Incarcerated Scarfaces
Raekwon Lyrics


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He looks determined without bein' ruthless
Somethin' heroic in his manner
There's a courage about him, doesn't look like a killer
Comes across so calm
Acts like he has a dream
Full of passion
You don't trust me, huh?
You know why
I do
We're not supposed to trust anyone in our profession anyway

Knock niggas out the box all the time
Niggas know my motherfuckin' repertoire, big ones (uh-huh)
(Yeah, motherfucker, straight up)
(I'll fuck your whole team up)
Take care of B.I., Chef (got your back John John)
(Yeah, bust it, yo, yo)
Fly G.I. Nigga

Now, yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out
It's for real, though, let's connect, politic, ditto
We could trade places, get lifted in the staircases
Word up, peace, incarcerated scarfaces

Thug-related style attract millions, fans
They understand my plan, who's the kid up in the green Land?
Me and the RZA connect, blow a fuse, you lose
Half-ass crews get demolished and bruised
Fake be frontin', hourglass-heads niggas be wantin'
Shuttin' down your slot, time for pumpin'
Poisonous sting, which thumps up and act chumps
Rae's a heavy generator, but, yo, guess who's the black Trump?
Dough be flowin' by the hours, Wu, we got the collars
Scholars, word life, peace to Power and my whole unit
Word up, quick to set it, don't wet it
Real niggas lick shots, peace Connecticut

Now, yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out
It's for real, though, let's connect, politic, ditto
We could trade places, get lifted in the staircases
Word up, peace, incarcerated scarfaces

Chef'll shine like marble, rhyme remarkable
Real niggas raise up, spend your money, argue
But this time is for the uninvited
Go 'head and rhyme to it, bitch nigga, mics is gettin' fired
More fiends, chicks be burnin' like chlorine
Niggas recognize from here to Baltimore to Fort Greene
But hold up, Moët be tastin' like throw-up
My mob roll up, dripped to death, whips rolled up
You never had no wins, slidin' in these dens
With Timbs, with MAC-10's and broke friends
You got guns? Got guns too, what up, son?
Do you wanna battle for cash and see who sons who?
I'll probably wax tracks, smack rap niggas, you, facts
Niggas' lyrically wack, nigga
Can't stand unofficial, wet tissue, blank bustin' Scud missiles
You rollin' like Trump, you get your meat lumped
For real, it's just slang rap democracy
Here's the policy, slide off the ring, plus the Wallabees
Check the status, soon to see me at, Caesar's Palace eatin' salads
We beatin' mics sendin' keys to Dallas
I move rhymes like retail, make sure shit sell
From where we at to my man's cell
From staircase to stage, minimum wage
But soon to get a article in Rap Page
But all I need is my house, my gat, my Ac'
Bank account fat, it's goin' down like that
And pardon the French, but let me speak Italian
Black stallions wildlin' on Shaolin
That means the island of Staten
And niggas carry gats and mad police from Manhattan

Now, yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out
It's for real though, let's connect, politic, ditto
We could trade places, get lifted in the staircases
Word up, peace, incarcerated scarfaces

I do this for barber shop niggas in the Plaza
Catchin' asthma, Rae is stickin' gun-flashers
Well-dressed, skatin' through the projects with big ones
Broke elevators, turn the lights out, stick one upstairs
Switch like a chameleon, hit Brazilians
Pass the cash or leave your children, leave the building
Niggas, yo, they be foldin' like envelopes
Under pressure, like Lou Ferrigno on coke
Yo, Africans denyin' niggas up in yellow cabs
Musty like fuck, wavin' they arms to Arabs
Sit back, coolin' like Kahlúas on rocks
On the crack spots, rubber band wrap all my knots
View bitches who fuck dreads on Sudafeds
Pussy's hurtin', they did it for a yard for the feds
Word up, cousin, nigga, I seen it
Like a 27-inch Zenith, believe it

Now, yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out
It's for real, though, let's connect, politic, ditto
We could trade places, get lifted in the staircases
Word up, peace, incarcerated scarfaces

(Yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out)
(It's for real, though, let's connect, politic, ditto)
(Get lifted in the staircases)
(Peace, incarcerated scarfaces)

(Time is runnin' out)




(Politic, ditto)
(Incarcerated scarfaces)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Raekwon's song Incarcerated Scarfaces depict a criminal lifestyle that is often glamorized in hip-hop culture. The first part of the song creates a character who is determined, courageous, and full of passion, but doesn't look like a killer. This initial description is followed by a brief dialogue that acknowledges the lack of trust within the criminal world. The rest of the song mainly consists of Raekwon bragging about his thug-related style and how he and the Wu-Tang Clan are unstoppable. The lyrics also mention drug dealing, violence, and money.


The language used in these lyrics is very descriptive of the harsh realities of the streets. The song captures the essence of the drug-dealing culture that Raekwon and others like him were a part of, and the threat of incarceration that loomed over their heads. The lyrics illustrate a world of violence and conflict, where survival is only possible through cunning and daring.


Line by Line Meaning

He looks determined without bein' ruthless
He appears focused and driven without being cruel or heartless


Somethin' heroic in his manner
There is a sense of bravery in his presence


There's a courage about him, doesn't look like a killer
He exudes bravery but doesn't have the appearance of a murderer


Comes across so calm
He gives off a calm and collected vibe


Acts like he has a dream
He behaves as if he has a significant goal or aspiration


Full of passion
He is filled with intense drive and enthusiasm


You don't trust me, huh?
You seem skeptical and doubtful of me, right?


You know why
I understand the reasons behind your lack of trust


I do
Yes, I comprehend


We're not supposed to trust anyone in our profession anyway
It is not expected or advised to place trust in anyone within our line of work


Knock niggas out the box all the time
Consistently defeating and surpassing others


Niggas know my motherfuckin' repertoire, big ones (uh-huh)
People are aware of my impressive skills and abilities


(Yeah, motherfucker, straight up)
(Yes, asshole, absolutely)


(I'll fuck your whole team up)
(I will completely defeat your entire group)


Take care of B.I., Chef (got your back John John)
Support and protect B.I. and Chef (I'm here for you, John John)


(Yeah, bust it, yo, yo)
(Yes, listen up, pay attention)


Fly G.I. Nigga
I am a highly skilled and impressive individual


Now, yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out
Hey, hey, what's going on? We're running out of time


It's for real, though, let's connect, politic, ditto
This situation is serious, let's come together, discuss, agree


We could trade places, get lifted in the staircases
We have the opportunity to switch positions and find pleasure in secluded areas


Word up, peace, incarcerated scarfaces
Absolutely, peace to those imprisoned individuals with visible scars


Thug-related style attract millions, fans
A style associated with criminal behavior appeals to millions of supporters


They understand my plan, who's the kid up in the green Land?
They comprehend my strategy, who is the individual driving the green Land Rover?


Me and the RZA connect, blow a fuse, you lose
The RZA and I join forces, causing an explosion that leads to your defeat


Half-ass crews get demolished and bruised
Mediocre groups are completely crushed and injured


Fake be frontin', hourglass-heads niggas be wantin'
Inauthentic people pretend, while individuals with female-like figures try to imitate


Shuttin' down your slot, time for pumpin'
Closing off your territory, it's time for action


Poisonous sting, which thumps up and act chumps
A venomous attack that hits hard and overwhelms weak individuals


Rae's a heavy generator, but, yo, guess who's the black Trump?
Raekwon is a powerful force, but, hey, can you guess who is the African American version of Trump?


Dough be flowin' by the hours, Wu, we got the collars
Money is coming in constantly, the Wu-Tang Clan has control


Scholars, word life, peace to Power and my whole unit
Scholars, absolutely true, peace to Power and my entire crew


Word up, quick to set it, don't wet it
Absolutely, ready to start something, but don't escalate it


Real niggas lick shots, peace Connecticut
Authentic individuals fire bullets, peace to those in Connecticut


Chef'll shine like marble, rhyme remarkable
Chef will excel and stand out, his lyrics are extraordinary


Real niggas raise up, spend your money, argue
Authentic individuals rise up and spend their money on things worth disputing


But this time is for the uninvited
However, this time is dedicated to those who were not welcomed


Go 'head and rhyme to it, bitch nigga, mics is gettin' fired
Go ahead and rap along to it, weak individual, microphones are being utilized skillfully


More fiends, chicks be burnin' like chlorine
Additional addicts, women are suffering and consuming drugs intensely


Niggas recognize from here to Baltimore to Fort Greene
People acknowledge and identify me everywhere, from Baltimore to Fort Greene


But hold up, Moët be tastin' like throw-up
But wait, Moët champagne has a repulsive taste


My mob roll up, dripped to death, whips rolled up
My crew arrives in full force, dressed impeccably, expensive cars pulled up


You never had no wins, slidin' in these dens
You have never experienced any victories, entering these dangerous places


With Timbs, with MAC-10's and broke friends
Wearing Timberland boots, armed with MAC-10 guns, and accompanied by unreliable companions


You got guns? Got guns too, what up, son?
You possess firearms? I have firearms too, what's going on, my friend?


Do you wanna battle for cash and see who sons who?
Are you interested in engaging in a rap battle for money to determine who is superior?


I'll probably wax tracks, smack rap niggas, you, facts
I would likely dominate on tracks, defeat inferior rappers, including you, it's true


Niggas' lyrically wack, nigga
Other rappers are severely lacking in lyrical skill, my friend


Can't stand unofficial, wet tissue, blank bustin' Scud missiles
I have no patience for unoriginality, weak individuals, or empty threats


You rollin' like Trump, you get your meat lumped
If you act arrogantly like Trump, you will be severely beaten


For real, it's just slang rap democracy
Seriously, it's merely a form of slang-infused democratic rap


Here's the policy, slide off the ring, plus the Wallabees
Here's the rule, remove your wedding band and Wallabee shoes


Check the status, soon to see me at, Caesar's Palace eatin' salads
Examine the current situation, you will soon witness me at Caesar's Palace, enjoying healthy meals


We beatin' mics sendin' keys to Dallas
We are overpowering microphones and sending drugs to Dallas


I move rhymes like retail, make sure shit sell
I handle rhymes like a successful retail business, ensuring they are marketable


From where we at to my man's cell
From our current location to my friend's prison cell


From staircase to stage, minimum wage
From humble beginnings on a staircase to performing on stage, earning a low wage


But soon to get a article in Rap Page
However, I will soon be featured in an article in Rap Page magazine


But all I need is my house, my gat, my Ac'
But all I require is my home, my firearm, and my Acura


Bank account fat, it's goin' down like that
My bank account is substantial, things are happening just like that


And pardon the French, but let me speak Italian
And forgive the use of slang language, but allow me to speak in a more sophisticated manner


Black stallions wildlin' on Shaolin
Black luxury cars are speeding and causing chaos on the streets of Shaolin (Staten Island)


That means the island of Staten
That refers to the island of Staten


And niggas carry gats and mad police from Manhattan
And individuals carry firearms while there are many police officers from Manhattan present


(Yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out)
(Hey, hey, what's going on? We're running out of time)


(Politic, ditto)
(Discuss, agree)


(Incarcerated scarfaces)
(Imprisoned individuals with visible scars)


I do this for barber shop niggas in the Plaza
I engage in this activity for the African American men in the Plaza barber shop


Catchin' asthma, Rae is stickin' gun-flashers
Experiencing shortness of breath, Raekwon is intimidating those who brandish guns


Well-dressed, skatin' through the projects with big ones
Looking fashionable, maneuvering swiftly through the low-income housing with large amounts of money


Broke elevators, turn the lights out, stick one upstairs
Malfunctioning elevators, darkness surrounds us, place someone on the upper floor discreetly


Switch like a chameleon, hit Brazilians
Adapt easily like a chameleon, strike unsuspecting victims


Pass the cash or leave your children, leave the building
Hand over the money or sacrifice your children, vacate the premises


Niggas, yo, they be foldin' like envelopes
Individuals easily surrender and collapse like envelopes


Under pressure, like Lou Ferrigno on coke
Overwhelmed by stress, similar to Lou Ferrigno under the influence of cocaine


Yo, Africans denyin' niggas up in yellow cabs
Hey, African individuals refuse to pick up African American people in their taxis


Musty like fuck, wavin' they arms to Arabs
Unpleasantly smelling and displaying desperation to Arab individuals


Sit back, coolin' like Kahlúas on rocks
Relax and unwind like Kahlúa liqueur served over ice


On the crack spots, rubber band wrap all my knots
In the locations where drugs are sold, I secure my money with rubber bands


View bitches who fuck dreads on Sudafeds
Observe women who have sexual relations with men with dreadlocks while under the influence of Sudafed


Pussy's hurtin', they did it for a yard for the feds
Women are in pain, they engaged in sexual activity in exchange for a prison visit with their partners


Word up, cousin, nigga, I seen it
Absolutely, my friend, I witnessed it


Like a 27-inch Zenith, believe it
Just like a 27-inch Zenith television, trust and accept it


(Yo, yo, what up, yo? Time is runnin' out)
(Hey, hey, what's going on? We're running out of time)


(It's for real, though, let's connect, politic, ditto)
(This is serious, let's come together, discuss, agree)


(Get lifted in the staircases)
(Experience euphoria in secluded areas)


(Peace, incarcerated scarfaces)
(Peace to those imprisoned individuals with visible scars)




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Abrim Tilmon, Corey Woods, Robert Diggs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ufa621

If anybody under the age of 25 is listening to this, this is what we call real hip hop

@johngerstner2030

I’m 15 and becoming a student of the game

@MouseR985

I'm 15 and old school hip hop is all I listen to

@October3074

@MouseR  bless u Hunnybunny!

@aidanfox8219

I'm currently 18 years old and I've been listening to this since I was about 3 years younger.

@RockwellSudoxe305

Word Up!!!!!

26 More Replies...

@jaybug1171

51 yrs and still banging this shit. My funeral songs are gonna be weird.

@GabrielPerez-bk7bb

😂😂😂😂😂

@theroc8590

No it won’t if they get it they get it… they don’t they don’t 👐🏿👐🏿👐🏿👐🏿 SUUUUUU

@mwil7106

Nah God! We living forever!!

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