The Truth
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics

Can't bury you with your money
Wealth can't accompany you in death, emphasizing the futility of material possessions.

Can't bury you with your bitch
Even relationships can't follow you after life, highlighting the solitude of the afterlife.

Born alone, die alone
Life is a solitary journey, underscoring the inevitability of individual existence and mortality.

Yeah
An affirmation that emphasizes agreement or understanding.

Yeah
Reiterating the previous sentiment for emphasis.

Yeah, burn the whole place down
Symbolizing a desire for change, possibly through destruction or revolution.

No more foul plays
Rejecting dishonest behavior and looking for integrity in interactions.

Housin' mentality, shoot 'em down days
Referring to a survival mindset in a dangerous environment where violence is commonplace.

Goin' out of town with a couple of pound plays
Traveling for deals involving significant amounts of money or drugs.

Always the one you call your friend but then his style changed
Betrayal from someone close who has altered their behavior or loyalties.

Hard time for non-violent crimes, that's a outrage
Criticism of the justice system's severe punishment for minor offenses, highlighting systemic injustices.

We need a meetin'
Indicating a necessity for discussion or resolution among peers or community members.

Money and fame is fleetin'
Wealth and success are temporary and can vanish quickly.

You never really know the reason why two people is beefin'
Conflict often arises without clear motives, underscoring the complexity of relationships.

Bloody murder
Referencing extreme violence, possibly hinting at the consequences of gang conflicts or rivalries.

In the '80s, he had suede Louis seats in the 'burban
Nostalgically recalling a luxurious lifestyle that belonged to a past era, hinting at high living.

Did dirty, his sentence start turnin'
Someone committed crimes and is facing the consequences as their life takes a downturn.

Look at life, took advice from the streets of Vernon
Learned life lessons from street experiences, possibly in a tough neighborhood.

Nothin Nice, John Boy Ice, his death undetermined
Highlighting the unpredictability of life and death in a violent environment through a specific reference.

Pick an island anywhere for your happy soul or return it
A metaphor for seeking peace after life, contemplating the journey of the soul.

When I'm gone, I pray my family don't get the cash
A hope that his wealth won’t be misused by his family after his death.

And burn it to the floor
Warning against squandering inherited money or legacy.

Black 4s laced up
Evoking the imagery of stylish shoes, potentially symbolizing readiness or preparation.

Galactica glaciers, eighty-eight carats, immaculate paystubs
Referencing extravagant wealth and opulence through vivid imagery and expensive items.

Them niggas do a crime, I drop a rhyme, it's the same rush
Equating the thrill of creating art with the adrenaline from committing crimes.

And they been sending shots a nigga way but they ain't struck
Others might be targeting him with hostility, but he remains unscathed.

Can't fuck with me
A declaration of superiority, establishing his resilience and power.

I been outside since a buck fifty was the only way
Recalling a time when living authentically meant facing harsh realities rather than escaping.

To get your face done
Referring to cosmetic surgery; a metaphor for altering one's appearance to fit in or be accepted.

Doggystyle CD, turn that 'Murder Was The Case' up
Alluding to influential music that shaped his upbringing and reflective of the struggles in his life.

Thinkin' when I drop my first shit, I'm leavin' they face scrunched
Anticipating a strong reaction from listeners upon releasing his music, likely in surprise or shock.

Black from the dark side of Vernon, draws from the dime block
Identifying his roots in a challenging environment, claiming experience from his upbringing.

They had it clickin' but today, it's some new slimes out
While past relationships or groups were productive, current influences are negative or untrustworthy.

Instagram trickin' the hood, what they cryin' 'bout?
Questioning the authenticity of portrayals of life on social media, especially in urban communities.

Petty crimes, bitches, and money, that's what they lyin' 'bout
Criticizing superficial struggles that people often exaggerate or fabricate, focusing on trivial matters.

Niggas ain't tellin' the truth enough, no, uh-uh, no
Highlighting a lack of honesty in conversations, urging for more authenticity among peers.

Y'all don't look like the truth to us
Suggesting that others do not embody genuine authenticity, challenging their credibility.

Hype off that lil' dirt you did, that ain't shit to the kid, whoa
Expressing that past actions or achievements that are glorified by others hold little weight to him.

Niggas ain't tellin' the truth enough, no, no, nigga
Reiterating the call for honesty and realness, emphasizing frustration with the false narratives.

Y'all don't look like the truth to us
Reiterating that those around him seem inauthentic or untrustworthy.

Hype off that lil' dirt you did, that ain't shit to the kid, whoa
Reaffirming dismissal of others' glorified stories or actions that don't impress him.

Now you got your marching orders, this shit'll make your mouth water
Setting a directive that is enticing or alluring, suggesting a call to action.

Like food grilled with wood chips, Woolrich, button-up flannel
Creating an appetizing image that invokes sensory pleasure while presenting a fashion statement.

Lookin' wolfish, my hair wolfin', central bookings, simple lessons
Referring to a feral appearance yet hinting at experiences with the law, reiterating learned life lessons.

One foot on the curb, one foot in the Lexus
Balancing between two worlds: one of struggle and one of luxury, implying duality in life.

My style is eclectic, eat you pussies for breakfast
His diverse artistic expression is so powerful it dominates, conveying confidence and prowess.

Then I offer refreshments
Following his assertive approach, he brings a sense of hospitality or peace after confrontation.

Look all that fly shit y'all harpin' on
Critiquing the superficial or flashy displays others idolize and seek validation from.

They take the watch from your arm
Emphasizing vulnerability in urban life, where material items are at risk of theft.

And cops do nothin' about it, that's what's goin' on
Highlighting the inaction or negligence of law enforcement in addressing crime in the community.

Many changes, more racist
Pointing out societal shifts that have resulted in increasing racial discrimination.

When I was tourin' the nation with warrants on probation
Reflecting on a tumultuous past, navigating legal troubles while pursuing artistic endeavors.

I was a small kid amazed with the thought one day I'll be bankin'
Expressing childhood dreams of financial success, juxtaposing innocence with real-world aspirations.

IV from drinkin', Papi to Abu Dhabi
Indicating a transformation from struggles to luxurious living, perhaps referencing indulgence or change.

Prolly polly with Saudis, crank the engine on a '74 Chevy Chevelle
Imagining a high-end lifestyle with affluent friends while also grounding experiences in classic culture.

Shorty friend is a snake, I told her her bestie ain't real
Warning against betrayal or deceit from someone close, highlighting the theme of mistrust.

You gotta watch that, as the lobster crack, I spray the Baccarat
Being cautious of betrayal while enjoying luxury; metaphorically juxtaposing wealth with vigilance.

Your reputation, you can't clean that shit up at no laundromat, sucker
Reputations are lasting and can’t be easily salvaged, emphasizing accountability for one’s actions.

See, somebody has to say it, the boy still ain't graduated
Addressing the notion that some individuals never fully mature or succeed, emphasizing personal growth.

I must say they cap the greatest (be real)
Calling out lies or exaggerated claims among peers, urging for sincerity.

My team is mature, the bags are secured
Stating that his entourage is wise and well-prepared, both mentally and financially.

Surrounded by addicts addicted to having more
Describing a toxic environment filled with people who constantly seek material gain without satisfaction.

Niggas ain't tellin' the truth enough, no, uh-uh, no
Reiterating frustration with the lack of honesty prevalent in the surrounding culture.

Y'all don't look like the truth to us
A concluding remark claiming that the people in his environment lack authenticity or truth.

Hype off that lil' dirt you did, that ain't shit to the kid, whoa
Finally dismissing the small achievements that others brag about, as they don't impress him at all.

Niggas ain't tellin' the truth enough, no, no, nigga
Reemphasizing the need for genuine honesty—an important value in his perspective.

Y'all don't look like the truth to us
Final statement reinforcing that deceptive appearances are evident to him.

Hype off that lil' dirt you did, that ain't shit to the kid, whoa
Ending on the note that ostentation and bravado do not impress him, as he values authenticity.