Heaven & Hell
Raekwon Lyrics

This that gravedigger shit (ooh, and no one can fuck with the Wu-Tang)
We are bringing that hardcore, dark and gritty style of music that no one else can compete with, representing the Wu-Tang Clan.

Yo (what? What?)
Hey, listen up!

Exotic type shit
We're coming with unique and unconventional sounds and lyrics.

Ninety-four
Referring to the year, indicating the time period when this song was released.

We must go to war fast
We need to quickly engage in a battle, but not a physical one. It's about lyricism and skill in our music.

With the pen and the pad
We will use our writing and rhyming skills to dominate the rap game.

Goddamn
Emphasizing the intensity and power of their music.

Shine like gold rims on Pathfinders
We will stand out and be noticed, just like the shiny gold rims on luxury SUVs.

Wu-Tang reclines, lamps
The Wu-Tang Clan relaxes and enjoys their success, soaking up the praise and admiration.

For the nine-squares, kid
Representing their neighborhood, they are doing this for their community and fans.

(Money, clothes, designer hoes and shows, y'all)
We are pursuing wealth, fashion, beautiful women, and performing live shows – the materialistic side of success.

Yo, yo, wakin' up about ten, kid
Starting the day around 10 a.m.

Jumpin' in the shower, peace about to make
Taking a shower and preparing for the day ahead.

Moves to slide like grease
Planning strategic and smooth actions, avoiding any friction or obstacles.

What? I'm all about TECs and checks with nuff respect
I'm focused on acquiring firearms ('TECs'), money ('checks') and earning respect from others.

You front, I'm slammin' you like the Lex'
If you act confrontational or disrespectful, I will respond aggressively and forcefully like a Lexus car ('Lex').

So now I'm out on the ninety-five
I'm on the highway, specifically Interstate 95.

Rockin' that real nigga don't die
Embracing the mentality that a true, authentic person will always stay strong and live on.

Guess down, drawers Kani
Wearing Guess clothing and Calvin Klein underwear.

But, yo, I'm makin' a pit stop
Taking a quick break, detouring from the main route.

Go and buy a box of Glocks
Purchasing a set of Glock handguns.

It equaled up, pay up, what up Ahk?
The cost adds up, so settle the payment. Seeking confirmation from a friend ('Ahk') about their current situation.

Yo, remember that kid that we vicked?
Recalling a specific person they targeted or robbed ('vicked').

He made a half of mil for real, he brought about four bricks
This individual earned half a million dollars legitimately, likely from drug dealing ('four bricks' referring to bricks of drugs).

Yo, so now we connect thoughts, meet me at the airport
We need to plan and strategize, so let's meet up at the airport as a meeting point.

Tell Golden Arms maintain the fort
Instructing Golden Arms (another member of Wu-Tang Clan) to hold down the fort and keep things secure while they are away.

Get in touch with that west coast cali crab you stabbed
Reach out to a person they had a conflict with on the West Coast ('west coast cali crab') and make amends.

And meet me at the bitch lab
Arranging to meet at a location ('bitch lab') where they can discuss their plans and handle business.

So word up, kid, we slid like a fat four to twelve bid and shit
They smoothly and discreetly moved away ('slid') as if they were serving a long prison sentence ('four to twelve bid').

Couldn't even rest, I need the vic'
They couldn't even relax or rest because they are constantly seeking a new opportunity or a successful robbery ('vic').

And when I slept, I dream Gs, son
Even in their dreams, they envision making large sums of money ('Gs' slang for thousands).

I need some keys won't sell, call up son
Referring to drugs ('keys') that they won't sell themselves, implying they will reach out to a contact to handle the transaction.

I heard Pook and Tyriq caught a beef over some real shit
Pook and Tyriq had a serious conflict or argument ('beef') related to something significant or concerning ('real shit').

A fake nigga faked and they killed his clique
Someone who pretended to be something they're not ('fake nigga') caused trouble, resulting in their crew being killed or taken down ('killed his clique').

Gimme a minute and I'm winnin'
Give me some time, and I'll come out on top and be successful.

Yo, niggas done did it, rock your vest
They successfully accomplished their goal, so celebrate and protect yourself by wearing a bulletproof vest.

Keep your whip tinted
Keep the windows of your car darkened or tinted for privacy and safety.

So now we see him up in Bojangles
They spot a person they have a problem with or want to confront at a specific location, possibly a restaurant (Bojangles).

Stranglin' a forty ounce, with ten Gs worth of gold bangles
They witness this person casually holding a forty-ounce drink and wearing expensive gold bracelets worth ten thousand dollars ('ten Gs worth of gold bangles').

Diamonds, what? All up in his face
Taunting this person who is flaunting diamonds and being overly assertive or arrogant.

With his man's mace, medallions the size of dinner plates
This person has a large weapon ('man's mace') and massive medallions resembling the size of dinner plates, showcasing their wealth and status.

Yo, he knew we knew him so we blew him
This person realized that they were recognized by the Wu-Tang Clan, so they were eliminated or attacked ('blew him').

Took thirty Gs worth of jewels of that nigga, do him
They robbed this person of jewelry worth thirty thousand dollars ('thirty Gs worth of jewels') as a form of punishment or revenge ('do him').

So now I'm lampin' in my man's land
They are now relaxing and enjoying themselves in a comfortable environment or territory owned by a close friend ('my man's land').

Streets is hot like sand
The streets are dangerous and intense, almost like burning hot sand.

G's is rollin' in my right hand
They have stacks of money ('G's') counting it and holding it in their right hand, demonstrating their financial success.

Yup, you know the steezo, black
You already know the style and way we operate, my friend.

Got to go down like that
Things have to happen or unfold in that particular manner, whether it's favorable or not.

Shallah, cigars and ball hats
Referring to themselves as 'Shallah' (a term used by Raekwon) and their love for smoking cigars and wearing ball hats.

What do you believe in? Heaven or hell?
Questioning the listener's beliefs or perspective on life and the afterlife.

You don't believe in heaven 'cause we're livin' in hell
Suggesting that the current state of the world or their surroundings is so bad that it resembles hell, making it difficult to believe in a heavenly existence.

So it's your life
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to make choices and navigate their own life.

What a chamber
Referring to a metaphorical chamber, possibly symbolizing a dangerous situation or environment.

Fuckin' with mad strangers
Getting involved with unfamiliar and potentially dangerous individuals.

Yeah, you know how it runs, baby
You are familiar with how things operate, my friend.

Straight up, yo
Speaking honestly and directly.

(Money, clothes, designer hoes and shows y'all)
Once again highlighting the pursuit of wealth, fashionable clothing, beautiful women, and performing live shows.

That's how it goes, whatever
That's the way life works, no matter what happens.

Niggas ain't even know son
People are not aware, my friend.

How it happen so fast
They are surprised at how quickly things unfolded or progressed.

Those were livin' and sold their weight
Referring to people who were once alive, but got caught up in illegal activities (likely drug dealing) and faced the consequences ('sold their weight').

No question
Without a doubt.

Shit is real, you know what I'm sayin'?
The situation or circumstances they are referring to is genuinely serious and authentic.

Word up, niggas thinks it's all about the FILA, velour
People mistakenly believe that material possessions like FILA sneakers and velour tracksuits are the key to success.

That little hundred dollars and that make you a man
People foolishly think that possessing a small amount of money ('hundred dollars') can define one's masculinity or worth as a man.

You ain't promised tomorrow, son, word up (for real)
Reminding others that life is unpredictable and they shouldn't take anything for granted because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Niggas don't understand how life can be so short
Some people fail to comprehend how brief and fleeting life can be.

Come so fast
It can end abruptly without warning.

Within the blinkin' of eye
In an extremely short amount of time.

Blink of an eye, you're gone, baby, straight up
In just an instant, you can disappear or lose your life completely.

Know what I'm sayin'?
Do you understand?

Get turned to dust
Metaphorically, people can quickly turn into ashes or vanish from existence.

Return to the casket
Symbolizing death, as one's body is placed back into the coffin after they pass away.

That ass is out, son, word up
Once you die, that's it – there is no coming back. It's final.

Word up, get evaporated, straight up (word up)
Similar to water evaporating and disappearing, one's life can vanish suddenly without a trace.

Lose all your strength, nigga
You will lose all your power, energy, and vitality.

Crazy dedication shoutout in the memory of Two Cent Jason
Expressing deep admiration and respect for Two Cent Jason, who showed extreme dedication and commitment. This is a tribute to his memory.

Heartbroken, we soakin' wet though
Despite their grief and sadness, they remain resilient and strong.

Keepin' it real for my peoples
Staying true and authentic to their community and supporters.

And my physical brother DeVon, you're still in here, baby
Acknowledging their sibling DeVon, who despite not being physically present, is still remembered and cherished.

Because you're in my arms nigga, word up
They hold their brother close to their heart and thoughts, even though they are not physically together.

I never let you go, baby
They will always keep their brother's memory and spirit alive.

You know what I'm sayin'? You're my life charm, word up
Expressing their love and deep connection to their brother, who is a source of joy and positive energy in their life.

For real
Being sincere and genuine in their words and emotions.

Keep shinin'
Continue to radiate positivity, success, and greatness.

Real keepin it real, you know?
They are genuinely authentic and honest, staying true to themselves and their values.

Shout out to major niggas
Giving respect and recognition to important and influential individuals.

Big Kawai, Jess, Hell on the computer system
Acknowledging Big Kawai, Jess, and Hell for their expertise and skill in the computer field or technology.

The RZA, who slams fat discs for the ninety-four
Praising RZA, who produces incredible and influential music ('fat discs') for the year 1994.

Word up, RZA
Affirming RZA's talent and skill, showing respect and appreciation.

That's my nigga, baby
RZA is considered a close friend and highly respected individual.

Yeah, eatin' dinner with the big boys now
They have achieved a significant level of success and recognition, being accepted and respected by influential and powerful people.

You know what I'm sayin'?
Do you understand the significance of this?

Word up, Big Booth represent the Q
Acknowledging and saluting Big Booth, who represents Queens ('the Q').

You know how we do
Referring to their established style, manner, and way of operating.

Now get that power-U type gangster on, you know?
Embrace a confident and assertive mentality, adopting a powerful and influential persona.

The GZA, word up, Master Killa
Giving recognition and respect to GZA and Master Killa, both members of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The Abbot of the Clan (my man)
Referring to The RZA as the leader or spiritual guide ('Abbot') of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Method Man, Inspectah Deck
Acknowledging Method Man and Inspectah Deck, both artists and members of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Dirty Bastard
Referring to Ol' Dirty Bastard, another member of the Wu-Tang Clan.

U-God, word up, baby
Giving respect to U-God, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Keep it real, son
Remain authentic and true, my friend.

Keep packin' them guns
Continue to carry and possess firearms for protection and power.

Word up
Affirming what was just said, showing agreement or approval.