Been A Long Time
Nate Dogg Lyrics

Rrrah, uhh, bitch!
Saafir introducing Xzibit's appearance on his radio show

It's radio radio station, cat Xzibit huh?
Saafir reiterating that Xzibit is his guest on the show

K-W-Balls, Daniel Thompson hold like this
Saafir naming the radio station and producer of the show

Like that in fact, with a fat-ass Battlecat track
Saafir introducing the music being played on the show

I'm takin caller number one, that is..
Saafir announcing that the first caller is being taken

Rrrah uhh, bitch - you took too long
Saafir telling the first caller that they took too long

Caller number two like this..
Saafir moving on to the second caller

Bounce up out of the house close to midnight
Xzibit describing leaving the house late at night

Full rack up in the back {*BZZ BZZ*} shit is tight
Xzibit describing having a full car of equipment or goods

Full charge and I'm out for somethin
Xzibit ready and determined to do something

Mass production, Battlecat bang percussion
Xzibit acknowledging the production behind the music they create

End of discussion, hittin some corners, rearrange thangs
Xzibit determined to make moves and change things

and brang change, we expand California
Xzibit and his crew looking to make a big impact in California

Listen - I lost more than I can ever gain back
Xzibit reflecting on the losses he's faced in his career

from this road to riches, makin my heart turn black
Xzibit acknowledging the cost of his success on his mental state

So I'm cold to bitches, and I never call back
Xzibit explaining his attitude towards women and communication

Plus I'm stoned and vicious, lay your whole hood flat
Xzibit describing his dangerous and violent nature while high

Get your, shit together nigga Big Snoop Dogg told me
Xzibit heeding advice from fellow rapper Snoop Dogg

'Do music and leave that other shit alone homey'
Snoop Dogg's advice to Xzibit to focus on his music career

We came from dust, the X-odus, the hard to touch
Xzibit acknowledging his humble beginnings and challenging path to success

y'all niggaz ain't fuckin with us, and plus
Xzibit asserting his crew's greatness and superiority

it ain't nothin like standin on your own two
Xzibit emphasizing the importance of independence

So run them streets, but never let 'em run you
Xzibit urging his listeners to take control of their lives

Time is steady wastin, steady wastin
Nate Dogg reminding us of the importance of time

Since time won't wait for me, yeah, won't wait, won't wait
Nate Dogg stressing the urgency of making the most of time

Just give me a beat that's bang, give me a beat that's bangin
Nate Dogg asking for a good beat to make music to

I'll bust 'til I'm deceased, yeah, wooo-oooh, ooh-ooh-ooooh
Nate Dogg declaring his passion and commitment to music

Tune in, witness the rise of a icon
Xzibit predicting his own success and influence

The python wrap around 'til your breath gone
Xzibit describing himself as a dangerous and suffocating force

The upper echelon, and I'm the cat you pull a weapon on
Xzibit acknowledging his position of power and danger

and want to squeeze 'til my life is gone?
Xzibit questioning those who would threaten his life

Back to the wall and trust nobody
Xzibit stressing the importance of protecting oneself in a difficult situation

Sippin Cognac with Kurupt, Young Gotti
Xzibit enjoying drinks with fellow rappers Kurupt and Young Gotti

Somebody gotta recognize this
Xzibit demanding recognition for his greatness

Throw fo' fingers up, add a thumb, then make it a fist
Xzibit demonstrating a popular hand gesture and symbol of resistance

Number one draft pick, lead the league in assists
Xzibit asserting his skill and leadership in the music industry

Give a fuck how you decorate your neck and your wrists
Xzibit asserting that material possessions don't define one's greatness

You just settin yourself up for the twist (gimme that) it's like this
Xzibit warning against those who invite trouble with their flashy lifestyle

Only a few slide through like the Schindler's List
Xzibit acknowledging that only a select few can make it in the music industry

Who's the bitch, who's the mack, what's worse
Xzibit questioning the morals and character of certain people

the niggaz that bring in the coke or smoke the crack?
Xzibit criticizing those who profit from drug use and addiction

Metaphor figure four let it break your back (yeah)
Xzibit using a wrestling metaphor to describe his lyrical skills and impact

It's been a long time, where the gangstas at?
Xzibit wondering where the real gangsters have gone

Damn it feels good to be back in the saddle
Xzibit expressing his joy at returning to success

On top of the game, crackin the frame, the heat of the battle
Xzibit dominating the music industry and facing challenges head-on

Been a long time comin but we waited
Xzibit reflecting on the time it took to achieve success

Xzibit went from bein hated, to makin the whole world say it
Xzibit acknowledging his evolution from obscurity to worldwide recognition

Give a fuck if the radio play it
Xzibit asserting that his music will be successful regardless of radio play

Niggaz fall like the domino effect and you can't delay it
Xzibit acknowledging the impact his success has on other artists

It ain't about who you are when you're makin your stack
Xzibit emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination over status

It's the look that's on your face when you givin it back
Xzibit emphasizing the importance of giving back and doing good in the world

So picture that
Xzibit concluding his thoughts with a strong statement

My mind keeps on trippin, trippin.. trippin like ev-ery-day.. mm-hmm
Nate Dogg admitting to his struggles with mental health

Yeah, it's been a long time
Xzibit reiterating how long it took him to reach success

Time, keeps on slippin, slippin.. keeps on slippin away.. mm-hmm
Nate Dogg reminding us that time is precious and fleeting