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..
Let 'em Hang
Nas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, yea, it's like that
They wanna know how nigga do it, youknawhati'masayin
I had a nigga come up to me and ask me and shit
Why I ain't got that, youknawhati'msayin
Fuck nigga get on your job, nigga let your nuts hang beeitch
Check it out though
These well, theeeeeese
41st side Lake Entertainment
Oh yea, if you come to QB you gonna get...
[Nas]
Yo, foes decompose in their coffins, hoes creepin with bosses
No sleep in my fortress break day thinkin of losses
Taxes and IRS government gangstas
But I'm a scientist in love with big president faces
My residence changes from ghetto to acres
Avoidin jealousy snake shit
Can't afford another felony lake bent drivin them Porsche
Niggaz sayin Nas came through Wit a flyin saucers
With some strange shoes on the tirin flossin
So now they know wanna offer 'em killin stick 'em and cost 'em
Catch him slippin, trippin get 'em for all his fortune
Sup with this Nas hatred, y'all can suck my dick
Got these niggaz wives naked makin them fuck my fist
My mystique have the world froze
My physique got me dressed up in shell toes
In ganga leaf, I inhale slow
I'm from out of town capsule some kind of portal
Spittin these rhyme at you like a martyr
[Chorus: V-12]
Lay low, lay low (lay low)
Cuz all y'all niggaz won't (y'all niggaz)
If you come to QB you goin to get murdered
You goin to get murdered (murdered, murdered)
You going to get murdered (Why get shot up)
If you come to QB you goin to get murdered
[Lake]
Sayin old dudes jewel me, now salute me
I've grew more than they ever though I would be
Havin no pops to mourn me, just show me
God didn't plan for another man to control me
You know me from bustin my gun blood
Even up in north my cell smell like Christian Dior
Before I lost my case I had to gain mastered
Been had heart now my papers startin to match it
I stack til they capture me and kept a bottle of half-a-G
And sold 20's while I rap to beast
My wifey beef over my robberies
But they put my man in the "L" still on the armory
Loyal to the heritage, though I put 7 in it
Dudes snaked me, word to Spanky, I never snitch
I put a bullet in your face 'fore I go to Jake
Rule number 1 out here, don't fuck with Lake
[Chorus: V-12]
Lay low, lay low (lay low)
Cuz all y'all niggaz won't (y'all niggaz)
If you come to QB your goin to get murdered
Your goin to get chopped up, (murdered) boxed up
Your goin to get murdered
If you come to QB your goin to get...
[Nas]
Yo, yo, yo
Our guns are haunted with the ghost of body
Smoke 'em like we suppose to
Your whole crew come to face to face with shotty
Told you!, Bravehearted we appear when it's on
Light up your block like its day time y'all niggaz be gone
So many niggaz that's be pursuin Nas when they spot me
They be jumpin out of movin cars and landin on my Tims
I tell 'em be careful don't damage the skin
Amateurs cram around wit the hopes to get glance at the end
[Lake]
Aiyo most of my friends have ulterior motives
I'm wise cuz I realize that sounds is golden
Mourned shorty from cat shacky who wrote to me
Livin through them back then was givin hope to me
I control many, being a flossiest
Most notorious, Queensbridge extortionist
Love my hood no question, I'm gonna rep it
But I'm not just a QB tenant, I'm the president
[Chorus: V-12]
The song Let 'Em Hang by Nas featuring Lake and V-12 is all about asserting dominance and making one's presence known in the rap game. The song begins with Nas calling out those who question his success and telling them to "let your nuts hang" and get to work. From there, the song delves into various themes such as staying ahead of the government, dealing with jealousy and snake-like behavior in the music industry, and establishing oneself as a true leader in the rap scene.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of confidence and power in the lyrics, with Nas describing himself as a "scientist in love with big president faces" and boasting about making other rappers' wives naked and submissive. He also references his unique style and appearance, with strange shoes and shell-toe sneakers, as well as his ability to spit rhymes with the skill of a martyr.
Meanwhile, Lake showcases his loyalty to the Queensbridge neighborhood and his position as its president. He raps about growing up without a father, dealing with robberies and snitches, and controlling those around him through a mix of fear and respect. V-12 provides the chorus, warning any outsiders who come to the QB neighborhood that they will be "murdered" and "chopped up."
Overall, Let 'Em Hang is a song that exudes power, confidence, and a sense of dominance in the face of adversity. It touches on themes of success, jealousy, and the cutthroat nature of the rap industry, while also celebrating the sense of community and strength that comes from representing one's neighborhood.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, yea, it's like that
Introducing the song with a confident and assertive tone.
They wanna know how nigga do it, youknawhati'masayin
People are curious about how Nas achieves success.
I had a nigga come up to me and ask me and shit
Nas was approached by someone who questioned why he hasn't accomplished more.
Why I ain't got that, youknawhati'msayin
The person was wondering why Nas hasn't achieved the same level of wealth and success as others.
Fuck nigga get on your job, nigga let your nuts hang beeitch
Nas encourages people to work hard and be confident in themselves.
These well, theeeeeese
The chorus begins, setting the stage for the rest of the song.
41st side Lake Entertainment
The record label is identified.
Oh yea, if you come to QB you gonna get...
The chorus warns that anyone coming to Queensbridge will face danger.
Yo, foes decompose in their coffins, hoes creepin with bosses
Enemies die and women cheat to get ahead in life.
No sleep in my fortress break day thinkin of losses
Nas worries about losing everything he's gained.
Taxes and IRS government gangstas
Dealing with the government is like dealing with thugs.
But I'm a scientist in love with big president faces
Nas is obsessed with making money and gaining power.
My residence changes from ghetto to acres
Nas moves from poor neighborhoods to luxurious ones.
Avoidin jealousy snake shit
Nas keeps away from people who envy his success.
Can't afford another felony lake bent drivin them Porsche
Nas can't afford to get in trouble with the law again.
Niggaz sayin Nas came through Wit a flyin saucers
People are spreading rumors about Nas like he's an alien.
With some strange shoes on the tirin flossin
Nas has unique and flashy shoes.
So now they know wanna offer 'em killin stick 'em and cost 'em
People want to harm Nas because of his success.
Catch him slippin, trippin get 'em for all his fortune
Nas is vulnerable and could easily be targeted for his wealth.
Sup with this Nas hatred, y'all can suck my dick
Nas is unbothered by the hate he receives and tells his critics to leave him alone.
Got these niggaz wives naked makin them fuck my fist
Nas has power over men's wives and humiliates them.
My mystique have the world froze
Nas's mysterious persona makes people freeze in awe.
My physique got me dressed up in shell toes
Nas's physical appearance is impressive.
In ganga leaf, I inhale slow
Nas smokes marijuana.
I'm from out of town capsule some kind of portal
Nas is from another world and doesn't belong in Queensbridge.
Spittin these rhyme at you like a martyr
Nas is sharing his rhymes with listeners like he's sacrificing himself.
Lay low, lay low (lay low)
The chorus repeats the warning to stay away from Queensbridge.
Cuz all y'all niggaz won't (y'all niggaz)
Not everyone can handle the danger of Queensbridge.
If you come to QB you goin to get murdered
Anyone who comes to Queensbridge will be killed.
You goin to get murdered (murdered, murdered)
The chorus emphasizes the deadly nature of Queensbridge.
Your goin to get chopped up, (murdered) boxed up
The violence in Queensbridge is brutal.
Sayin old dudes jewel me, now salute me
Lake demands respect from older gang members.
I've grew more than they ever though I would be
Lake has exceeded expectations and grown more powerful.
Havin no pops to mourn me, just show me
Lake didn't have a father figure and had to learn from his surroundings.
God didn't plan for another man to control me
Lake is in control of his own life and destiny.
You know me from bustin my gun blood
Lake is known for his violent actions.
Even up in north my cell smell like Christian Dior
Lake is still fashionable even in jail.
Before I lost my case I had to gain mastered
Lake had to learn how to be successful before he went to jail.
Been had heart now my papers startin to match it
Lake has always been tough and now his money matches his reputation.
I stack til they capture me and kept a bottle of half-a-G
Lake saves his money and prepares for his inevitable arrest.
And sold 20's while I rap to beast
Lake sells drugs while also focusing on his music.
My wifey beef over my robberies
Lake's girlfriend is unhappy with his criminal actions.
But they put my man in the 'L' still on the armory
Lake's friend was arrested but still has a presence in their gang.
Loyal to the heritage, though I put 7 in it
Lake is loyal to his gang but also willing to use violence to protect it.
Dudes snaked me, word to Spanky, I never snitch
Lake has been betrayed but remains loyal and refuses to snitch.
I put a bullet in your face 'fore I go to Jake
Lake will kill someone before going to the police.
Rule number 1 out here, don't fuck with Lake
Lake is a dangerous person to mess with.
Yo, yo, yo
Nas returns for the final verse.
Our guns are haunted with the ghost of body
Nas's weapons have killed many people.
Smoke 'em like we suppose to
Nas is fulfilling his violent destiny.
Your whole crew come to face to face with shotty
Nas is prepared to face anyone with his gun.
Told you!, Bravehearted we appear when it's on
Nas and his gang are fearless in the face of danger.
Light up your block like its day time y'all niggaz be gone
Nas's gang will take over a neighborhood and eliminate any opposition.
So many niggaz that's be pursuin Nas when they spot me
People constantly follow Nas and try to cause trouble.
They be jumpin out of movin cars and landin on my Tims
People are so obsessed with Nas that they risk their own safety to get close to him.
I tell 'em be careful don't damage the skin
Nas is conscious of his appearance and doesn't want to be hurt.
Amateurs cram around wit the hopes to get glance at the end
Nas attracts fans who are only interested in seeing the end result of his success.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind