistic direction differs greatly from his most successful work, it has ensured that he remains one of the most respected and acclaimed contemporary rappers.
1973–1992: Childhood and early career
Nas was born in Brooklyn, New York, as the elder of Olu Dara and Fannie Ann Jones's two children; his brother Jabari (nicknamed "Jungle" because he was born in the Congo) is the younger of the two. The family lived for a time in Brooklyn, before moving to Queensbridge, the largest public housing project in the United States. Olu Dara left the household in 1986, when Nas was 13, and Ann Jones raised her two boys on her own. Nas dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began selling drugs on the streets of New York. He educated himself, reading about African culture and civilization, the Qur'an, the Bible and the Five Percent Nation. He also studied the origin of hip hop music, taping records that played on his local radio station. As a child, Nas had wanted to be an instrumentalist (at the age of three, Nas played his father's trumpet on the step of their Brooklyn home) and also a comic book artist. Shortly after his parents separated, Nas began to write short stories as he immersed himself deeper into hip-hop culture.
By his preteen years, he had settled on pursuing a career as a rapper, and as a teenager enlisted his best friend and upstairs neighbor Willie "Ill Will" Graham as his DJ. Nas first went by the nickname Kid Wave before adopting his more commonly known alias of Nasty Nas. Nas and Graham soon met hip-hop producer and Flushing Queens resident Large Professor, who introduced Nas to his group, Main Source. In 1991, Nas made his on-record debut with a verse on "Live at the BBQ", from Main Source's LP Breaking Atoms. Despite the substantial buzz for Nas in the underground scene, the rapper was rejected by major labels and was not signed to a recording deal. Nas and Graham continued to work together, but their partnership was cut short when Graham was shot and killed by a gunman in Queensbridge on May 23, 1992.
1992–1995: The recording and release of Illmatic
In mid-1992, Nas was approached by MC Serch of 3rd Bass, who became his manager and secured Nas a record deal with Columbia Records the same year. Nas made his solo debut on the single "Halftime" from Serch's soundtrack for the film Zebrahead. The single increased the buzz surrounding Nas and when MC Serch’s solo album is released later in the year, Nas’ standout appearance on "Back To The Grill" only intensified interest in his upcoming album, amid immense anticipation. Hailed as the second coming of Rakim, his rhyming skills attracted a significant amount of attention within the hip-hop community. However, many were concerned that Columbia, being a major label, would try to dilute his New York based style.
In 1994, Nas' debut album, Illmatic was finally released. Critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the premier rap albums ever created, Illmatic featured lyrics that portrayed stunning visual imagery and production courtesy of several producers . The album featured production from Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest) and DJ Premier, as well as guest appearances from Nas' friend AZ and his father Olu Dara on the song "Life's a Bitch", Illmatic was immediately hailed as a masterpiece by critics, and is still highly regarded as one of the definitive hip-hop albums of all time. Notable songs on the album included "NY State of Mind" (produced by Premier), "The World Is Yours" (produced by Pete Rock), "One Love" (produced by Q-Tip) and "It Ain't Hard To Tell" (produced by Large Professor and featuring a sample of "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson). However, due in part to extensive bootlegging, the record sales fell below expectations.
Following Illmatic, Nas appeared on AZ's Doe Or Die album, and collaborated with his Queensbridge-associates, Mobb Deep, on their album, The Infamous. One notable achievement during this period was Nas' verse on "Verbal Intercourse" on Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. After this appearance, Nas received a Source Quotable as he had the distinction of being the only non-Wu-Tang Clan member to be featured on one of the group's solo albums.
1996–1998: From It Was Written to The Firm
Columbia began to press Nas to work towards more commercial topics like the rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who had become successful by releasing street singles that still retained pop-friendly appeal. Nas traded manager MC Serch for Steve Stoute, and began preparation for his second LP, It Was Written, consciously working towards a crossover-oriented sound. It Was Written, chiefly produced by Poke and Tone of Trackmasters Entertainment, was released during the summer of 1996. Two singles, "If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)" (featuring Lauryn Hill of The Fugees) and "Street Dreams" (a remix features R. Kelly) were instant hits. These songs were promoted by big-budget music videos directed by Hype Williams, making Nas a common name among mainstream hip-hop. Other notable tracks on the album included "The Message" and "I Gave You Power," which tells a story from the perspective of a gun. It Was Written also featured the debut of The Firm, a supergroup consisting of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. The album also introduced Nas's Mafioso-inspired character "Nas Escobar", who lived more of a Scarface/Casino-esque lifestyle. On the other hand, Illmatic, which, while having numerous references to Tony Montana and the theatrical hit featuring Al Pacino, was more about Nas' life as a teenager in the projects, hustling and smoking marijuana.
The Firm signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment label, and began working on their debut album. Halfway through the production of the album, Cormega was fired from the group by Steve Stoute, who had unsuccessfully attempted to force Cormega to sign a deal with his management company. Cormega therefore became one of Nas' most vocal opponents, releasing a number of underground hip-hop singles dissing Nas, Stoute, and Nature, who was Cormega's replacement in The Firm. The Firm's The Album was finally released in 1997 to mixed reviews and lackluster sales and the members of the supergroup went their separate ways.
At about this time, Nas became a spokesperson for the Willie Esco urban clothing line, but had no other connection with the clothing line. He stopped promoting Willie Esco in 2000, dissatisfied with the company's operations. During the same period, Nas co-wrote and starred in Hype Williams' 1998 feature film Belly, which also featured DMX, Taral Hicks, and T-Boz of TLC among its cast.
1998–2000: I Am... to Nastradamus
In 1998, Nas began work on a double album to be entitled I Am...The Autobiography, which he intended as the middle ground between the extremes of Illmatic and It Was Written. The album was completed in early 1999, and a music video was shot for its lead single, Nas Is Like, produced by DJ Premier and featuring vocal samples from "It Ain't Hard to Tell". However, much of the LP was leaked in MP3 format onto the Internet, and Nas and Stoute quickly recorded enough substitute material to constitute a single-disc release.
The second single for I Am was "Hate Me Now," featuring Sean "Puffy" Combs (now "Diddy"), was used as an example by Nas' critics for moving towards commercial themes. Hype Williams shot an allegorical video for the single, which featured Nas and Puffy being crucified in a manner similar to Jesus; After the video was completed, Combs, a Catholic, requested his crucifixion scene be edited out of the video. However, the unedited copy of the "Hate Me Now" video made its way to MTV, and was premiered on April 15, 1999 on TRL. A furious Combs and his bodyguards allegedly made their way into Steve Stoute's office and assaulted him, at one point apparently hitting Stoute over the head with a champagne bottle. Stoute pressed charges, but he and Combs settled out-of-court that June.
Columbia had scheduled to release the pirated material from I Am under the title Nastradamus during the latter half of 1999, but, at the last minute, decided Nas should record an entirely new album for release. Nastradamus was therefore rushed to meet a November release date. Though critics were not kind to the album, it did result in a minor hit, the Timbaland-produced "You Owe Me," featuring R&B singer Ginuwine. The only pirated track from I Am... to make it onto Nastradamus was "Project Windows," featuring Ronald Isley. A number of the other bootlegged tracks later made their way onto The Lost Tapes, a collection of underground Nas songs that was released by Columbia in September 2002. The collection saw decent sales and received glowing reviews.
2000–2001: The Nas vs. Jay-Z rivalry and Stillmatic
The highly publicized rivalry between Nas and Jay-Z began as a rivalry between Nas and Jay-Z's protege, Memphis Bleek. On his debut album Coming of Age, Bleek made a song entitled "Memphis Bleek Is", which was similar in concept to Nas' single "Nas is Like". On the same album, Bleek recorded "What You Think Of That" featuring Bleek's mentor Jay-Z, which contains the refrain, "I'ma ball 'til I fall/what you think of that?". In retaliation, "Nastradamus", the title track from Nas' second 1999 album, featured a reference to "What You Think Of That". The lyrics state, "You wanna ball till you fall, I can help you with that/You want beef? I could let a slug melt in your hat." Memphis Bleek perceived the reference on "Nastradamus" as a diss, and therefore dissed Nas on the lead single for his The Understanding LP, My Mind Right".
QB's Finest was a compilation album that featured Nas and a number of other rappers from Queensbridge, including Mobb Deep, Nature, Littles, The Bravehearts (which included Nas' younger brother Jungle among its members), and Cormega, who had briefly reconciled with Nas. The album also featured guest appearances from Queensbridge hip-hop legends Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, and Marley Marl. Shan and Marley Marl both appeared on the lead single "Da Bridge 2001", which was based on Shan & Marl's 1986 recording "The Bridge". "Da Bridge 2001" also featured a response from Nas to Memphis Bleek, in which Nas called out most of the Roc-A-Fella Records roster, including Bleek, Damon Dash, Beanie Sigel, and Jay-Z.
Jay-Z responded to Nas' songs with an onstage swipe during the 2001 Hot 97 Summer Jam concert in New York City, when he premiered his song "Takeover." Initially, the song was to only be a Mobb Deep diss, only including one line about Nas near the end. Nevertheless, Nas recorded the "Stillmatic Freestyle," an underground single which sampled Rakim and Eric B.'s "Paid in Full" beat, and attacked Jay-Z and his Roc-A-Fella label. On his 2001 album, The Blueprint, Jay-Z rewrote "Takeover," dedicating half of the song to dissing Nas, claiming that he had a "...one hot album every ten year average" record (referring to Illmatic) that his flow was weak, and that he had fabricated his past as a hustler.
Nas responded with "Ether", the track begins with gunshots and a repeated, slowed-down sample of Tupac rapping "Fuck Jay-Z." (taken from Tupac's "Fuck Friends") In "Ether," Nas accuses Jay-Z of stealing ("biting") lyrics from The Notorious B.I.G. and brown-nosing Nas and other rappers for fame. Ether was included on Nas' fifth studio album, Stillmatic, released in December 2001. Stillmatic managed to be not only a critically-acclaimed comeback album, but a commercial success as well, albeit not on the level of It Was Written and I Am...; the album debutted at #7 on the Billboard album charts and featured the singles "Got Ur Self A..." and "One Mic." In terms of commercial success, Jay's The Blueprint was certified double-platinum, while Stillmatic went platinum.
Jay-Z responded to "Ether" with a freestyle entitled "Supa Ugly." going into detail about how he had sex with Carmen Bryan, the mother of Nas' daughter Destiny. Nas dismissed the track by claiming that he was no longer with Bryan during the time the affair took place. In a recent interview, however, New York radio station Hot 97 settled the battle taking votes comparing "Ether" and "Supa Ugly," and Nas won with 58% while Jay-Z got 42% of the votes. By 2005, the two rappers had eventually ended their feud without violence or animosity. During Jay-Z's I Declare War - Power House concert, Jay-Z announced to the crowd, "It's bigger than 'I Declare War'. Let's go, Esco!" Nas then joined Jay-Z onstage, and the two then performed "Dead Presidents" together, which Jay-Z had sampled from Nas' song "The World is Yours."
2002–Present: From God's Son to Street's Disciple and beyond
In December 2002, Nas released the God's Son album. and its lead single, "Made You Look". The album debuted at #18 on the Billboard charts despite widespread internet bootlegging. Time Magazine named his album best hip-hop album of the year. Vibe Magazine gave it 4 stars and The Source gave it 4 mics. The second single, the inspirational "I Can", which reworked elements from Beethoven's "Fur Elise", became Nas' biggest hit to date during the spring and summer of 2003, garnering substantial radio airplay on urban, rhythmic, and top 40 radio stations, as well as on the MTV and VH1 music video networks. God's Son also includes several songs dedicated to memory of Nas' mother, who died of cancer in 2002. In 2003, Nas was featured on the Korn song "Play Me", from KoЯn's Take a Look in the Mirror LP.
Nas released his seventh studio album, the critically acclaimed double-disc Street's Disciple, on November 30, 2004. The album's first singles were "Thief's Theme" and "Bridging the Gap", which features his father Olu Dara on vocals. The album also includes "These are Our Heroes", which accuses prominent sports stars and actors such as Kobe Bryant, Lenny Henry, Tiger Woods, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. of neglecting their heritage and background in favour of white values. The videos for "Bridging the Gap" and "Just A Moment" received moderate airplay on MTV and BET. Although the album went platinum, its commercial profile was relatively low compared to the rapper's previous releases.
Nas was featured on Kanye West's album Late Registration on a song titled "We Major". West said the song was Jay-Z's favorite on the album, but West was unable to get Jay-Z to record a vocal for the final mix of the song. He also appeared on Damian Marley's song "Road to Zion" (which also featured newcomer The Game in the video, widening Nas' still growing universally appreciated raps) and several other songs such as "Death Anniversary" and "It Wasn't You" (featuring Lauryn Hill). In addition, Nas was most recently married to the R&B singer Kelis, who is mostly known for her work internationally, but nonetheless released great hits in the U.S. The couple wed on Jan. 8, 2005 in Atlanta, GA, after a two-year engagement.
During this time, Nas announced that his next album would be entirely self-produced and feature no other rappers, and would be titled Nasir, and later that the project would feature other producers after all and would be called Nasdaq: Dow Jones. Neither of these albums ever materialized.
At a free concert in Central Park, New York, Nas made a statement regarding the quality of 50 Cent's music. "this is the real shit, not that 50 Cent shit!" In response, 50 Cent included a stab at Nas by speaking negatively of his wife Kelis on his single "Piggy Bank," implying that Kelis was promiscuous and calling Nas a "sucker for love." Nas was quoted as saying that he feels no obligation to retaliate, remarking "[50 has] got a good five to six more albums before I can really respond to him." Nas eventually decided to retaliate, and in July 2005 released "Don't Body Ya Self (MC Burial)", a song which taunts 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew, stating that 50 was "a sucka for death if I'm a sucka for love." However, despite all of this, Nas still claims to "have a lot of love towards 50," claiming 50 didn't understand his moves when they both were together at Columbia Records.
In January 2006, Nas signed a label deal with Jay-Z's Def Jam, further emphasizing the Jay-Z/Nas truce and raising expectations for a collaboration even higher. His album due in fall of 2006 will come out in a joint deal with this imprint and Columbia Records. He recently announced to MTV News that his album is to be named, "Hip Hop is Dead...the N," the N being a play on the word the "end." The title is supposed to reflect what some would term the current low quality of rap music. The highly anticipated album is due out in December 19th, 2006.
Musical style and Technique
Nas has long been famed for his creativity and storytelling prowess, which has earned him acclaim from both the hip-hop community and critics. In his early stages, from his first appearance on the Main Source's Breaking Atoms and throughout the recording of Illmatic, he was perhaps best known for his street-oriented topics, complex lyrical schemes (which often incorporated multi-syllabic internal rhymes), and witty phrasing and imagery. As he progressed and matured, Nas began to branch out into different subjects and developed a richer voice and slower rapping technique.
Following Illmatic's release, Nas developed a penchant for hyper-visual storytelling and topical creativity. For instance, "Undying Love" (featured on I Am...) is a tale of his wife's betrayal told in first person, "Rewind" (featured on Stillmatic) is a narrative in which a story is recited backwards, while on "I Gave You Power" (featured on It Was Written), Nas assumes the role of a gun who recounts brutal tales of murder and violence. Over the years Nas' style has changed significantly. In contrast to his previous work, Nas’ most recent material is distinctively socially aware and often politically inflammatory. Songs such as "I Can" (featured on God's Son) convey moral messages of black youth empowerment, while "These Are Our Heroes (Coon Picnic)" accuses several African-American celebrities of being Uncle Toms. Furthermore, controversial songs such as "My Country" and "A Message to the Feds (Fuck The Police II)" (which are featured on Stillmatic and Street's Disciple, respectively) question the conduct of the American government. Nas' views in his lyrics throughout his career have made references to Islam and the Five Percent Nation..
Deja Vu
Nas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe
When I'm deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast
To conquer peace leaving savages to roam in the streets
Live on the run, police paying me to give in my gun
Trick my Wisdom, with the system that imprisoned my son
Smoke a gold leaf I hold heat, nonchalantly
I'm grungy, but things I do is real it never haunts me
Rooster heads profile on a bus to Riker's Isle
Holdin weed inside they pussy with they minds on the
Pretty things in life, props is a true thug's wife
It's like a cycle, niggaz come home, some'll go in
Do a bullet, come back, do the same shit again
From the womb to the tomb, presume the unpredictable
Guns salute life, rapidly, that's the ritual
Heres A Toast to my Foes, Trees, & Women
Deja Vu
It's Like A Whole New Beginning...
Too much thugs and alcohol, what a mixture
Just picture... ya life as a whole judged in court with convictions
They telling u your state of mind, like you worthless
So he curses, his moms saying Bible Verses
That's all she works with
But miracles, neva leave the churches
Instead, it hits the pockets of the Preacher just to purchase...
A house, with a swimming pool
Labels me a sinning fool
I'm just a nigga who inherited a winning jewel
To be a trendsetter, wheneva sub-ject to respect...
Ballin coats settles, slowin inside a glass kettle
There's a Lee-V on my T.V,
Lifestyles of living easy
Got my crew tense, plottin to gips... to get whips... with V.V.'s
Pushing cakes... new and erect is what ten plates
Celebrating and Elevation in the seeds that we make...
So How You Like That?
Heres A Toast to my Foes, Trees, & Women
Deja Vu
It's Like A Whole New Beginning...
Escobar life... gems of raw Tims
Gators for pretty boy haters
In Vegas with chicks trickin fortunes
I'm glistening... Hells of cops whistling
Still I'm drifting in...
In a high, blunts is like insulin
95' I drive high zoning
Stash box zoning my trunk, I flash not... teeth golden
Look at me now Ma
Blowin but how far?
Cars, Cash, and Bitches got me out more
And things you never dreamed I can vouch for
Snake niggas, slither on the A of lights
I ain't a Christian, but I find that we pray alike
Neva no one to ask for the time to a saint
A mask and 9, I think... will make my problems sink
Down on Canal, similar to how we drink
Distinct diamonds flooded sfinx shines on my links...
Drug money, snortin bitches, in the end of times
Got my 9, till I flatline... Nigga Give Me Mine!
The lyrics of Nas's song Deja Vu touch on themes such as the struggle for success and wealth, the dangers of the street lifestyle, and the cyclical nature of crime and incarceration. In the first verse, Nas describes his rise to fame and his ambition to leave a lasting impact on the world. He acknowledges the potential for violence and chaos in the wake of his death, a reality that many young men of color face. Nas also touches on the corrupting influence of the legal system, which can make criminals out of innocent people and tear families apart.
The second verse of the song focuses more on the daily struggles of life in the inner city. Nas paints a grim picture of poverty, drug use, and violence, but also highlights the resilience and strength of people who are just trying to survive. He contrasts the wealth and status of those who succeed in the traditional sense with the struggles of those who must fight just to get by. The final verse returns to Nas's personal story, describing his own success and its impact on his life. He grapples with the knowledge that his success has come at a cost, and that he may never be able to escape the dangers of his past.
Overall, Deja Vu is a powerful reflection on the realities of life in America's inner cities. Nas combines vivid imagery and clever wordplay with deep emotion, creating a portrait of a world that is both bleak and beautiful.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the lights cameras and action, glamour glitters and gold
In the flashy world of fame and fortune, I am here to make a statement and leave my mark
I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe
I have a vision and a message to spread far and wide, like sowing seeds to start a revolution
When I'm deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast
Once I am gone, the powers that be will try to silence my message, but it will only grow stronger
To conquer peace leaving savages to roam in the streets
The cycle of violence and injustice will continue if we don't stand up and fight for what is right
Live on the run, police paying me to give in my gun
Being a target of the system, I am forced to live in hiding and betray my principles, while they offer me bribes to snitch on others
Trick my Wisdom, with the system that imprisoned my son
The same system that incarcerates my loved ones tries to deceive me with false promises and manipulations
Smoke a gold leaf I hold heat, nonchalantly
I may indulge in luxurious habits, but I remain armed and vigilant, always aware of the dangers around me
I'm grungy, but things I do is real it never haunts me
Although my lifestyle may seem rough and gritty, my actions are authentic and honest, and I have no remorse
While, funny style niggaz roll in the pile
Some people may fake their success and pretend to be something they are not, just to fit in and impress others
Rooster heads profile on a bus to Riker's Isle
Those who play with fire and disrespect the law will end up in prison, with their freedom and dignity stripped away
Holdin weed inside they pussy with they minds on the
Some people may appear tough and fearless, but deep down they are scared and insecure, using drugs and sex as a distraction
Pretty things in life, props is a true thug's wife
Material possessions and social status are only temporary pleasures that can never satisfy the soul
It's like a cycle, niggaz come home, some'll go in
The cycle of incarceration and recidivism is a vicious circle that traps many people in a spiral of poverty and despair
Do a bullet, come back, do the same shit again
Some people may choose a life of crime and violence, not realizing that it will only bring them more pain and suffering
From the womb to the tomb, presume the unpredictable
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises, from the moment we are born until we die
Guns salute life, rapidly, that's the ritual
Violence and death are unfortunately part of our culture and society, and we often glorify them instead of condemning them
Heres A Toast to my Foes, Trees, & Women
I raise a glass to all those who oppose me, to the beauty of nature, and to the strength and wisdom of women
Deja Vu
This feeling of familiarity and repetition is haunting me, as I see the same patterns of violence and oppression around me
It's Like A Whole New Beginning...
Despite the struggles and setbacks, I see every day as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference
Too much thugs and alcohol, what a mixture
The combination of violence and substance abuse is a deadly cocktail that can lead to disaster
Just picture... ya life as a whole judged in court with convictions
Imagine your entire existence being reduced to a list of crimes and flaws, as judged by a flawed and biased justice system
They telling u your state of mind, like you worthless
They try to manipulate and control your thoughts and emotions, to make you feel powerless and insignificant
So he curses, his moms saying Bible Verses
Feeling angry and frustrated, he rebels against the religious values and traditions that his mother tries to impose on him
That's all she works with
His mother's faith is the only source of hope and comfort she has, in a world that is hostile and cruel
But miracles, neva leave the churches
Despite the flaws and controversies of organized religion, people still cling to their faith and seek divine intervention and guidance
Instead, it hits the pockets of the Preacher just to purchase...
Unfortunately, some religious leaders use their influence and power for their own personal gain and greed, instead of helping the needy and the oppressed
A house, with a swimming pool
They may use their ill-gotten gains to indulge in luxurious and ostentatious displays of wealth and status
Labels me a sinning fool
Those who are critical of his lifestyle and choices may judge him unfairly and call him derogatory names
I'm just a nigga who inherited a winning jewel
Despite the obstacles and hardships he faced, he has the talent, ambition, and resilience to succeed and make a name for himself
To be a trendsetter, wheneva sub-ject to respect...
He wants to be a role model and an inspiration to others, to show that it is possible to rise above adversity and achieve greatness
Ballin coats settles, slowin inside a glass kettle
He enjoys the finer things in life, such as expensive clothes and luxury cars, but he also knows how to savor the moment and appreciate simple pleasures
There's a Lee-V on my T.V, Lifestyles of living easy
He watches TV shows that glamorize wealth and success, and dreams of reaching that level of fame and fortune
Got my crew tense, plottin to gips... to get whips... with V.V.'s
His friends and associates are also ambitious and competitive, trying to outdo each other in acquiring expensive cars and jewelry
Pushing cakes... new and erect is what ten plates
He deals drugs to earn money and gain power, and tries to expand his empire by recruiting new customers and distributors
Celebrating and Elevation in the seeds that we make...
He takes pride in his accomplishments and achievements, and sees every step of his journey as a validation of his worth
So How You Like That?
He challenges his critics and enemies to confront him and see for themselves that he is not to be underestimated or dismissed
Escobar life... gems of raw Tims
He admires the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, and adopts his style and swagger, wearing expensive and exotic Timberland boots
Gators for pretty boy haters
He wears alligator-skin shoes to show off his wealth and status, and to provoke envy and resentment from those who are less fortunate
In Vegas with chicks trickin fortunes
He indulges in gambling and womanizing, trying to impress and seduce beautiful women with his charm and charisma
I'm glistening... Hells of cops whistling
He wears flashy jewelry that sparkles and shines, attracting attention and admiration, but also suspicion and scrutiny from the police
Still I'm drifting in...
Despite the risks and dangers, he keeps pushing the limits and seeking new thrills and adventures
In a high, blunts is like insulin
He smokes marijuana to relax and relieve stress, like a medicine that helps him cope with the pressures of his lifestyle
95' I drive high zoning
He drives under the influence of drugs, putting his life and others' lives in danger, but he feels invincible and confident
Stash box zoning my trunk, I flash not... teeth golden
He hides his drugs and weapons in secret compartments of his car, trying to avoid detection and arrest, but he still flaunts his expensive dental work
Look at me now Ma
Despite his mother's warnings and fears, he has made a name for himself and achieved some measure of success and fame
Blowin but how far?
He wonders how long his luck and fortune will last, and whether he will ever find true happiness and fulfillment
Cars, Cash, and Bitches got me out more
He admits that his materialistic and hedonistic lifestyle has brought him some satisfaction and pleasure, but also loneliness and emptiness
And things you never dreamed I can vouch for
He has experienced things that many people can only imagine or envy, but he also knows the price and the downside of his choices
Snake niggas, slither on the A of lights
He is surrounded by people who are jealous, fake, and treacherous, ready to betray him for their own gain or pleasure
I ain't a Christian, but I find that we pray alike
Despite his lack of religious affiliation, he sees the common humanity and spirituality in all people, and hopes for a better future for all
Neva no one to ask for the time to a saint
He feels alone and abandoned at times, with no one to turn to for guidance or support
A mask and 9, I think... will make my problems sink
He tries to solve his problems and conflicts with violence and intimidation, using a gun and a mask to hide his identity and intentions
Down on Canal, similar to how we drink
He remembers the good times and the camaraderie of his youth, when he used to hang out with his friends and drink on Canal Street
Distinct diamonds flooded sfinx shines on my links...
He wears expensive jewelry that dazzles and impresses, a symbol of his power and confidence
Drug money, snortin bitches, in the end of times
He admits that his wealth and success are based on illegal activities and exploitation, and that he indulges in drugs and promiscuity as a way to cope with his guilty conscience
Got my 9, till I flatline... Nigga Give Me Mine!
He is always armed and ready to defend himself and his interests, and demands respect and recognition from those who oppose him or doubt him
Contributed by Brody R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@maclavaitz
[Verse 1]
Through the lights, cameras and action, glamour, glitters and gold
I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe
When I'm deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast
To conquer peace, leavin' savages to roam in the streets
Live on the run, police payin' me to give in my gun
Trick my wisdom with the system that imprisons my son
Smoke a gold leaf, I hold heat, nonchalantly
I'm raunchy, but things I do is real, it never haunts me
While, funny style niggas roll in the pile
Rooster heads profile on a bus to Rikers Isle
Holdin’ weed inside they pussy
With they minds on the pretty things in life
Gettin' props is a true thug's wife
It's like a cycle, niggas come home, some'll go in
Do a bullet, come back and do the same shit again
From the womb to the tomb, I presume the unpredictable
Gun salute life rapidly, that's the ritual
[Hook]
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
[Verse 2]
Blunts, thugs and alcohol; what a mixture
Just picture, your life as a whole judged in court, they convict ya
They tellin' you your state of mind like you worthless
So he curses, his mom sayin' Bible verses, that's all she works with
But miracles never leave the churches
Instead, it hits the pockets of the preacher just to purchase
A house with a swimming pool, labels me a sinnin' fool
I'm just a nigga who inherited a winnin' jewel
To be a trendsetter, whenever subject to
Respect this and all respect due is the essential
To street life, hustlin’, the struggle, broke ghettos
Boilin' coke settles slow inside a glass kettle
Darren Levy on my TV, lifestyles of livin' easy
Got my crew tense, plottin’ up gyps to get whips with BB's
Pushin' cakes, knew anorexics with ten plates
Celebratin' elevation in the seeds that we make
So How You Like That?
[Hook]
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
Here's a toast to my foes, trees & women
(Déjà Vu)
It's like a whole new beginning...
[Verse 3]
Escobar life, gems and raw Timbs
Gators for pretty boy haters
In Vegas with chicks trickin’ fortunes
I'm glistenin', housing cops whistlin'
Still I'm driftin' in a high, blunts is like insulin
95-I, I drive high, zonin'
Stash box zone in my trunk, I flash knots, teeth golden
Look at me now, Ma, blowin’, but how far?
Cars, cash and bitches got me out more
And things you never dreamed I could vouch for
Snake niggas slither on they A-alikes
I ain't a Christian, but I find that we pray alike
Never the one to ask for the time to a saint
A mask and nine, I think, will make my problems sink
Down a canal, similar to how we drink
Distinct diamond-flooded Sphinx shines on my links
Drug money, snortin’ bitches, in the end of times
Got my nine, 'til I flatline, nigga, gimme mine
[Repeated outro]
Déjà vu....
@MinnesotaLG
if you know this song you've been blessed
@cj-ie6gl
real shit haha
@ChiTownBF3
real talk, i just found this and glad i did.
@TennAkeySAINT
Minnesota agreed. His best Imo.
@dcnado8
man your right..much respect to you ..God bless!
@DonBienveRosario15
Salute
@justinchristian1926
This song sounds like a memory..
@kv51m7
Memories that keep appearing in your mind everytime u listen
@xperiagalvez2398
Realest comment on here
@dylanjacobs8274
Deja vu