Distant Relatives is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Nas and Jamaican reggae artist Damian Marley, released May 18, 2010, on Universal Republic and Def Jam Recordings. Production for the album took place during 2008 to 2010 and was handled primarily by Damian Marley and Stephen Marley. Fusing musical elements of hip hop and reggae, Distant Relatives features lyrical themes concerning ancestry, poverty, and the plight of Africa.
The albumβs content is heavily revolved around Africa, from ancestry to poverty. The duo worked to maintain the theme, which contains samples from African music. The album offers their social commentary of the United States and Africa.
The album debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 57,000 copies in its first week. Upon its release, Distant Relatives received generally positive reviews from most music critics.
Strong Will Continue
Nas & Damian Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel people pulling me down
I feel some pulling me up, I can't get stuck
I just keep moving forward
I got places to go, man
Let's go
When the Armageddon's dark and dread
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Cah we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan
Only the strong will continue
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you
Hey, the victory's found in truth
Like innocence found in youth
Self-defeat is your own dispute
And, man, you put yourself inna your own shoes
Either you're winning or losing
Don't you get it confused
'Cause you're starring inna your own movie
Playing of the role you choose, so
Stand up and fight if you know say you're right
And know you will never fail
Tipping the scale and the wind shall prevail
And the boat shall forever sail
Hey, there ain't no stopping or cruising
Even when we're battered and bruised
Outrun all the sprinters on Mount Olympus
My God's tougher than Zeus
When the Armageddon's dark and dread (uh, I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (uh, uh, I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Cah we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (we get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you
Uh, as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
New York to Cali for the money, power, respect
It's a journey, some'll get left behind
'Cause in life you cannot press rewind
Get it right, you only have one first chance
To make one first impression that lasts a lifetime
Reputation supersedes itself
Do you believe in Hell? Babylon greed for wealth
Do you deceive yourself and let your ego swell
And disregard those who most need your help?
Thick-skinned, the dark won't take my soul
Survived spiritual wars, see my welts?
And the evil's felt, but the faith is stronger
I saw grown men fall when I was a youngster
But I clench my fists ready to go against whoever
Tie my Timbs and rise in the end
When the Armageddon's dark and dread (uh, I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (uh, uh, I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Cah we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (we get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you
No man live forever, but never say never
Every good he want better, just be a go-getter
And always be clever in every endeavor
'Cause drastic time call for drastic measure
Yuh birthright to pleasure, from yuh navel string sever
The land and the treasure, work for whatever
Jah said don't be a beggar, the Alpha Omega
Will bless every soul no matter which name you prefer
The immortal stepper, believe in every skin
No matter which color they are
We never let, we don't know here which kind of weather
You're destined to rise like the Son of Rebecca
Don't stop for a second
Every man reckon, it sure would be good to be there
Whether Zion or Mecca
When the gates are finally closed
And the saints go marching in
When the Armageddon's dark and dread (uh, I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (uh, uh, I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Cah we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (we get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (only the strong will continue)
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you
I'm a street-lifer, always harassed by the cee ciphers
Chief like Geronimo with his peace pipe
I emerge from the street life
This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
My QB life takin' a turn to the Louis the Thirteenth life
Twisted and mangled sort of like Bruce Lee life
Cursed with his son Brandon, if that's you and me tonight
I pray our fate's greater
I speak life, I still matter as a rapper, not doubtin'
Even Toni Braxton signed a deal with Craig Cowman
How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy
When I pay child support, alimony monthly?
Got Maseratis and Ferraris
Only like a woman who's a rider, but only hoes want me
Single life crazy, niggas wives on me
I say stay faithful, they say they man corny
So I'm stuck with some married woman so fine
Cheatin' while they husband is rushin' on the forty-yard line
Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time
Good niggas always seem to end up with some hard times
Hope not, if a pimp slippin' in a ho plot
Ain't nothin' to a G in a two-tone drop
Kid, and it don't stop
See a nigga disappearin' with the baddest honies in the whole spot, yeah
"Strong Will Continue" by Nas and Damian Marley is a song that emphasizes the importance of perseverance, inner strength, and determination, especially in tough times. The first verse begins with Nas expressing his focus and determination to move forward, despite the forces around him trying to pull him down or up. He explains how only the strong can continue on this journey calmly, while the weakest-hearted people will fall behind and feel despaired as the battle gets sour and dread. The song encourages people to fight for their beliefs, be emotionally strong, and to keep going, no matter the circumstances.
The pre-chorus and chorus repeat the message that only those with strong will have the power to confront dark times. Meanwhile, the guitar-heavy rock, reggae-singing, and rap-interludes (as Nas' spoken poetry) offer an introspective lyricism that suggests that if one has righteous determination and a sense of inner person, there's nothing that can stop them from striving towards greatness. They manage to form the ultimate unity that can maintain the song's importance for years to come, with its lasting significance about standing up when others are falling.
In sum, Strong Will Continue is a rallying call to stand up and fight for one's beliefs, maintain inner-strength and determination to persevere, and to push through challenging times when they come, which is a vital message to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
All I do is stay focused, looking straight forward at the world and beyond
I maintain my concentration and keep my eyes fixed on the present moment and future possibilities.
I feel people pulling me down
I sense individuals trying to bring me down and hinder my progress.
I feel some pulling me up, I can't get stuck
I also feel others supporting and uplifting me, so I must not allow myself to become stagnant or trapped.
I just keep moving forward
Therefore, I continue to make progress and advance without hesitation.
I got places to go, man
I have destinations to reach and goals to accomplish, my friend.
Let's go
So, let us proceed and embark on this journey together.
When the Armageddon's dark and dread
In times of chaos and impending doom
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan
Many individuals with feeble spirits lament and complain
Only the strong will continue
Only those with strength of character and resilience will persevere
Do you have it in you?
Do you possess the fortitude and determination within yourself?
Cah we've got a journey to go
Because we still have a long journey ahead of us
And when the battle get sour and dread
And when the conflict becomes bitter and filled with fear
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan
Many individuals with feeble spirits wither away and complain
Only the strong will continue
Only those with strength of character and resilience will persevere
I know you have it in you
I am confident that you possess the necessary qualities and determination
Hey, the victory's found in truth
Hey, success and triumph are achieved through honesty and authenticity
Like innocence found in youth
Similar to the pure and untarnished nature of childhood
Self-defeat is your own dispute
Defeating oneself is a personal conflict to be resolved
And, man, you put yourself inna your own shoes
And, my friend, you have the power to determine your own path
Either you're winning or losing
It's either a victory or a loss for you
Don't you get it confused
Do not become confused or uncertain
'Cause you're starring inna your own movie
Because you are the artist of your own story
Playing of the role you choose, so
Portraying the character you have chosen, thus
Stand up and fight if you know say you're right
Take a stand and defend your beliefs if you know you are in the right
And know you will never fail
And have confidence that you will never be defeated
Tipping the scale and the wind shall prevail
Shifting the balance in your favor and allowing the forces of nature to guide you
And the boat shall forever sail
And your journey shall continue indefinitely
Hey, there ain't no stopping or cruising
Hey, there is no time to slow down or relax
Even when we're battered and bruised
Even in times of hardship and pain
Outrun all the sprinters on Mount Olympus
Outpace all the talented individuals in superior positions
My God's tougher than Zeus
My faith and inner strength surpass that of the mighty Zeus
Uh, as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Uh, as I navigate through dangerous and precarious situations
New York to Cali for the money, power, respect
Traveling from New York to California in pursuit of wealth, influence, and admiration
It's a journey, some'll get left behind
It is a voyage, and some individuals will fail to keep up or be left behind
'Cause in life you cannot press rewind
Because in life, you can never go back and undo your past actions
Get it right, you only have one first chance
Achieve success from the start, as you only have one initial opportunity
To make one first impression that lasts a lifetime
To create a lasting impression that will influence others throughout your lifetime
Reputation supersedes itself
Your reputation surpasses its own significance
Do you believe in Hell? Babylon greed for wealth
Do you have faith in the existence of Hell? The insatiable desire for wealth in Babylon
Do you deceive yourself and let your ego swell
Do you delude yourself and allow your ego to inflate
And disregard those who most need your help?
And ignore those who are most in need of your assistance?
Thick-skinned, the dark won't take my soul
Resilient and unfazed, darkness cannot claim my soul
Survived spiritual wars, see my welts?
Endured battles of the spirit, evident in the scars upon me
And the evil's felt, but the faith is stronger
Although the presence of evil is undeniable, faith remains stronger
I saw grown men fall when I was a youngster
I witnessed grown men succumb to defeat in my youth
But I clench my fists ready to go against whoever
But I tighten my fists, prepared to face anyone who opposes me
Tie my Timbs and rise in the end
Lace up my Timberland boots and ultimately emerge victorious
No man live forever, but never say never
No one lives eternally, but it is important to never dismiss the possibility
Every good he want better, just be a go-getter
Desiring improvement for oneself is natural, so become an ambitious individual
And always be clever in every endeavor
And always be smart and resourceful in every undertaking
'Cause drastic time call for drastic measure
Because desperate times demand decisive actions
Yuh birthright to pleasure, from yuh navel string sever
It is your inherent right to experience joy, once you detach yourself from dependence
The land and the treasure, work for whatever
The land and riches can be obtained through hard work and perseverance
Jah said don't be a beggar, the Alpha Omega
The divine instructs you not to be a beggar; God is the beginning and the end
Will bless every soul no matter which name you prefer
Will bless every individual, regardless of the name they identify with
The immortal stepper, believe in every skin
The eternal journeyer, have faith in every individual, regardless of their appearance
No matter which color they are
Regardless of their racial or ethnic background
We never let, we don't know here which kind of weather
We never give up, we are not aware of the circumstances
You're destined to rise like the Son of Rebecca
You are destined to ascend and achieve greatness, just like the child of Rebecca
Don't stop for a second
Do not pause or hesitate even for a moment
Every man reckon, it sure would be good to be there
Every individual realizes that it would indeed be beneficial to be present in that situation
Whether Zion or Mecca
Regardless of whether it is in Zion or Mecca
When the gates are finally closed
When the gates are ultimately shut
And the saints go marching in
And the righteous individuals enter triumphantly
I'm a street-lifer, always harassed by the cee ciphers
I am someone deeply ingrained in the streets, constantly targeted by law enforcement officers
Chief like Geronimo with his peace pipe
Like the powerful tribal leader Geronimo, I possess authority and serenity
I emerge from the street life
I rise above the challenges and struggles of the street lifestyle
This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
This is dedicated to the friends who understand and have experienced the same circumstances
My QB life takin' a turn to the Louis the Thirteenth life
My life in Queensbridge (QB) transitioning to a luxurious and opulent lifestyle
Twisted and mangled sort of like Bruce Lee life
Distorted and damaged, similar to the life of the legendary Bruce Lee
Cursed with his son Brandon, if that's you and me tonight
Cursed with the fate of his son Brandon, if that situation were to befall us tonight
I pray our fate's greater
I pray that our destiny is more favorable
I speak life, I still matter as a rapper, not doubtin'
I speak positivity and vitality into existence, reaffirming my importance as a rapper without any doubt
Even Toni Braxton signed a deal with Craig Cowman
Even the renowned singer Toni Braxton signed a contract with Craig Cowman
How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy
How am I expected to remain comfortable
When I pay child support, alimony monthly?
While I am obligated to make monthly payments for child support and alimony?
Got Maseratis and Ferraris
I have Maseratis and Ferraris
Only like a woman who's a rider, but only hoes want me
I only desire a woman who is loyal and supportive, but it seems that only promiscuous women are interested in me
Single life crazy, niggas wives on me
The single life is chaotic, as married women are attracted to me
I say stay faithful, they say they man corny
I advise them to remain faithful to their husbands, but they dismiss their partners as uninteresting
So I'm stuck with some married woman so fine
Therefore, I find myself entangled with an exceptionally attractive married woman
Cheatin' while they husband is rushin' on the forty-yard line
Engaging in infidelity while their husbands are preoccupied with sports on the football field
Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time
I wonder if this is exactly what my ex-partner was doing throughout our relationship
Good niggas always seem to end up with some hard times
It appears that genuinely good individuals often find themselves facing difficult circumstances
Hope not, if a pimp slippin' in a ho plot
I hope this fate does not befall me, similar to a pimp making a mistake in his scheme
Ain't nothin' to a G in a two-tone drop
It is nothing for a gangster to handle, especially in a two-tone convertible car
Kid, and it don't stop
My friend, and the progression and success do not cease
See a nigga disappearin' with the baddest honies in the whole spot, yeah
Observing a person, likely a man, leaving with the most attractive women in the entire location
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Courtney Glenroy Diedrick, Damian Robert Nesta Marley, Nasir Jones, Philip James, Shiah Core
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@audreydrewpaul
All I do is stay focused, looking straight forward at the world and beyond
I feel people pulling me down
I feel some pulling me up, I can't get stuck
I just keep moving forward
I got places to go, man, let's go
When the Armageddon's dark and dread
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan
Only the strong will continue
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you
Hey, the victory's found in truth
Like innocence found in youth
Self-defeat is your own dispute
And, man, you put yourself in your own shoes
Either you're winning or losing
Don't you get it confused
'Cause you're starring in your own movie
Playing of the role you choose, so
Stand up and fight if you know that you're right and know you will never fail
Tipping the scale and the wind shall prevail and the boat shall forever sail
Hey, there ain't no stopping or cruising
Even when you're battered and bruised
Hold down all the sprinklers on Mt. Olympus
My god's tougher than Zeus
When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
New York to Cali for the money, power, respect
It's a journey, some'll get left behind
'Cause in life you cannot press rewind
Get it right: you only have one first chance
To make one first impression that lasts a lifetime
Reputation supersedes itself
Do you believe in Hell? Babylon greed for wealth
Do you deceive yourself and let your ego swell
And disregard those who most need your help?
Thick-skinned, the dark won't take my soul
Survived spiritual wars, see my welts?
And the evil's felt, but the faith is stronger
I saw grown men fall when I was a youngster
But I clench my fists ready to go against whoever
Tie my Timbs and rise in the end
When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (yeah)
I know you have it in you (yeah, yeah)
I know you have it in you
No man live forever, but never say never
Every good he want better, just be a go-getter
And always be clever in every endeavor
The drastic time call for drastic measure
Your girl tied to pleasure from your neighbor since ever
The land and the treasure work for whatever
Just don't be a beggar, the Alpha Omega
Will bless every soul no matter which name you prefer
The immortal stepper believe in every skin
No matter which color they are
Would never let, Him not care which kind of weather
You're destined to rise like the Son of Rebbecca
Don't stop for a second
Every man reckon it sure would be good to be there
Whether Zion or Mecca
When the gates are finally closed
And the saints go marching in
When the Armageddon's dark and dread (I get up and make it happen)
A lot of weak-hearted weep and moan (I get up and we get it cracking)
Only the strong will continue
Do you have it in you?
Come, we've got a journey to go
And when the battle get sour and dread (I get up and I get it going)
A lot of weak-hearted wither and moan (We get up and we keep it flowing)
Only the strong will continue (only the strong will continue)
I know you have it in you
I know you have it in you
I'm a street-lifer always harassed by the C ciphers
Chief like Geronimo with his peace pipe
I emerge from the street life
This for the homies who relate, know what it be like
My QB life takin' a turn to the Louis the Thirteenth life
Twisted and mangled sort of like Bruce Lee life
Cursed with his son Brandon, if that's you and me tonight
I pray our fate's greater
I speak life, I still matter as a rapper, not doubtin'
Even Toni Braxton signed a deal with Craig Cowman
How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy
When I pay child-support, alimony monthly?
Got Maseratis and Ferraris
Only like a woman who's a rider, but only hos want me
Single life crazy, niggas wives on me
I say stay faithful, they say they man connin'
So I'm stuck with some married woman so fine
Cheatin' while they husband is rushin' on the forty-yard line
Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time
Good niggas always seem to end up with some hard times
Hope not, if a pimp slippin' in a ho plot
Ain't nothin' to a G in a two-tone drop
Kid, and it don't stop
See a nigga disappearin' with the baddest honies in the whole spot, yeah
@bradpeterson9689
You will never hear this on the radio or other forms of media because the message is too positive, uplifting and unifying!!!!!!!
@Joe_Parmesan
And the people who say they hate hip hop, because they generalize it using negative stereotypes, won't even give it a listen
@Azrael442
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@Baguenaudeur
Lol this was in a FIFA game. Probably the most mainstream video games series on Earth.
@angeldejko8842
Baguenaudeur yes, however fifa is about football, and football is a beautiful game, the media on the other hand is very messed up.
@daniellepurdey7735
Same as patience! Mind openers x
@prosperomojituko7049
This song never gets old, who is still filling it in 2020?
@Nick186
You know it I'll be bumping this for years more
@MrCrazyspinshots
Yuuup
@laterkijken6423
so good for religion/selfconfidence also.. but just a banger no matter what