One Mic
Nas Lyrics

Ain't no back and forth, ain't no left or right
I am confident in my direction and will not succumb to distractions or waver from my path.

I got King's Disease but I move like a knight
I am aware of the negative effects of success, but I continue to move forward with integrity and honor like a chivalrous knight.

Rappers bandwagon tryna get some likes
Many rappers do not stay true to themselves and attempt to gain popularity through imitation.

I do it for the fam', never for the hype
I create and perform for the love of my family and fans, and never solely for the sake of popularity.

When you turn to legend, no such thing as relevance
When one reaches legendary status, their work remains timeless and relevant, defying the constraints of time and trends.

They must've forgot that I'm a new rapper that got integrity
Despite being a relatively new artist, I have maintained my integrity and authenticity in my work and life.

All in the media and blogs, that's just a place I don't care to be
I am not concerned with media and blog coverage, as my focus is on my craft and personal relationships.

Most of these niggas wouldn't say shit if they was ahead of me
Many other rappers would not dare to speak their true thoughts or opinions if they were in a higher position than me.

No back and forth, I did it back then, I do it right now
I have consistently stayed true to my roots and my style, and will continue to do so without second-guessing myself.

Whatever I do is N.Y., I'm keepin' it Queens 'cause that's my side
I represent my hometown of New York, and specifically the borough of Queens, in all of my work and actions.

I shook up the town, I shook up the city, I shook up the state
Through my art and impact on the industry, I have disrupted and challenged the norms of the places I have lived in and performed.

It's a conversation, it's determination
My work and presence in the music industry is both a dialogue and a testament to my drive and tenacity.

They just ran in one of my cribs and took what? I replaced it
Despite facing theft and other obstacles, I remain resilient and resourceful in replenishing what I have lost.

Most of y'all assumed that they was black, it's exploitation
The assumption that a crime was committed by black individuals perpetuates harmful stereotypes and systemic oppression.

It's cool to be mainstream, I'd rather be timeless
While mainstream success is desirable to many, I prioritize creating work that remains relevant and impactful throughout the years.

Bullet wounds and jail cells couldn't stop me, this my destiny
Though I have faced hardships and adversity, I remain confident in my purpose and what the future holds for me.

I got all type of stocks and bonds, Kehinde Wiley on my wall
In addition to my musical success, I have invested in my personal finances and a diverse array of art and media.

I went platinum without no features, I put platinum on your mind
My success has been achieved without help or influence from others, and my impact has inspired others to strive for their own achievements.

Whatever I do is New York, you hear that shit all in my vowels
My accent and vernacular are distinctively rooted in my New York upbringing and identity.

Two kings
Together with my collaborator, we are both powerful and influential figures in hip-hop and beyond.

This shit too easy, king
My skills and abilities come naturally to me, and my success is a testament to my ease and mastery of my craft.