Dedicated
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics

Back by poular deman, it's magic
Returning to the spotlight because people have requested it; there's an undeniable charm to this resurgence.

Dedicated (yeah)
Declaring commitment and focus to a cause or craft.

When Carlito was dying
Reflecting on a moment of mortality, emphasizing vulnerability and the profound impact of facing death.

He see the shadow of his girl dancing with the baby
Imagining his loved ones together in a serene moment signifies the beauty of life and connection amid despair.

Like fuck it, it's my time
Embracing the inevitability of death, signaling readiness to confront whatever comes next.

But if God save me
Expressing hope for divine intervention and survival against odds.

Maybe I'll erase any vice that could potentially bring harm to me
Vowing to eliminate harmful habits or influences in pursuit of a better life.

Before I make a move, I think about it karmically
Considering the consequences of actions, believing in a cosmic balance of good and bad.

Everything come back like a boomerang
Understanding that one’s actions will eventually return, reinforcing the significance of choosing wisely.

I'm Black as Paul Mooney slang
Proudly asserting identity and cultural roots through humor and language popularized by a legendary comedian.

And all I pray for is health and a sustainable business and a faithful missus
Expressing wishes for a wholesome life, stability in personal endeavors, and loyalty in relationships.

I see a lotta people try to be who they ain't
Observing that many people pretend to be something they are not, criticizing superficiality.

We don't want money that fit in the bag, we want the bank
Desiring significant wealth and resources rather than transient gains.

Just to spread it around like icing on the cake
Wanting to share wealth generously, enhancing the lives of others like adding frosting to a cake.

White tiger out the cage, Mike Tyson in '88
Comparing fierce strength and untamed power to a legendary fighter at his peak.

Dedicated like jack boys on Melrose
Referring to the relentless commitment of individuals who engage in crime, highlighting environmental influences.

Smash and grab, yo, this world became a hell hole
Observing societal decay, where chaos and desperation lead to aggressive crime.

Stay cool is what I tell those (word) youngins
Advising younger generations to remain calm and composed despite external pressures.

So they don't end up in jail clothes, come on
Hoping to guide youth away from incarceration by promoting better choices.

I dedicated my life, my life
Proclaiming a steadfast commitment to personal and artistic growth.

Dedicated my life, my life (dedicated)
Reaffirming the unwavering focus and sacrifices made in pursuit of goals.

I dedicated my, my
Continuing to emphasize personal commitment and devotion.

Uh, uh (you know what that is? It's inspiration)
Recognizing that the struggle and dedication serve as a source of motivation.

Whole damn life, if I wanted to now, I could live an old man life
Reflecting on the experiences accrued, feeling the potential to choose a quieter, more stable existence.

Confronted with how the hood can use more funding
Acknowledging the need for financial resources to uplift struggling communities.

More budgets for more teachers
Advocating for education funding which is essential for future generations.

Financial literacy, more speeches
Emphasizing the importance of educating people about finance to empower communities.

Chefs come cook for me
Enjoying the fruits of success by inviting experienced professionals to enhance lifestyle.

Look what it took for me
Reflecting on the struggles and sacrifices necessary to achieve current success.

The streets had its hooks in me
Acknowledging how deeply societal struggles affected the artist's life choices.

Yeah, people ask me what books to read
Indicating that others seek his guidance on knowledge to pursue.

Destruction of Black civilization, that's history
Highlighting the significant cultural and historical literature that informs current social realities.

Journal of Chris Columbus, that is what interests me
Referring to history and its varying perspectives, including critical views on colonialism.

Juneteenth holiday finally came and it pisses me
Feeling anger that a day commemorating freedom came long after the actual suffering endured.

Off, for the fact that we came in chains
Expressing frustration that historical injustices still weigh heavily on contemporary identities.

You'll be physically in pain
Conveying the emotional and physical toll from past traumas.

Dedicated like Ricky Walters, Dougie and Dana Dane
Citing influential figures as examples of commitment to their craft.

I dedicated my life, my life
Reiterating the deep personal investment made in their endeavors.

I dedicated my life, my life (dedicated)
Re-confirming steadfast dedication and commitment towards goals.

I dedicated my, ah
Continuing to emphasize the importance of personal dedication.

Dedicated my
Highlighting a relentless focus on personal and professional growth.

I dedicated my life, my life
Repeated affirmation of unwavering commitment to aspirations.

I dedicated my life, my life
Consistency in declaring personal investment in one's journey.

I dedicated my
Further underlining the meaning of dedication.

Test, test, yeah, you know
Testing the waters, reaffirming self-identity and readiness.

Get to this point
Reaching a significant moment of clarity and achievement.

I might have to write a script, a manuscript
Feeling inspired to convert life experiences into stories or artistic creations.

Yo, yo, ghetto manners is you thuggin' me or asking?
Confronting the complexities of street life, questioning intentions based on behavior.

Finessin' me or pressin' me, well none of that is happenin'
Asserting confidence in resisting manipulation, maintaining personal integrity.

Accessory to murder, not necessarily Manson
Distinguishing between being complicit in crime without directly committing acts of violence.

I'm just a G in constructs a Pelle Pels or a Vanson
Identifying as a person of substance, associated with stylish fashion choices.

Ratty clothes, we haven't spoke in years, pat his coat
Recognizing change and distance in relationships, marked by past acquaintances.

Check his waistline, he spyin' on who has the most
Being aware of those around who may be envious or looking to take advantage.

Best to leave me alone, I get in my zone
Encouraging others to respect personal space and focus on one's path.

Laughin' with African presidents while over the phone
Indicating connections and conversations with powerful figures, reflecting status.

Shit be feeling like the last days, cash made
The urgency of the moment is palpable, suggesting fleeting time and the challenges of success.

Mirrors on the ceiling with a bad babe
Describing a lavish, perhaps hedonistic lifestyle enjoyed with attractive company.

Same age but niggas be having mad grays
Highlighting the wear and tear of life on peers, signifying struggles faced.

Million Man March with real niggas never last place
Expressing solidarity and unwavering commitment to social justice movements.

Blazin' gats like young Haitian Jack
Drawing parallels to a notorious figure, indicating a tough, aggressive demeanor.

Me and money go together like the '80s and crack
Highlighting a strong connection to wealth that’s akin to a culturally significant era.

Shorty aura like Kimora rockin' Baby Phat
Admiring someone's presence and style, likened to a prominent fashion mogul.

I'm droppin bars, nigga, like I'm on stage with SMACK
Delivering impactful lyrics and verses as if performing in a competitive rap setting.

To my niggas who have staples from the navel up
Acknowledging those who have undergone struggles and adversity, yet still endure.

Healed up, had to chill a while, lay in the cut
Recovering from past battles, taking time to regroup and reassess.

Shorty tried to WAP me down in the Mercedes truck
Mentioning an attractive encounter within a luxurious setting, perhaps suggestive.

Pulled up, cobblestone ground in my palatial hut
Envisioning an opulent lifestyle reminiscent of historic richness.

Paradis for niggas still doing deals in the street
Recognizing that some thrive amidst struggle, finding luxury in a challenging environment.

Original Backwoods, I fill 'em with green
Referencing traditional cigarette styles, while also alluding to cannabis culture.

Am I a musician or am I a magician?
Questioning the nature of artistry and the fine line between skill and illusion.

No tricks, just real shit, straight out the kitchen
Proclaiming authenticity in creativity, producing genuine art from true experiences.

Pure magic
Celebrating the wonder and transformative power of artistry and dedication.

No tricks, no tricks
Emphasizing the commitment to authenticity without deception.

No tricks
Reiterating the importance of honesty and integrity in one’s work.

No tricks, pure magic (magic, magic, magic, magic)
Reaffirming the essence of his craft as a captivating blend of reality and artistry.