Composure
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics

Ayo Hit I like this IE weather
Greetings to my collaborator, signaling my approval of the current atmosphere in the Inland Empire.

Ay, look
Hey, pay attention to what I have to say.

Vote yes on Hit-Boy bitch I'm the city spokesman
Support Hit-Boy; I'm a prominent voice representing our city.

They see we got this shit crackin' and now they spirit broken
People notice our success, and now those who once doubted us feel defeated.

I'm standin' on the green like the British Open
I’m confidently positioned for success, akin to being on a prestigious golf course.

And stackin' ice on top of ice but I'm not building snowmen
I'm accumulating wealth and success (jewelry metaphorically referred to as 'ice'), not wasting it.

Doctors couldn't even detect my disorders
Despite personal struggles, they are not easily identifiable by others.

One case, six figures on six different lawyers
I’m dealing with complex legal issues that require substantial financial investment in multiple attorneys.

I put my soul in every song with limited support
I invest deeply in my music, even when I have little backing or assistance.

Focused on the output not the outcome big God is my source
I prioritize the process of creating rather than fixating on the end results, relying on a higher power for guidance.

Spirit of excellence in my genetics
Striving for greatness is inherent to my nature.

Complexities come with my complexion
My identity and background come with unique challenges that I embrace.

'Fore you shut me down let me reach my level first
Allow me the chance to prove myself before you judge or dismiss me.

Y'all be too proud to do the devil's work
Some are so arrogant they refuse to engage in morally questionable activities.

All that actin' and fakin' I can't take part in it
I refuse to engage in phoniness or insincerity; I value authenticity.

I'm washin' my hands with the soap opera shit
I’m distancing myself from unnecessary drama or trivial conflicts.

Set the cameras to speed, co-directed KD
Capturing fast-paced moments of creativity, collaborating with Kevin Durant's artistic vision.

But we know the caged bird sings and screams when it's free
We understand that those who are oppressed express their true feelings passionately once liberated.

Every second I spit on this I got it back in blessings
For every moment I dedicate to my craft, I receive positive returns and rewards.

You can't stop and run no errands on the way to legend
You can’t afford distractions if you wish to achieve legendary status.

They shoulda told 'em I'm raising up on the totem
They ought to recognize that I'm elevating my status in the community.

Yeah, boilin' over, pot full of yola
I’m filled with intense energy and ambition, reminiscent of someone cooking potent substances.

Mix it with the cola
Combining two powerful elements to create something greater.

Son of a block controlla
I come from a background of authority and influence in my neighborhood.

Can't let 'em fuck me over
I must protect myself from being taken advantage of.

Gotta keep my composure look
It’s essential to maintain my calm and poise amidst challenges.

Had yellow jaundice when I was born
I faced health challenges from the start of my life.

Kept me in an incubator, ten days long
I required special care and monitoring for an extended period as an infant.

I made up songs, I was like humming tunes ten years later
As a child, I began creating music, which later became a significant part of my identity.

Writin' in my room ten years after that on stage like it's too soon, but
Years later, even as I perform on stage, I sometimes feel unprepared for the spotlight.

For me see, my parents met inside a nightclub
My origin story is rooted in a lively, somewhat chaotic environment.

Olu started to fight and then my moms broke it up
Conflict arose, and my mother intervened, showcasing her strength and resolve.

She said this boy he's in the Navy, settle down before ya'll need savin'
She recognized the potential of my father, urging him to mature and take responsibility.

Pop went to war around the world, came home we celebrated
My father served in various locations, and we honored his return with joy.

AWOL, fast forward to when I started to play ball
Moving quickly through time, I transitioned from family struggles to sports.

From a place where we hate law
I grew up in an environment where there is resentment toward authority.

See the Jakes and we take off
When we encounter police (Jakes), we flee to avoid trouble.

(Whoop whoop)
An onomatopoeic sound representing police sirens.

Hit the gate I get home and take my chain off
Upon returning home, I remove my jewelry, symbolizing a return to safety.

Thankful I got through the day and all the evil I prayed off
I express gratitude for navigating the dangers of life and overcoming negativity.

Everything is cause and effect
Every action has consequences that shape our reality.

Make the wrong moves in this business you lose all your respect
Poor decisions in this industry can result in losing credibility and honor.

My block is dark as it gets
My neighborhood is fraught with challenges and negativity.

We all make mistakes only a few will recover from 'em
Everyone makes errors, but only a select few can bounce back.

Don't spend your whole life runnin' from 'em
Avoid the trap of continually escaping your past mistakes instead of confronting them.

Run up the numbers
Focus on increasing your achievements or success metrics.

Shoulda told em I'm raising up on the totem
They should have acknowledged my rising status within the community.

Yeah, boilin' over, pot full of yola
I'm overflowing with potential and ambition.

Mix it up with the cola
Combining my energy with creativity to forge something impactful.

Son of a queen and a soldier
I stem from a lineage of strength and resilience, represented by a noble mother and a courageous father.

Can't let em fuck me over
I must remain vigilant against those who might exploit me.

Gotta keep my composure look
It’s vital for me to maintain my composure amidst adversity.

Keep your composure
Stay calm and composed regardless of external pressures.

On city blocks
In the streets of urban environments.

And cell blocks
In prisons or detention areas.

Keep your composure
Maintain your dignity and poise.

Hold it down
Stay grounded and secure in your values.

Hold it tight
Cherish your beliefs and principles closely.

Hold it close
Protect what matters most to you.

Hold space for yourself
Make time for self-reflection and personal care.

It's the way of the ancestors
Embracing the wisdom and lifestyle passed down from previous generations.

Our elders
Recognizing the guidance of those who came before us.

Our artists
Appreciating the creative expression and inspirations from artists of our community.

Our OGs
Honoring the original gangsters who paved the way.

Our dreamers
Celebrating those who aspire for a better future.

Our builders
Recognizing those who work hard to create and construct a brighter tomorrow.

With each breath internalize their successes
Learn from and embody the achievements of those who have come before you.

Their struggles
Acknowledge the battles faced by earlier generations.

Their sense of self
Adopt their strong identities and self-awareness.

Their sense of overcoming
Absorb their resilience and capacity to rise above challenges.

And take that power forward with you in life
Carry their legacy of strength and success as you navigate your own journey.

Remind yourself of the magnitude of your good fortune
Constantly appreciate the incredible luck and opportunities you’ve received.

And the mere chance, one in billions, that you survived
Recognize that simply existing is a rare blessing among many.

That you will thrive
Believe that you will not only survive but flourish in life.

And even the strongest kings and queens being, yet remain unbroken
Even the most formidable leaders can face adversity but endure it without losing their essence.

Keep your composure
Maintain your steadiness and fortitude regardless of challenges.

And believe in the magic of who we are
Trust in the extraordinary potential and spirit that resides within us.

'Cause what you believe is everything
Your beliefs shape your reality and experience.

And what someone believes about you, is nothing
The perceptions others hold about you hold no real weight; it’s your self-belief that matters.

Keep your composure
Continue to hold onto your calmness and resolve.

I am Shaka Senghor
I represent resilience and transformation, drawing parallels to the influential figure known for his journey and growth.