Composure
Nas feat. Hit‐Boy Lyrics

Ayo Hit I like this IE weather
Nas expresses his admiration for the weather in IE to Hit-Boy.

Vote yes on Hit-Boy bitch I'm the city spokesman
Nas claims to support Hit-Boy's talent and encourages others to do the same.

They see we got this shit crackin' and now they spirit broken
Nas notices that others are intimidated by his and Hit-Boy's success.

I'm standin' on the green like the British Open
Nas feels confident and powerful, like a golfer on the green at the British Open.

And stackin' ice on top of ice but I'm not building snowmen
Nas is accumulating wealth and success in a meaningful way, not for superficial reasons.

Doctors couldn't even detect my disorders
Nas has faced challenges in his life that may have gone unnoticed by medical professionals.

One case, six figures on six different lawyers
Nas has dealt with legal issues that have required a lot of money and effort to resolve.

I put my soul in every song with limited support
Nas puts a lot of effort and emotion into his music, even if he doesn't always receive support from others.

Focused on the output not the outcome big God is my source
Nas values the process of creating music and trusts in a higher power to guide him.

Spirit of excellence in my genetics
Nas comes from a lineage of talented individuals who strive for greatness.

Complexities come with my complexion
Nas acknowledges that his skin color has created unique challenges and experiences for him.

'Fore you shut me down let me reach my level first
Nas wants to be given a chance to succeed before others dismiss him.

Y'all be too proud to do the devil's work
Nas believes that some people refuse to engage in unethical behavior, even if it benefits them.

All that actin' and fakin' I can't take part in it
Nas prefers to stay true to himself and avoid fake behavior.

I'm washin' my hands with the soap opera shit
Nas wants to distance himself from unnecessary drama and conflict.

Set the cameras to speed, co-directed KD
Nas has experience directing and producing music videos, including one featuring basketball player Kevin Durant.

But we know the caged bird sings and screams when it's free
Nas understands that people who have been oppressed or confined will express themselves when given the chance.

Every second I spit on this I got it back in blessings
Nas feels that his hard work and talent will be rewarded in some way.

You can't stop and run no errands on the way to legend
Nas is determined to become a legend and will not let anything distract him from that goal.

They shoulda told 'em I'm raising up on the totem
Nas wants others to know that he is ascending in status and power.

Yeah, boilin' over, pot full of yola
Nas feels like he is overflowing with energy and power, like a pot full of drugs (yola).

Mix it with the cola
Nas is blending his energy and power with other elements to create something unique and potent.

Son of a block controlla
Nas comes from a background where being in control of one's surroundings and environment is important.

Can't let 'em fuck me over
Nas is determined to avoid being mistreated or taken advantage of.

Gotta keep my composure look
Nas must remain calm and level-headed in order to achieve his goals.

Had yellow jaundice when I was born
Nas experienced a health issue early in life.

Kept me in an incubator, ten days long
Nas required medical attention and care for his health condition.

I made up songs, I was like humming tunes ten years later
Nas began composing music at a young age.

Writin' in my room ten years after that on stage like it's too soon, but
Nas began performing on stage shortly after writing his own music, which may have felt like a rapid progression to him.

For me see, my parents met inside a nightclub
Nas's parents met under unconventional circumstances.

Olu started to fight and then my moms broke it up
Nas's parents have a history of conflict, but Nas's mother was able to intervene and prevent further escalation.

She said this boy he's in the Navy, settle down before ya'll need savin'
Nas's mother warned his father about the potential risks of his profession and encouraged him to be responsible.

Pop went to war around the world, came home we celebrated
Nas's father served in the military and his return home was a joyful occasion.

AWOL, fast forward to when I started to play ball
Nas's father may have gone AWOL (absent without leave) from the military at some point, but Nas himself later became interested in basketball.

From a place where we hate law
Nas comes from a community with a distrust or dislike of law enforcement.

See the Jakes and we take off (Whoop whoop)
Nas and others in his community try to avoid getting caught or detained by police, as indicated by the sound of a police siren ('Whoop whoop').

Hit the gate I get home and take my chain off
Nas feels a sense of relief and relaxation when returning home and removing his jewelry or other symbols of status.

Thankful I got through the day and all the evil I prayed off
Nas is grateful for having survived the challenges and negativity he faced during the day.

Everything is cause and effect
Nas acknowledges that actions have consequences.

Make the wrong moves in this business you lose all your respect
Nas warns that making mistakes in the music industry can damage one's reputation and success.

My block is dark as it gets
Nas comes from a neighborhood with limited opportunities and resources.

We all make mistakes only a few will recover from 'em
Nas knows that people are prone to errors, but only some will be able to bounce back from them.

Don't spend your whole life runnin' from 'em
Nas advises against trying to avoid mistakes or problems for one's entire life.

And believe in the magic of who we are
Nas encourages self-belief and recognition of one's unique qualities and talents.

'Cause what you believe is everything
Nas believes that one's beliefs and attitudes shape one's reality and outcomes.

And what someone believes about you, is nothing
Nas suggests that other people's opinions or beliefs should not hold power over oneself.

Hold space for yourself
Nas advocates for self-care and self-preservation in order to thrive.

It's the way of the ancestors
Nas believes that his ancestors and predecessors had similar values and practices for self-care and growth.

Our elders
Nas respects and honors older members of his community.

Our artists
Nas recognizes the value and impact of creative individuals in society.

Our OGs
Nas acknowledges the importance and teachings of older or more experienced individuals.

Our dreamers
Nas recognizes the potential and value of those who have a vision or ambition for themselves and others.

Our builders
Nas appreciates those who create and maintain infrastructure and communities.

With each breath internalize their successes
Nas suggests that one can learn from the accomplishments and experiences of others by reflecting on them regularly (with each breath).

Their struggles
Nas recognizes that success often comes with hardship and difficulties.

Their sense of self
Nas acknowledges the importance of individual identity and self-awareness.

Their sense of overcoming
Nas admires the resilience and tenacity required to overcome challenges.

And take that power forward with you in life
Nas encourages using the lessons and examples of others to inform and empower one's own life.

Remind yourself of the magnitude of your good fortune
Nas suggests taking time to appreciate and reflect on the positive aspects of one's life and experiences.

And the mere chance, one in billions, that you survived
Nas recognizes the unlikeliness of one's existence and encourages gratitude for it.

That you will thrive
Nas believes in one's potential to succeed and grow despite obstacles.

And even the strongest kings and queens being, yet remain unbroken
Nas acknowledges that even those who hold power, wealth, or status can face challenges but can persevere despite them.

Keep your composure
Nas suggests maintaining a calm and level-headed demeanor.

On city blocks
Nas may be referring to the difficulty of staying composed in urban, high-stress environments.

And cell blocks
Nas may be acknowledging the unique stressors and challenges of being incarcerated or being close to those who are.

Hold it down
Nas advises being responsible and reliable in all aspects of life.

Hold it tight
Nas encourages being attentive and conscientious in one's actions and decisions.

Hold it close
Nas suggests valuing and treasuring one's experiences and relationships.