Euphoria
Rakim Lyrics

Remember being introduced to rapping your first rhyme
The experience of hearing and reciting one's first rap verse is an important moment, similar to a drug addict's first use or a hustler's first time making a profit.

It's pivotal like a fiends first high
This moment is significant and impactful, comparable to the essential and intense high a drug addict experiences for the first time.

Hustlers first ride, players first dime
As important and unforgettable as the first successful sale for a drug dealer, or the first time making profit for a player with their romantic pursuits.

Unforgettable like a ladies first time
This moment is memorable and meaningful, similar to a woman's first experience with sexual intimacy.

The world been waiting for euphoria
The world has been anxiously awaiting the feeling of euphoria, a natural high that can be achieved through music.

The true form with a sixth sense new nausea
This feeling of euphoria is not just a surface level type of pleasure, but rather a deep and profound sensation that penetrates the senses with a new and potent intensity.

True talk to the tomb so you forced me to go hard
Speaking truth to the point of death drives Rakim to work even harder at his craft, pushing him to reach his full potential.

Like the streets is the womb
The streets are a source of creation and inspiration, similar to the womb in a literal sense. This is where Rakim was born and raised, and where hip hop was also born.

And New York be the birth place of hip hop
New York City is the birthplace of hip hop, and therefore its ultimate origin and spiritual home.

Get it, it's the model where swagger was born
Hip hop's origins in New York City have created a unique and influential style that has given birth to the concept of swagger as we know it today.

We set trends to follow
New York City and the hip hop scene within it have a reputation for setting trends and being trendsetters in artistic, cultural, and fashion circles.

The home of the gods, the go-getters and my flow
New York City is home to some of the greatest and most influential hip hop artists and performers of all time, as well as a hub for hardworking and ambitious individuals who aim to succeed and excel.

Ain't a city been so prolific since Cairo
New York City's status as a cultural and artistic hub is unmatched and unparalleled, and has not been seen on this scale since ancient Cairo.

Hiero-glyphic, graffiti paint of view
The graffiti art and hip hop culture that originated in New York City are like modern hieroglyphics, telling a story of a unique artistic movement and point of view.

Slang language too, just naming a few
New York City has its own unique language and slang, which has become an integral part of hip hop culture and the larger cultural landscape of the city.

Still claiming through that thing that you do
Hip hop artists continue to stay true to their craft and their New York roots, regardless of changing trends or popular culture shifts.

Til you famous and just love for the game and this bangers for you
Even if an artist becomes famous and achieves commercial success, they will always love hip hop and stay true to the craft. This song is a tribute to those who feel the same way, a love letter to the game and the people who keep it alive.

Euphoria, Euphoria natural high
Euphoria is a natural high that can be achieved through listening to and participating in hip hop culture.

Feeling good off this hip hop I supply
Rakim is responsible for supplying the hip hop that makes the listener feel good and experience euphoria.

Time goes by, still world wide
Even as time passes, hip hop remains a universal and globally recognized source of entertainment and culture.

Still top five rapping, dead or alive
Rakim sees himself as one of the top five greatest rappers of all time, both in the past and for generations to come.

I love hip hop to death, drop science like Rakim
Rakim is so passionate about hip hop that he loves it more than life itself. He also has a reputation for his lyricism and intellectual capacity, and is known for dropping scientific knowledge in his rhymes.

My thoughts manifest
Rakim's thoughts are powerful and meaningful, and come to fruition in his lyrics and artistic contributions.

Yeah I'm the ghost but you can see me in the flesh
Rakim has a reputation for being a ghostly or elusive figure, but he can still be seen and experienced in the physical realm as well.

Created a father that he can see me through the test
Rakim's contributions to hip hop have created a legacy that will live on through future generations of artists, who will be inspired and influenced by his work and his example.

It wasn't for rap my life will probably be a mess
Hip hop and Rakim's involvement in the genre has given his life meaning and purpose, and has helped him avoid a potentially chaotic or destructive lifestyle.

Used to sell crack outside had a bad attitude
Rakim has had his share of struggles and hardships, including selling drugs and having a negative mindset towards life and success.

Used to scrap outside but listen to that motherfucker rap outside
Despite his difficulties, Rakim found solace in hip hop and was able to make a connection to something positive and meaningful, even as he was surrounded by negative influences.

You can hear me over the guns that clap outside
Despite the violence and chaos that can be heard outside, Rakim's voice and message are powerful enough to be heard over the tumultuous noise of the street.

True warrior raps my euphoria
Rakim's experience with hip hop and his dedication to the craft have created a sense of euphoria and transcendence, making him feel like a true warrior and champion on the mic.

Only my mind can bring me this many stories up
Rakim's creative and artistic mind is responsible for the countless stories and perspectives that he is able to bring to his lyrics and music.

No elevators, no escalators spit hard 'til death or respirators
Rakim is not looking for shortcuts or easy paths to success, but is willing to work hard and put in the effort it takes to achieve greatness, even if it means sacrificing his health or life in the process.

This is alpha omega nigga get your data
Rakim sees himself as the beginning and end of the hip hop world, the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom on the subject. He urges others to take note and learn from his example.

I transform when the mic plugged in
Rakim feels a sense of transformation and transcendence when he begins to perform and write music, as if he is accessing a higher level of consciousness or artistic expression.

Cause the feelings euphoric cause I spit boric
The sense of euphoria Rakim experiences is due to the quality of his lyrics and the power of his delivery and performance, which seem to produce a natural high in the listener.

At the end of the day what does it all amount to
Rakim is reflecting on the purpose and value of his work and his life in general, wondering what it all means in the grand scheme of things.

Too strong to be sold over the counter
Rakim's artistic contributions are too valuable and meaningful to be reduced to a mere product or commodity, something that can be sold without regard for its true value and importance.

Industry is like a night club and I'm a bouncer
Rakim is highly selective and protective of his art and his craft, much like a bouncer at a club who decides who is allowed entrance and who is not.

I don't give a fuck about what you can sell and ounce for
Rakim is not interested in the commercial or monetary value of his work, but rather the artistic and cultural significance it holds.

Nah, that ain't the topic of discussion
Rakim wants to focus on the importance and meaning of his work, rather than the potential financial gains or losses.

It's the music ya'll niggas think it's knocking it's disgusting
Rakim feels that some people are more focused on the superficial aspects of hip hop, rather than the true artistic and cultural value it holds.

I rather just pull it out, cock it then bust it
Rakim is willing to defend his art and his craft with force and determination, much like one would defend oneself with a gun in a dangerous situation.

Feels like he plugged into a socket when you touch it
Rakim's art and his performance style have an electrifying and exciting effect on listeners, similar to the feeling of being plugged into an electrical socket.

Ain't a thang for me, pain then glory
Rakim has endured pain and hardship in pursuit of his artistic career, but it ultimately led to glory and success. He is unfazed by the difficulties he has faced.

Temporary thug exchange the same story
Many people who turn to gang or thug life do so out of a sense of desperation or hopelessness, and their stories tend to be similar to one another, temporary and fleeting in nature.

That's why I'm still militant, still killing it
Rakim remains steadfast and dedicated to his art, much like a militant or warrior, and continues to produce high-quality work even after achieving great success.

Soon as it enters the blood stream start feeling it
The power and impact of Rakim's music and lyrics can be felt almost instantaneously, as if it is an essential part of the listener's bloodstream and being.

Then it's all good long as you know what you dealing with
As long as listeners understand and appreciate the true artistic and cultural value of Rakim's work, everything will be good and worthwhile in the end.

Knowledge of the game that I got I'm concealing it
Rakim has a deep and profound understanding of the hip hop game and industry, which he keeps hidden or concealed, perhaps due to the competitive nature of the business.

I'm talking to all of y'all put the four four to ya
Rakim's message is aimed at all hip hop listeners, and he is willing to defend his artistic integrity and cultural significance with force and determination, much like one would defend oneself with a gun.

Kiss is a warrior, this is euphoria
Rakim sees himself as a warrior and champion for hip hop, and feels a sense of euphoria and transcendence when he performs and creates music that reflects his passion and dedication.