Guilty
R. Kelly & Jay-Z Lyrics

I thought this was America people!
Expressing disbelief that the justice system is not operating as expected

Uhh, yeah, guilty until proven innocent huh?
Making a sarcastic comment about the judicial process

Before me there was many; after me there will be none
Boasting about being a unique and unparalleled artist

I am the one
Reiterating that he is the best at what he does

Uh-huh, okay, I see how we playin
Acknowledging the situation and how it's being handled

Yeah, I get it down , anxiously the public can't wait
Stating that he knows he has a lot of fans who can't wait to hear his music

Niggaz had to have it way before it's release date
Pointing out that people were so eager for his new music that they were willing to obtain it illegally

Jigga get irate, press get it fucked up
Referring to himself in the third person and expressing frustration with the media for misunderstanding him

Took me one point eight but I had to get it straight
Admitting that it took some time to produce his new music, but it was worth it to get it right

Get the CD, twelve inch vinyl, get the tape
Listing the different formats of his new music that are available for purchase

Jigga give out food for thought dog, get a plate
Using a metaphor to describe his deep and meaningful lyrics

I get it down, get it krunk when I get in the state of mind
Describing how he becomes energized and inspired when he is in the right mindset

That what's mine is mine, nobody get to take
Asserting his ownership and control over his work and personal life

I don't bend, break, fold, scratch, go down
Claiming that he is resilient and won't be brought down by anyone or anything

My mental Rolodex see these words? I just don't know
Hinting at the complexity of his thoughts and the many ideas and words he has floating around in his mind

I know stress, drama, niggaz upsettin my mama
Admitting that his life is not always perfect and he has to deal with various sources of tension and difficulty

Arrested, put in the lineup, tryin to put dents in my armor
Talking about how he has faced legal challenges and other attempts to undermine his credibility

But I'm a survivor, plus I'm liver than most
Stating that he has weathered many storms and remained successful despite the odds

Out on bail, fifty thou', still ridin with toast
Revealing that he was recently released from jail on bail, but is still carrying a weapon for protection

I ain't tryin to collide with folk,
Not looking for trouble or confrontation

But I don't want folk takin Jigga for joke
Asserting that he wants to be taken seriously as an artist and public figure

I guess you niggaz just woke - good morning!
Suggesting that his critics are only now starting to realize how serious he is

You can't touch me, no you can't touch me
Claiming that he is untouchable and cannot be harmed

Jigga, Kelly, not guilty
Asserting his innocence in the face of legal charges

Try to charge me but I'm not guilty
Reasserting his innocence once more

I got, all, my mamis
Boasting about his many female admirers

Tell me, what you, want from me
Asking his critics what they actually want or expect from him

I'm not guilty
Reiterating his innocence yet again

I see how you comin' at me now, I'm cool
Recognizing that people may be trying to bring him down, but he is staying calm and composed

I'm not the snitch I don't go to the cops to get rich
Making it clear that he is not a snitch and doesn't cooperate with authorities in order to gain wealth

I go to the block and pitch
Explaining that he relies on his own streetwise skills and contacts to make a living

I go with the glock and click, I go with the pop I'm sick
Admitting that he is not above using violence to protect himself or his interests

Look in my eyes dog, right in my pupils
Challenging his critics to look him in the eye and see that he is telling the truth

If I'm your rival, why would I have to do you?
Asking why he would need to harm someone who is already his competitor

Press try to throw dirt on my name, disturbin' my game
Complaining that the media is trying to undermine his credibility and success

Seemed happy when they heard he was arraigned, glad he's indichted
Suggesting that some people are actually rooting for him to fail or face legal consequences

Got big money, big lawyers to fight it
Admitting that he is able to afford the best legal representation to deal with his charges

Just like Cochran, cocksuckers you never see me boxed in
Comparing himself to the famous attorney Johnnie Cochran, and asserting that he will not be confined or limited by others

Y'all all know it, Jigga's a fighter
Claiming that he is not going to give up or be defeated easily

Plus I'm claustrophobic, back on the streets before you know it
Revealing that he does not do well in confined spaces and will be back on the streets as soon as possible

And my word niggaz, I heard you niggaz
Acknowledging that he is aware of what people are saying about him

I'm address each and every one of you cocksuckers
Aggressively asserting that he will confront his critics head on

Fuck the white press, the block love us, hip-hop forever
Rejecting the mainstream media and embracing the support of his community

B.I.G. is here, the soul of Tupac hovers, above us
Paying tribute to two famous deceased rappers and suggesting that their spirits live on in the world of hip-hop

So you can't touch me nigga, you can't touch me
Reiterating that he is untouchable and cannot be harmed

Said Jigga, Kelly, not guilty
Reasserting his innocence yet again

And I got, all my, mamis
Boasting about his many female admirers

I don't, know why, y'all can't see that
Expressing confusion about why so many people doubt his innocence

Y'all, dudes, can't touch me
Asserting once more that he is untouchable and invincible

So tell me, what you, want from me
Asking his critics directly what they hope to achieve by attacking him

Y'all, niggaz, can't touch me
Reiterating once more that he is untouchable and invincible