Ghetto Reporter
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics

Close your eyes
Prepare yourself mentally to absorb the truth about the environment around you.

Listen, listen, listen
Pay careful attention to the underlying messages and realities being communicated.

They give niggas time like it's lunch down there
In the justice system, marginalized individuals are treated dismissively, as if their time isn't valuable.

You go down there looking for justice that's what you find, just us
When seeking fairness, the reality is often that you encounter only those similarly oppressed, reinforcing a sense of isolation.

It's comedy, it's hilarious
The absurdity of the situation surrounding societal issues can sometimes feel laughable despite its seriousness.

Look yourself in the mirror, tell me times ain't the scariest
Reflect on your own life and acknowledge that current times are filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

For me droppin' album after album, like it's a various artist compilation
My consistent releases can seem varied and diverse, akin to a collection from multiple artists.

But it's just me and HB and this shit take concentration
Despite appearances, it's a focused effort by just a few individuals who work hard to produce this art.

Niggas know I don't drop this often, so cherish it (so cherish it)
Listeners understand that my releases are rare and should be valued for their significance.

Like your daughter's graduation, kid's marriages
These moments of release should be celebrated like important life events that hold great meaning.

When the culture vultures swooped down, they start exploitin' the sound
When outsiders take interest, they often exploit the music for profit, disregarding the original creators.

They drew up contracts for our niggas, Dru Hill to drew down
Record labels create contracts that often lead to the exploitation of artists, impacting their careers negatively.

And I'm prayin' they set
I hope that industry decisions favor the artistic integrity and well-being of the artists involved.

Instead, most artists don't live as good as the execs
In many cases, the executives in the industry benefit more financially than the artists themselves.

And they end up depressed
Many artists face emotional struggles due to the pressures and challenges of the industry.

Scarred by A&Rs, the music be changin'
Artists are often impacted negatively by the decisions of A&R representatives, leading to shifts in their music.

And the culture be shiftin', so you gotta move with it
The evolving music industry demands that artists adapt to survive and maintain relevance.

Call me the party crasher, that plan spoiler
I disrupt the status quo, challenging prevalent ideas and practices within the industry.

That Malcolm C and Maya Angelou and God are holdin' a camcorder
I feel a connection to powerful historical figures and divine guidance during my creative process.

Ghetto reporter, live from 40-Side, you know my storyline
I represent my community authentically and narrate the stories that arise from my background.

First project rapper, triple platinum with New Yorker pride
I have achieved notable success in my career as a hip-hop artist, representing my city with pride.

King's Disease
The struggles and challenges faced by artists, often metaphorically referred to as a widespread affliction.

Most of us catch it at one point or another
Many artists experience these struggles at various stages in their careers.

But evolve
Despite the challenges, we must grow and adapt to overcome obstacles.

Find a new formula
We should seek innovative approaches to navigate the complexities of the industry.

One that takes everything in you to make
Creating impactful art requires complete dedication and effort.

The audacity, masterfully crafted these classics, so naturally
It takes boldness and skill to create timeless music that resonates deeply.

Had to be nasty back at it
I needed to return to making impactful, hard-hitting music with intensity.

They argue KD1, KD2, and Magic, what's harder when?
There are debates over which of my albums is the most impactful, showcasing the evolution of my art.

KD3 go harder than all of them
My latest project surpasses my previous works in quality and significance.

Back in the 9-0's, barely rubbed elbows with CEOs
In my early career during the 1990s, I was distant from industry leaders and executives.

I was dolo, I bet it shocked y'all to see me grow
I was independent, and my evolution as an artist surprised many observers.

And the 0-0's, I still ain't attend much industry dinners
During the 2000s, I remained out of mainstream industry events, choosing to focus on my craft.

Had to tend to my business, go past the sky's limit
I prioritized my personal and artistic goals, aiming for extraordinary achievements.

The hate gon' rise quicker, so how could I manage this disadvantage?
As success grows, so too does resentment, and I must strategize to navigate these challenges.

Niggas Planet Hollywood, I came from a different planet
While others thrive in mainstream industries, I hail from a different, more authentic background.

Leave it up to me to break the news you won't see on the screen
It is my responsibility to share truths that mainstream media tends to overlook.

Chuckle at you motherfuckers, we the last of the kings
I’m amused by those who don’t understand my position; I represent a dying breed of true artistry.

Shout to the real ones like us, it's a shortage, it seems
I acknowledge fellow genuine artists, noting that they are becoming increasingly rare.

I'm underground and overground and it's never been seen
I embody elements of both underground and mainstream music scenes, offering a unique perspective.

Real council my streams
I have authentic supporters engaging with my music, enhancing its significance.

Got real people tappin' in, so that's what that means, indeed
The genuine connections I have with my audience affirm the value of my work.

It means I got nothin' but the real checkin' in
I am surrounded by authentic individuals who relate to and support my message.

We locked in, all the way
Our connection and commitment to one another is strong and unwavering.

Just applaud this, yeah
Let’s recognize and celebrate the importance of this moment together.

Trappin' about, you know what I'm sayin'?
Discussing my experiences navigating the challenges of the street life.

Like, I couldn't get out if I wanted to
I feel trapped within the circumstances of my environment and profession.

All us rappers are trapped in it
Many hip-hop artists find themselves ensnared by the culture and expectations of the industry.

We can't get out, you know what I'm sayin'?
It’s a struggle for artists to break free from the cycles and pressures inherent in the music world.

‘Til we over, 'til it's dead, 'til we in the dirt
This cycle continues until our careers end or we pass away.

When I'm fifty years old, I wanna have fifty-year-old fans
I aspire to maintain a loyal fan base that evolves alongside me as I age.

Sixty-year old fans and sixteen-year old fans
I hope to attract a diverse audience across different generations, ensuring my music transcends time.