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..
War Against Love
Nas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whassup African
Yo the Haiti, Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada
The war is against love, we under attack
Paris, Pyar, St. Thomas, Dior
The war is against love, who's busting back?
From New York to Botswana, London to Guyana
Yo, the Mexico, the Cuba, Iceland to Bermuda
The war is against love, we under attack
Scientists told us how the Mayans lived
How ways a landing strips for planes will land
Before the Wright brothers planned aerodynamics
Now I am chilling 20 karats like a savage
Not embarrassed
Buy what I'm copping while I'm shopping out in Paris
Parasites try to steal a coach (true)
While chem trails and satellites hover over
Feds is watching real niggas ask this is so (ask this is so)
Still the 5th is loaded (5th is loaded)
For these lawyers who be ripping soldiers off in court
They didn't get em all, they just take your money a lot
Have you sitting up north (facts)
Study the law (word)
Get your appeal (true)
Soon you back on the street the shit'd get real (facts)
They try to kill us off since the days of the brilliant Moors
May they ships pull up to the Sicilian shores
So I hustle more, ain't no justice for the poor
Got me feeling like middle fingers up, fuck the law
Bust a Dutchie open, liquor pour
Chicago yo, you know Chicago y'all know
The war is against love, we under attack (yeah)
New Orleans, New Orleans to Queens
Yo the war is against love, who's busting back? (Me)
To Detroit (yeah), St. Louis (yeah yeah)
To every hood in all the 50 states on the map (map)
Chopper city, North and South Philly (Philly)
Feel me, the war is against love, we under attack
I went from, semi bummy nigga to money nigga (ha)
Bike nigga to car nigga
Christ nigga to Allah nigga (Alḥamdulillāh)
Then I evolved, nigga (yes)
No religions, my commandments are my standards (word)
A stand up man, no clowning, no snitching
Got a bid, I'm sitting down
Do the time, call it paying taxes
Living with my actions (word), corners to the grave
Yeah, I'm on that wave
Yeah, I fornicate with fly bitches, horny ways
Just the way I was taught though (uh)
Can't tell if this is reality or just another award show?
These women be lost, so beautiful, so smart (word)
But why can't we be heavenly? Don't think to use your heart (yo' heart)
'Cause we could be so great, pray it's not too late
Put pride aside, coincide, I bet we both be straight
Straight to the top, side to side, twin Rolls Royces
We made choices to be devoted (uh)
To go at those foes who come at us with upside down crosses
The war is against love, I ain't trusting that (trusting that, uh, uh)
The war is against love, who's busting back? (Me, me, me, uh)
To all the 50 states, all across the map (the whole world too)
USA, and beyond (and beyond)
The war is against love, how will you react, to that?
Yeah, tell you how I'm reacting
I'm strapped and ready, go all the way
The war is against peace
The war is against love
Yeah, know that
Nas’s song “War Against Love” is a powerful commentary on the social, economic, and political pressures facing African and African American communities. The lyrics are a rallying cry for communities to recognize the systemic war being waged against their ability to exercise their right to love, live, and exist on their own terms.
The opening lines of “Whassup African” is a way to embrace black cultures and communities around the world, emphasizing the universal nature of this struggle. Nas then mentions different places, from Haiti to Guyana, to highlight the commonality of this problem. Symbolically, these locations represent areas of the world that have been colonized, oppressed, or exploited by Western nations, leading to the continued poverty, violence, and political instability that plagues them today.
The lyrics then transition to reflect on the power structures that reinforce these inequalities. Nas speaks to the high cost of living and the pressure to constantly acquire wealth just to survive. He also denounces the judicial system and its inequitable treatment of black communities.
Overall, the lyrics of “War Against Love” challenge the listener to recognize and confront the systemic forces that prevent black people from thriving. Rather than giving up hope or losing faith, Nas argues for a powerful, community-wide response that can fight back against these pressures and help black people emerge from these wars stronger than ever.
Line by Line Meaning
Whassup African
Greetings to all Africans worldwide.
Yo the Haiti, Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada
Referring to the various Caribbean islands facing the war against love.
The war is against love, we under attack
The fight against love is the underlying war, and it's causing harm.
Paris, Pyar, St. Thomas, Dior
Various cities and luxury brands from around the world.
From New York to Botswana, London to Guyana
Referring to various cities and countries representing the entirety of the African diaspora.
Yo, the Mexico, the Cuba, Iceland to Bermuda
Referring to various countries from around the world that are facing the war against love.
Scientists told us how the Mayans lived
Historical fact about the Mayans.
How ways a landing strips for planes will land
Paradoxical statement about placing modern facts in the most ancient forms.
Before the Wright brothers planned aerodynamics
Referencing the invention of planes.
Now I am chilling 20 karats like a savage
Living luxuriously, like a king.
Not embarrassed
Confident about the way the artist lives.
Buy what I'm copping while I'm shopping out in Paris
Living life and enjoying luxury.
Parasites try to steal a coach (true)
Being cautious of fake friends and their motives.
While chem trails and satellites hover over
Referencing conspiracy theories regarding chem trails and surveillance satellites.
Feds is watching real niggas ask this is so (ask this is so)
The government is watching, they're always watching, wondering if this is true.
Still the 5th is loaded (5th is loaded)
Referring to carrying a firearm, as it's loaded and ready.
For these lawyers who be ripping soldiers off in court
Addressing the pain of being taken advantage of by lawyers in the legal system.
They didn't get em all, they just take your money a lot
The government may not always win, but they always make money off the process.
Have you sitting up north (facts)
Being sent to the coldest and most remote prisons, far north in the country.
Study the law (word)
Encouraging people to study the law and be aware of their rights.
Get your appeal (true)
Encouraging people to fight for their rights and pursue justice.
Soon you back on the street the shit'd get real (facts)
Once free, life will be hard, and it's important to stay aware of this fact.
They try to kill us off since the days of the brilliant Moors
Referencing the oppression of black people for centuries.
May they ships pull up to the Sicilian shores
An expression of wanting justice and revenge for past injustices.
So I hustle more, ain't no justice for the poor
Being locked in poverty is not acceptable, so hustle more to get out of it, as the justice system is unreliable for poor people.
Got me feeling like middle fingers up, fuck the law
A rebellious attitude towards the legal system.
Bust a Dutchie open, liquor pour
Enjoying marijuana and alcohol as a way of coping with injustice.
Chicago yo, you know Chicago y'all know
Referencing the city of Chicago, and acknowledging its struggles with the war against love.
The war is against love, we under attack (yeah)
The fight against love is an ongoing war, and it's still causing harm.
New Orleans, New Orleans to Queens
Referencing different cities impacted by the war against love.
Yo the war is against love, who's busting back? (Me)
Asking who is fighting back against the war, and declaring that it's the artist himself.
To Detroit (yeah), St. Louis (yeah yeah)
Referencing more cities and states affected by the ongoing war against love.
To every hood in all the 50 states on the map (map)
Referencing all American cities impacted by the war against love.
Chopper city, North and South Philly (Philly)
Referencing cities and neighborhoods within Philadelphia that are affected by the war against love.
Feel me, the war is against love, we under attack
Reminding listeners once again that the ongoing war against love is causing destruction anywhere it exists.
I went from, semi bummy nigga to money nigga (ha)
Talking about personal growth and how he's evolved as an individual.
Bike nigga to car nigga
Moving up in the world and enjoying the vehicles he has now.
Christ nigga to Allah nigga (Alḥamdulillāh)
A religious reference, acknowledging that he's converted into another religion and is grateful for it.
Then I evolved, nigga (yes)
Continuing the theme of personal and spiritual growth.
No religions, my commandments are my standards (word)
Relating to those who don't subscribe to strict religious principles, and instead live their life by a set of personal values.
A stand up man, no clowning, no snitching
Being a respectful and trustworthy individual, who will never compromise other people's trust and respect for him.
Got a bid, I'm sitting down
Acknowledging past legal troubles and being currently incarcerated.
Do the time, call it paying taxes
Justifying incarceration as an unavoidable result of past actions taken.
Living with my actions (word), corners to the grave
Admitting that he's punished himself by being incarcerated and will live with the consequences of his actions for life.
Yeah, I'm on that wave
Being quite proud of the path he's taken and the person he's become.
Yeah, I fornicate with fly bitches, horny ways
Being unapologetically and proudly sexually active.
Just the way I was taught though (uh)
Acknowledging that his current lifestyle was influenced by the culture he grew up around.
Can't tell if this is reality or just another award show?
Questioning the nature of a lavish lifestyle and wondering if it's real or just a facade.
These women be lost, so beautiful, so smart (word)
Observing and lamenting how some women are misguided or without clear direction.
But why can't we be heavenly? Don't think to use your heart (yo' heart)
Asking why people can't move towards a life of goodness and righteousness, and using their hearts and minds to do so.
'Cause we could be so great, pray it's not too late
Believing that we can all be great and hoping that we still have enough time to do so.
Put pride aside, coincide, I bet we both be straight
Asking society to forget pride and self-centeredness and just get along, for a brighter future.
Straight to the top, side to side, twin Rolls Royces
Having grand aspirations for success and desiring luxury.
We made choices to be devoted (uh)
Acknowledging the artist's choice to pursue a certain lifestyle and being devoted to it.
To go at those foes who come at us with upside down crosses
Going after one's enemies, despite their power or position, and condemning the use of religious symbols as antagonistic symbols.
The war is against love, I ain't trusting that (trusting that, uh, uh)
Not falling for the false notion of love, because the war against it still persists.
The war is against love, who's busting back? (Me, me, me, uh)
The artist is the one fighting back against the war against love.
To all the 50 states, all across the map (the whole world too)
Expanding the reach and consequences of the war against love, stating that it is a global issue.
USA, and beyond (and beyond)
Broadly referencing the entire country and even beyond, as everyone is impacted by the war against love.
The war is against love, how will you react, to that?
Inviting the listeners to respond and take action against the ongoing war against love.
Yeah, tell you how I'm reacting
Announcing that he will tell the listener how he is reacting to the war against love.
I'm strapped and ready, go all the way
Preparing for and anticipating the worst, expressing a readiness to go all the way if necessary.
The war is against peace
The opposite of love is hate and war, so the artist is fighting for peace.
The war is against love
Reiterating the war against love as the underlying problem in progress.
Yeah, know that
Ending with a reminder that the reality of the ongoing war against love is something to keep in mind.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dacoury Dahi Natche, Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Nasir Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@massappeal
Stream/Download The Lost Tapes 2 : https://nas.lnk.to/TheLostTapes2
@oldschoolplanet5896
💯. From Houston Texas awesome song!!
@brighthought11
"listening to nas, cant believe he thinks we edom, toss his disc, "apostles" pissed, like awww you's a bih"
don't care how good you rhyme, false prophet
@m0ham3d1
You are still muslim Nasemir.
@ray1love1
It's got that marvin gaye fell
@boubsymane
We need a Queensbridge video...
@ericmatlho3854
When Nas said "from New York to Botswana//London to Guyana"I felt that!
@jamesknapick4288
Yep
@stereosets1
Big up guyana from suriname
@tonyalso
Paris PR saint Thomas DR the african Diaspora in PuertoRico and Saint thomas and Dominican republican.i felt that right there.There alot of afro Ricans ,in PuertoRico and all of Latin america,but main stream america is racist and doesnt want people to know that.This is the reason PuertoRico and latin America is treated so unfairly bad by The US government