The Tide
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics

Baby, baby, baby
A repetitive, affectionate call, perhaps indicating a deep emotional connection or desire.

Baby, baby, baby
Reiterating feelings of love or attachment, emphasizing the importance of this message.

Tsunami
A powerful wave, symbolizing overwhelming force, change, or emotional intensity.

Surf, yeah, gang
Embracing life’s challenges and riding the waves together with friends, symbolizing unity and resilience.

I caught the bus in the cold, 'fore I ever touched the icy watch
Reflecting on humble beginnings and struggles faced before achieving material success.

Stood on my square, now these niggas want me stuck in a box
Standing firm in his beliefs and identity, while others try to confine him or limit his potential.

Checkin' the rear-view in the Urus, had to circle the block
Staying vigilant and cautious as he navigates success, being aware of potential threats from the past.

Cause when you make it from the bottom, they gon' come for your top
Understanding that rising to success attracts envy and competition from others.

Yeah, when you doin' you, they don't like that shit
Acknowledging that individuality and success can lead to resentment from those around you.

I hold it down for the clique, with the types of grit
Loyalty to his friends and crew, showing determination and toughness in their shared struggles.

G-Malone CD playin', white lightnin' sticks
Enjoying nostalgic music that evokes memories, mixed with imagery that represents life's highs and lows.

While I twist another grabba and I fire that shit, for real
Indulging in personal vices as a coping mechanism, signifying a laid-back attitude amidst challenges.

This make me wanna get some game from OGs, you don't know me
Feeling inspired to seek wisdom from experienced veterans who understand the struggles he faces.

They sleepin' on me, thats the main reason, I don't sleep
Recognizing that others overlook his potential, driving him to stay vigilant and work hard.

The times that we livin' in, it could get frightenin'
Acknowledging the current social climate and its potential dangers and uncertainties.

Imagine seein' Tupac body on IG
Picturing the tragic visibility of violence and loss in today's world, emphasizing the harsh reality of fame.

How they did PnB, how they did Takeoff
Reflecting on the recent tragic deaths of prominent figures, underscoring the risks that come with success.

They'll take a hundred years to prove to niggas they ain't soft
Implying that it often takes a long time and substantial effort for individuals to prove their strength and resilience.

Big Hit', sittin' in a hole as I write this
Expressing feelings of confinement or struggle, while creating art even in difficult circumstances.

Holdin' your wrist-high, these days is a high risk
Living with a sense of pride and luxury amidst a landscape filled with threats and dangers.

So the only thing I trust is my instincts
Emphasizing reliance on personal intuition as the most reliable guide in life.

I'm squintin' through the peep hole, nigga, I've been peeped
Being observant and aware of his surroundings, suggesting a cautious and strategic approach.

All I gotta do is keep movin' intently
Focusing on deliberate actions and purposeful progression towards goals.

And if I go today, I'll live through C3 and this beat
Acknowledging that his legacy will endure through his music and creations, even after he is gone.

And if I go today, I'll live through C3 and this beat
Reinforcing the belief that artistic work immortalizes his essence and messages.

And if I go today
A reflection on mortality, contemplating what will remain after he's gone.

Vocal chords got insurance, not Superman or Invincible
Highlighting the importance of taking care of his voice and expression as an artist, acknowledging his humanity.

Family we ain't see in decades, say he don't give to you
Revealing estranged family dynamics, suggesting that connections have faded over time.

Good ol' boy system, it's still shittin', per usual
Critiquing the ongoing inequalities and corruption in societal systems that favor certain groups.

Broadway lights, Nas is ghetto-like, that's the musical
Contrasting the glamour of mainstream success with authentic, gritty experiences from the streets.

Another statement from the kid who made the fade famous
Claiming identity and influence as a trendsetter, especially in music and fashion.

From the Bridge, swirl, sniff, sip reds Bailey, Caymus
Nostalgically referencing experiences in his past, blending culture and lifestyle with indulgences.

Her BFF's so beautiful, told her 'I need the two of you'
Desiring companionship and connection, appreciating beauty in both friendship and romantic pursuits.

We only gettin' older, one day this shit'll be over
A reminder of the fleeting nature of life, prompting reflection on mortality and legacy.

Four seasons in Costa Rica, she pretty as Mona Lisa
Experiencing luxury and beauty in life’s moments, comparing someone to an iconic symbol of beauty.

Yellin' at me on the yacht, fuckin' my inner peace up
Conflicts with others interrupting his tranquility, showcasing struggles balancing relationships and personal serenity.

Quickly forget a diva, and you don't forget either
Indicating that superficial relationships can be ephemeral, while deeper connections leave a lasting impact.

They bite the hand that feed 'em, your man is low-key competin'
Highlighting disloyalty and competition amongst peers, suggesting hidden agendas.

Be somebody you helped, that got beside theyself
Observing how those he once supported may have lost sight of themselves, leading to resentment.

Movin' like it's bodies under they belt
Indicating that some people carry a heavy burden of guilt or past misdeeds, influencing their actions.

Puttin' problems on you, they couldn't juggle theyself
Recognizing how others project their own issues onto him, showing their inability to handle their problems.

That's how y'all give it up?
Questioning the motivations and actions of others, expressing disbelief at their choices.

Do anythin' to feel a rush, well, go 'head then live it up
Commenting on the lengths some will go to for excitement, encouraging them to fully embrace their lifestyle.

That's why the only thing I trust is my instinct
Reaffirming the importance of intuition as the most dependable guide amid uncertainty.

You squintin' when you see me, I'm so bright and I've been peeped
Acknowledging his prominence and visibility, recognizing that others see his success.

All I gotta do is keep movin' immensely
Focus remains on continuous progress and expansive growth in his journey.

If I go today, I'll live through Knight and Destiny
Emphasizing that his legacy will endure through his art and impact on others, even in absence.

Sink or swim, nigga
Conveying a challenge to rise above adversity, highlighting the concept of survival.

Surf or drown
A metaphor for embracing life’s challenges, urging others to actively engage rather than succumb to difficulties.

I stand above the surface, another purchase
Expressing success and stability while continuing to make acquisitions as a sign of progress.

I know my purpose, hoppin' out in retro Jordan 1's
Confidently recognizing his life’s mission while embodying a stylish, nostalgic sense through fashion.

Six-figure whips, my nigga, we all in one
Alluding to luxury cars and collective success with friends, indicating shared triumphs.

I count up a milli', don't care if it's all in ones
Emphasizing the importance of financial success, regardless of how it’s accumulated.

I take it all in hundreds, anythin' less, that ain't gon' cut it (Cut It)
Insisting on high standards when it comes to finances, displaying a commitment to wealth.

Took over the game, I'm havin' my way with it
Declaring dominance in the music industry, showcasing confidence in his control and influence.

Fuck is they sayin'? This shit is outrageous
Expressing disbelief at the critiques or discussions surrounding him, emphasizing the absurdity.

These niggas, don't even get fly as my baby is
Pointing out that others fail to match his level of style or flair, asserting his uniqueness.

This shit is easy, I go the craziest (Crazy), craziest
Confidently stating that his talent and creativity flow effortlessly, showcasing mastery.

I go insane, that should be my alias
Identifying with his wild creativity, suggesting an unpredictable and boundary-pushing nature.

I can't explain it, sit back in amazement (Amazement)
Inviting others to appreciate his artistry and realization, noting its extraordinary nature.

We really made it, tappin' my cleats, I'm ridin' the basis
Celebrating achievements and success while remaining grounded and aware of his roots.

Stuck to the basics, baby, two-faced it
Maintaining authenticity while navigating the complexities of authenticity and betrayal.

Hitters weren't loyal to some of these dudes
Recognizing disloyalty among peers, hinting at challenges in relationships within the game.

I used to tapes with, they gotta face it
Reflecting on past collaborations and the truth that must be acknowledged about their relationships.

Where do I start? They gotta set me apart
Contemplating the challenges of distinguishing himself in a sea of competition.

Y'all make music, I make art, it's straight from the heart
Emphasizing the depth and sincerity of his work compared to superficiality in mainstream music.

It's straight from the soul, I'm makin' it known, they gettin' exposed
Claiming authenticity in his expression, revealing truths about others in the industry.

I live by the cold, they subject to fold, I get to the o's, o's, o's, o's
Navigating life with resilience, while noting that not everyone can endure the pressure of success.

Surf or drown
Reiterating the choice to face life's challenges head-on or succumb to them.

I stand above the surface, another purchase
Affirming his rising success and confidence with each material acquisition representing growth.

I know my purpose, hoppin' out in retro Jordan 1's
Feeling secure in his mission while expressing personal style, underscoring self-assuredness.

Six-figure whips, my nigga, we all in one
A celebration of collective success and luxury, emphasizing unity with his crew.

I count up a milli', don't care if it's all in ones
Focusing on wealth accumulation without concern for denominations, highlighting financial success.