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..
How Ya Livin
Nas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back to back Benzes, with the Wild Gremlins
Gaultier style lenses, talents in the .40 cal
This is life now
Let me find out, you want the lifestyle of mine
No pal of mine
Runnin' with goons with knife wounds from jail time
While we parlay with the flyest mami on 25th street
Watch how honey in the Lex do it
I'm in the 6V with the 12 next to it
You wanna stick me? Then put ya best to it, or die, black
We see you in Allah Kingdom, you try that
Check the fly cat, 2-point-5, multiply that
Cash rules, on my arm I flash jewels, and tattoos
You can look, but don't touch, we bad news
American Me, elegancy, treasury
With the hopes to be rich before they bury me
Born a Baptist, but moved on to higher practice
My fire ashes, only macks I interact with
We all Dons, strong arm, all on calm
But if it's war we on, comin' for niggas who crossed me wrong
Select features, sit back, connect the pieces
Inject the thesis, spoke to my pops and left him speechless
He saw me sprout, goin' through worlds that wore me out
Never call me out, bitches and money, that's what we all about
Through all the routes landed here
Beach houses with the chandelier
Me and my crew, mad cans of beer
It's copin', live vibe, still eyes open, it's clear
Presidential suites at The Tangier
(How you livin' on your block?) Mines is hot
(How you livin' on your block?) I got it locked
(What's goin' down on your side?) Who got shot?
Same shit, dun (yeah alright, I'll meet you up top)
Yo, it's hard to shake this feelin' that I might get knocked
(Dun, you know it don't stop, we can't close up shop)
VVSin', nothin' less than how we steppin'
Coupes kitted, cuties with it, sleazy dressin'
See me flexin' through the hood, D's be stressin'
Illegal search, tryna find weapons for gun possession
Never one for questions, every move made is destined
Black fluorescence, let's take it back to the essence
Another version, of the Goldie, mack, pimp servin'
Convince the urban, project, ghetto prince emergin'
Half Hispanic, hollow tips, massive damage
The path was granted, loaded gats, blast the cannon
Chipped up, live by morals, don't get it mixed up
Diss what? Millionaire strut, with the crisp cut
Switched up, slow goin', gold showin'
Doe flowin', eyes don't lie, hoes knowin'
Main attraction, lace love in the latest fashion
Trained in mackin' never, rockin' Gators clashin'
Assorted wear, AZ, Firm extrordinaire
Make it more severe, lockin' shit down all this year
Nowhere to go from here, but the top of this sphere
Nothin' stoppin' us here, we lockin' this here
With the black toaster by my hip bone, fuck a holster
See me at the Copa, platinum choker
The God's with me, mad blunt smoke, it's hard to miss me
Pick one out of two dimes to twist me
New 9's is crispy, mind on chips, rhyme on shit
That's strictly made for cats whose rich
Excuse me, is that your bitch in my 6?
Turnin' up the volume when she hear my hits
On her wall mad flicks, now you want me blasted
But don't get it confused over this rap shit
Kinda laced, lookin' at diamonds in my onyx face
Oyster Perpetual Rollie with the Day and Date
Y'all playa hate this
Too fly for female singers who get face lifts and fake titties
We rule the world and take cities, I dreamed of this, son
Happy we made it past the Jakes, fakes and fiends in the slum
(Word)
(How you livin' on your block?) Mine is hot
(How you livin' on your block?) I got it locked
(What's goin' down on your side?) Who got shot?
Same shit, dun (yeah alright, I'll meet you up top)
Yo it's hard to shake this feelin' that I might get knocked
(Dun, you know it don't stop, we can't close up shop)
(Uh, what?) It's a doe thing, niggas know the game don't change
(Uh, uh) from the coke game (coke game) to the dope game
From a slow brain (dope game)
Haha (fuck a no name)
We done did it again son, they can't fuck with that (no doubt, uh)
You know the game don't stop (Firm Biz)
From the coke game to the dope game (Firm Biz)
(Total Package)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
From the coke game to the dope game, fuck a no-name (B.K., Q.B., uh)
That the game don't stop, from the coke game (Escobar, Sosa)
To the dope game, know the doe (haha, uh)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
From the coke game to the dope game (Firm Biz)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
Niggas know that the game don't stop
Niggas know that the game don't stop
From the coke game, to the dope game, fuck a no-name
In "How Ya Livin," Nas raps about his flashy lifestyle and the violence and danger that can come with it. The lyrics describe a life filled with luxury cars, expensive clothes and accessories, and partying with attractive women. However, the lyrics also touch on the idea that this lifestyle can come with a lot of danger and risk, with Nas rapping about running with goons with knife wounds and constantly feeling like he might get caught up in legal trouble or get hurt. Nas also touches on some of the cultural and religious background that inspired his music, including his upbringing as a Baptist and his view of Allah's kingdom.
One aspect of this song that is worth noting is Nas's intentional use of language to create a specific mood and tone. The lyrics are full of slang, metaphors, and cultural references that help to paint a vivid picture of a specific lifestyle and worldview. Throughout the song, Nas makes use of clever wordplay and double entendres to create a vivid and memorable image of his life and experiences.
Another interesting aspect of this song is how it fits in with Nas's overall career and image as a rapper. Nas is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his ability to use his music to tell stories about life in urban America. This song, however, is more about his experiences as a successful celebrity and the dangers and drama that come along with that lifestyle. This shows an evolution in Nas's work and demonstrates that he is able to tackle a wide range of topics and themes in his music.
Overall, "How Ya Livin" is an engaging and complex song that offers a window into Nas's experiences as a rapper and as a person. The lyrics are full of humor, drama, and clever wordplay, and they help to tell a compelling story that is both relatable and unique. This song is a standout track on Nas's discography, and it is a must-listen for any fan of hip-hop or urban music.
Line by Line Meaning
Back to back Benzes, with the Wild Gremlins
We are driving luxury cars in succession, accompanied by dangerous individuals
Gaultier style lenses, talents in the .40 cal
We have expensive sunglasses and expertise in using a .40 caliber gun
This is life now
This is our current reality and way of living
Let me find out, you want the lifestyle of mine
If I discover that you desire to live the same way I do
No pal of mine
You won't be my friend or associate
Runnin' with goons with knife wounds from jail time
Associating with dangerous individuals who have been injured in fights during their time in prison
Got the squad lookin' like tycoon, we all shine
Our group appears wealthy and successful, and we all exude confidence
While we parlay with the flyest mami on 25th street
We spend time and socialize with the most attractive woman on a particular street
Watch how honey in the Lex do it
Observe how the attractive woman drives her Lexus
I'm in the 6V with the 12 next to it
I am driving a high-end car with a powerful sound system
You wanna stick me? Then put ya best to it, or die, black
If you want to harm me, you better try your hardest, or you will face dire consequences
We see you in Allah Kingdom, you try that
If you attempt to harm us, we will retaliate in such a way that you will face judgement in the afterlife
Check the fly cat, 2-point-5, multiply that
Take notice of the attractive woman, evaluate her desirability on a scale of 1 to 10, and then enhance that rating
Cash rules, on my arm I flash jewels, and tattoos
Money is the dominant force, and I proudly display my expensive jewelry and tattoos
You can look, but don't touch, we bad news
You are permitted to admire, but you should not engage with us as we are dangerous individuals
American Me, elegancy, treasury
I represent America, embodying elegance and prosperity
With the hopes to be rich before they bury me
I aspire to accumulate wealth and success before I pass away
Born a Baptist, but moved on to higher practice
Although I was raised in the Baptist faith, I have progressed to a more advanced spiritual belief system
My fire ashes, only macks I interact with
My passionate fire has diminished, and I now only associate with individuals who are skilled at attracting others
We all Dons, strong arm, all on calm
We are all leaders, utilizing physical force when necessary, and maintaining a sense of tranquility
But if it's war we on, comin' for niggas who crossed me wrong
If there is a conflict, we will retaliate against those who have betrayed or disrespected me
Select features, sit back, connect the pieces
I carefully choose desirable characteristics in others, then relax and bring those elements together
Inject the thesis, spoke to my pops and left him speechless
I present my compelling argument, conveying it passionately to my father, leaving him in stunned silence
He saw me sprout, goin' through worlds that wore me out
He witnessed my growth, enduring experiences that exhausted me both mentally and emotionally
Never call me out, bitches and money, that's what we all about
Never challenge or confront me, as I prioritize women and wealth above all else
Through all the routes landed here
Despite the various paths taken, I have arrived at this destination
Beach houses with the chandelier
I own extravagant homes by the beach, featuring luxurious chandeliers
Me and my crew, mad cans of beer
My associates and I consume large quantities of beer
It's copin', live vibe, still eyes open, it's clear
We are managing and dealing with our circumstances, living with a confident atmosphere while remaining vigilant and aware
Presidential suites at The Tangier
We stay in premium accommodation at The Tangier hotel, symbolizing our elevated status
(How you livin' on your block?) Mines is hot
(How is life on your block?) My situation is intense and dangerous
(How you livin' on your block?) I got it locked
(How is life on your block?) I have complete control and dominance
(What's goin' down on your side?) Who got shot?
(What is happening on your side?) Did somebody get injured by gunfire?
Same shit, dun (yeah alright, I'll meet you up top)
It's the usual situation, my friend (yeah okay, I will join you at the top)
Yo, it's hard to shake this feelin' that I might get knocked
I can't seem to rid myself of the fear that I might be arrested
(Dun, you know it don't stop, we can't close up shop)
(My friend, you are aware that we must continue, we cannot cease our activities)
VVSin', nothin' less than how we steppin'
We only wear VVS quality diamonds, nothing of inferior value as we move forward
Coupes kitted, cuties with it, sleazy dressin'
We drive customized coupes, accompanied by attractive women who embrace a provocative style of clothing
See me flexin' through the hood, D's be stressin'
As I confidently display my success in the neighborhood, law enforcement officers become anxious and concerned
Illegal search, tryna find weapons for gun possession
Authorities conduct an unauthorized search, attempting to discover firearms in order to charge me with illegal firearm possession
Never one for questions, every move made is destined
I never hesitate or doubt my actions, believing that everything I do is predetermined
Black fluorescence, let's take it back to the essence
Emphasizing the prominence of black excellence, let's return to our true roots and core values
Another version, of the Goldie, mack, pimp servin'
I am an alternate embodiment of Goldie, a charismatic and successful pimp
Convince the urban, project, ghetto prince emergin'
I influence those from urban areas, low-income housing projects, as I rise to become a respected figure
Half Hispanic, hollow tips, massive damage
I am of mixed Hispanic heritage, utilizing hollow-point bullets that cause significant harm upon impact
The path was granted, loaded gats, blast the cannon
I have been bestowed with a predetermined course, armed with guns ready to fire and cause chaos
Chipped up, live by morals, don't get it mixed up
I have acquired wealth, leading my life according to a set of principles, do not confuse my actions
Diss what? Millionaire strut, with the crisp cut
What are you disrespecting? I walk with the confident swagger of a millionaire, sporting a perfectly groomed haircut
Switched up, slow goin', gold showin'
I have changed my style, taking things at a leisurely pace, displaying conspicuous amounts of gold jewelry
Doe flowin', eyes don't lie, hoes knowin'
Money is flowing freely, and one's true intentions can be perceived through their eyes, with women recognizing my success
Main attraction, lace love in the latest fashion
I am the center of attention, seducing women with the most current trends and fashionable items
Trained in mackin' never, rockin' Gators clashin'
I am skilled in the art of seduction, never allowing my stylish alligator skin shoes to clash with my overall appearance
Assorted wear, AZ, Firm extrordinaire
Wearing a variety of fashionable clothing, representing the exceptional talent of AZ and The Firm
Make it more severe, lockin' shit down all this year
We intensify the situation, dominating and controlling everything throughout the year
Nowhere to go from here, but the top of this sphere
There are no other destinations except for reaching the pinnacle of success and influence
Nothin' stoppin' us here, we lockin' this here
There are no obstacles preventing our progress, we are establishing our dominance
With the black toaster by my hip bone, fuck a holster
I carry a black handgun tucked against my hip, disregarding the need for a holster
See me at the Copa, platinum choker
Witness my presence at the Copa nightclub, wearing a platinum necklace
The God's with me, mad blunt smoke, it's hard to miss me
I have divine protection, constantly surrounded by the smoke of marijuana, making it impossible to overlook my presence
Pick one out of two dimes to twist me
New 9's is crispy, mind on chips, rhyme on shit
I have new, pristine guns, focused on accumulating wealth, while my rhymes are superior
That's strictly made for cats whose rich
My rap style is exclusively crafted for individuals who are wealthy
Excuse me, is that your bitch in my 6?
Pardon me, but is the woman accompanying me your significant other, seated in my car?
Turnin' up the volume when she hear my hits
She increases the volume when she hears my songs playing
On her wall mad flicks, now you want me blasted
She has many pictures of me on her social media profile, and now you desire to harm me
But don't get it confused over this rap shit
However, do not mistake these rap lyrics for reality
Kinda laced, lookin' at diamonds in my onyx face
I am attractively dressed, admiring the diamonds embedded in my onyx-inlaid watch
Oyster Perpetual Rollie with the Day and Date
I wear an Oyster Perpetual Rolex watch, featuring both the day of the week and the current date
Y'all playa hate this
You all are envious and hateful towards me
Too fly for female singers who get face lifts and fake titties
I am too stylish and sophisticated for female celebrities who undergo cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, including breast augmentation
We rule the world and take cities, I dreamed of this, son
We possess supreme power and conquer cities, achieving something I once dreamt of, my friend
Happy we made it past the Jakes, fakes and fiends in the slum
I am content that we have successfully overcome law enforcement, individuals pretending to be something they are not, and drug addicts in the impoverished neighborhood
(Word)
(Agreement, affirmation)
(Uh, what?) It's a doe thing, niggas know the game don't change
(Uh, what?) It's all about money, everyone knows the rules remain the same
(Uh, uh) from the coke game (coke game) to the dope game
(Uh, uh) Originally in the cocaine business, now involved in distributing illegal drugs
From a slow brain (dope game)
Starting with a lack of knowledge, progressing to the drug trade
Haha (fuck a no name)
Laughing at those without recognition or reputation
We done did it again son, they can't fuck with that (no doubt, uh)
We have achieved success once more, and others cannot compete with us (without a doubt, uh)
You know the game don't stop (Firm Biz)
You are aware that the business continues without pause (referring to The Firm, a rap group)
From the coke game to the dope game (Firm Biz)
Transitioning from dealing cocaine to distributing other illegal drugs (referring to The Firm's business)
(Total Package)
(Referring to The Firm as a collective)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
People are aware that the business remains active
From the coke game to the dope game, fuck a no-name (B.K., Q.B., uh)
Changing from selling cocaine to distributing other illegal drugs, disregarding those without recognition (Brooklyn, Queensbridge, uh)
That the game don't stop, from the coke game (Escobar, Sosa)
The business continues without interruption, starting with dealing cocaine (referring to Pablo Escobar and Tony Montana)
To the dope game, know the doe (haha, uh)
Transitioning to distributing other illegal drugs, accumulating wealth (laughing, uh)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
People are aware that the business remains active
From the coke game to the dope game (Firm Biz)
Changing from selling cocaine to distributing other illegal drugs (referring to The Firm's business)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
People are aware that the business remains active
Niggas know that the game don't stop
People are aware that the business remains active
From the coke game, to the dope game, fuck a no-name
Transitioning from selling cocaine to distributing other illegal drugs, disregarding those without recognition
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Cruz, La Forrest Cope, Leshan Lewis, Nasir Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind