Ugly
Nas & Hit-Boy Lyrics

It's ugly outside, it's muggy, it's muddy outside
The external environment is unpleasant, humid, and messy

105 Fahrenheit, thunderous skies
The temperature is extremely high, and the skies are filled with loud thunder

The clouds shape a clown face above where you reside
The clouds form the image of a clown above your location

Under his eye, teardrop got the ugliest cry
The tear falling from the eye of the clown has an exceptionally ugly appearance

They call my city Gotham City, opposite of pretty
My city is known as Gotham City, which is the opposite of being aesthetically pleasing

Weatherman cannot predict bullets rainin' from out the 50
The weather forecasters are unable to foresee the bullets firing from a specific location

Big L would be here if it wasn't
The late rapper Big L would still be alive if the circumstances were different

Hell'll freeze over the day it doesn't get ugly out
An extreme scenario is presented, suggesting that ugliness is an integral part of life and will never cease

How can we hug it out
How can we reconcile and make peace with one another?

After we slugged it out?
After we have engaged in physical combat?

We should be buyin' acres adjustin' each other's crowns
We should be investing in land and uplifting each other's statuses

That was your brother back then, how could you gun him down?
In the past, he was your close companion, so how could you fatally shoot him?

This what I live for, the inventor
This is my purpose, to create and innovate

The re-invention, I'm reincarnated, see what it hit for
Through my reinvention, I have been reborn and showcase the impact I can make

Yo, even your mental can get you sent for
Even your state of mind can lead to your incarceration

Get you chipped off if it's a brick off, you hit a brick wall
If you make a mistake or fail to meet expectations, you will face consequences

Damn, big dog
Expressing surprise or astonishment, referring to someone influential or powerful

Dove in that water and got hit with a cannonball
Jumped into a situation and faced a significant setback or obstacle

Ugly Christmas sweater party with no Santa Claus
A festive gathering where people wear unattractive sweaters, lacking the presence of Santa Claus

Companies profit off of black trauma
Corporations make financial gains by exploiting the suffering experienced by Black individuals

That's ugly, mad ugly just like Sheneneh and Wanda
This is extremely unappealing, reminiscent of the unattractive characters Sheneneh and Wanda

You been through shit, I been through shit, everyday is an honor
Both of us have faced challenging circumstances, so every day is a valuable experience

It's ugly how Mercedes Moore lost her life to a stalker
The tragic death of Mercedes Moore at the hands of a stalker is incredibly disturbing

I'm on offense everyday until I see the love
I am constantly striving to receive love and positive recognition from others

KD3 on the way, this just to feed the buzz
KD3, a reference to Kevin Durant's signature shoe line, is upcoming, and this project aims to generate excitement and anticipation

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder
It is often said that beauty is subjective and depends on individual perception

I see the envy getting closer through my optics
I can perceive jealousy approaching, gaining clarity through my perspectives

Knew I had vision before I seen the optometrist
I was aware of my foresight even before visiting an eye specialist

I seen a whole lot of shit, never altered my confidence
I have witnessed numerous challenging situations, but my self-assurance remains unchanged

Or my consciousness
Nor has it affected my awareness or perception

It's ugly outside, stay dangerous, stay out the mix
The external world is hostile and unpredictable, so it's important to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary involvement

Poppin' back out on niggas, homie, I'm poppin' shit
Resurfacing and making a strong impact through my words and actions

Kill 'em with no accomplices, watchin' my rearview, the envy is obvious
Eliminating my adversaries without assistance while being mindful of those who envy me, the signs are clear

It's grown men jealous outside
Mature individuals are experiencing jealousy and envy in the world

It's grown ass women that'll have you set up to die
Even adult women can manipulate situations and orchestrate setups leading to one's demise

You really not a stepper, nigga, just step to the side
You are not truly a person who takes action, so it's best for you to simply move out of the way

While I two-step on a beat, watch a veteran slide
As I flawlessly dance to the rhythm of the music, observe a seasoned artist smoothly perform

JMJ seen em comin', wish he ain't hit the buzzer
Jam Master Jay foresaw the approaching danger, wishing he had not triggered the alarm or called attention to it

Marvin Gaye to Young Dolph, we takin' out our brothers
From Marvin Gaye to Young Dolph, we are tragically losing our own fellow artists and community members

Distorted faces, solemn features, we kill each other
Our faces reflect pain and sorrow as we perpetuate violence against one another

It's Mr Ugly Man, Marlon Wayans in In Living Color
I embrace the persona of Mr Ugly Man, reminiscent of Marlon Wayans' character in the TV show In Living Color