Powers That Be
Rick Ross Lyrics

The Lord as my witness, Lord as my witness, there's not!
I swear on everything I believe in, and I truly believe that there is no one better than me, Rick Ross.

There's not a better MC than Rick motherfuckin' Ross, Lord as my witness
I am emphatically stating that I am the best rapper, and I am backed by the power of my conviction.

And when a nigga says Lord as my witness a nigga tellin' the truth
When someone, especially someone like me, uses the phrase 'Lord as my witness,' it means they are speaking the truth.

You don't lie after you say Lord as my witness
After saying 'Lord as my witness,' one doesn't lie because it would be a contradiction to the solemn oath.

Did you ever hear OJ say 'Lord as my witness?'
Even OJ Simpson, who famously denied committing a crime, never went as far as to invoke 'Lord as my witness.'

No, he ain't go that far
OJ Simpson's defense never reached the level of invoking a higher power as their witness.

Said 'I didn't do it,' hired Johnnie Cochran, but he ain't never say 'Lord as my witness.'
Although OJ Simpson maintained his innocence and hired a renowned defense attorney like Johnnie Cochran, he never resorted to using the phrase 'Lord as my witness.'

Went to war, beaker scores, they continue to fall
I engaged in various conflicts and surpassed expectations, causing my enemies' influence to diminish.

Corner stores, way to uphold all these wonderful laws
I established successful businesses in local neighborhoods, contributing to the preservation of law and order.

So much violence in the streets, ask the powers that be
The prevalent violence in our communities should be questioned and addressed by those in authority.

Kiss my daughter on the cheek and I'm strapped as we speak
Even when showing affection to my daughter, I remain armed and ready for any potential threats.

Dirty money get bloody, you still see the gun wounds
Illegitimate wealth obtained through questionable means often leads to violence, and the evidence of this violence is visible.

But what's funny are the ones that we put the guns to
Ironically, those individuals who we target with our weapons often think they are the ones in control.

Fuck 'em all, kill or be killed, it's still a thug rule
Disregard all adversaries, as in this world of survival, one must either kill or be killed, embracing the laws of the streets.

Back of class, high on grass, 'til I said 'fuck school!'
I used to be a rebellious student, sitting at the back of the classroom, getting high on marijuana, until I decided to abandon formal education.

What's meant to be is meant to be, I rather you than me
I believe in fate and destiny, and when it comes to facing dangerous situations, I would rather it be someone else's fate, not mine.

Die with pride, forty shells on the murder scene
If I were to die in a violent manner, I would do so with dignity and leave behind a gruesome display of forty bullet casings for the investigation.

Rolls Royce leather stitching in the steering wheel
My luxurious Rolls Royce car's steering wheel boasts exquisite leather stitching.

Ninth album, Ice Cube, nigga kill at will
This is my ninth album, and I aim to achieve the same level of success and dominance in the rap industry as Ice Cube did with his iconic album 'Kill at Will.'

Had to balance, Double M is the imperial
I had to maintain a delicate equilibrium, as the label 'Maybach Music Group (MMG)' represents an influential and authoritative force.

Niggas pay respect, they mail it in an envelope
People show their admiration and regard for me by sending their messages of respect in a symbolic envelope.

Fucking centerfolds like I still be dealing dope
I engage in romantic relationships with beautiful women who are often featured as centerfolds in magazines, reminiscent of my former involvement in the drug trade.

Probably would if you're talking like fifty or more
I might even consider returning to drug dealing if the profit potential reaches a substantial amount, like fifty million dollars or more.

So creative, co-creator, family the motivator
I possess a remarkable level of creativity and serve as a co-creator, but my family constantly motivates and drives me to achieve success.

Project buildings, lot of feeling, karma my codefendant
I have a deep connection to the projects and the emotions they elicit, and I believe karma is both my companion and partner in crime.

Pot to piss in, not a ribbon, never forgot a Christmas
I come from a humble background, where we didn't even have a proper toilet, but despite the lack of material wealth, I have never forgotten the importance of Christmas.

Father figure not around, that's such a major difference
The absence of a father figure in my life has had a significant impact, highlighting the stark contrast it creates in comparison to others.

I would play with all my homies' gifts
During my childhood, I would often play with the gifts my friends received, finding joy in the shared experiences.

I understood I didn't wanna trip
Over time, I realized that it was unnecessary to feel envious or resentful towards others because I lacked material possessions.

The lack of didn't tap my confidence
Despite not having much, my self-assurance remained intact because I recognized that material possessions aren't the sole determinants of one's worth.

Matter fact that's how I mastered a couple things
In fact, the absence of certain privileges allowed me to develop and excel in various areas of my life.

Went from not having, to sheer opulence
I transitioned from a state of lacking to experiencing extreme wealth and luxury.

Maybach with the drapes like an apartment in it
My Maybach vehicle is equipped with lavish drapes, resembling the luxurious ambiance of an upscale apartment.

Whole hood know it, only one that's white on white
The entire neighborhood is aware of my opulent lifestyle, and my white Maybach stands out as the epitome of luxury.

Name ringing like DJ Clue on a Friday night
My name reverberates through the streets, similar to how DJ Clue's name resonates on Friday nights when he hosts his popular radio show.

Just got some real estate out in Dubai
I recently acquired property in Dubai, demonstrating my expanding global investment portfolio.

Nation of Islam, they say I may have a few ties
Some people speculate that I have connections to the Nation of Islam due to the nature of my beliefs and affiliations.

Talking tall brothers with the dark shades
Having discussions with influential and powerful individuals from the African-American community who wear sunglasses to conceal their identities.

Shed light, bringing niggas out the dark age
By sharing knowledge and wisdom, I aim to uplift and guide my fellow African-Americans, helping them move away from a period of ignorance and struggle.

Sitting in the court with a sharp fade
Being present in the courtroom, showcasing a perfectly groomed and stylish haircut.

Having sentimental thoughts about this Caucasian
Reflecting upon memories and emotions relating to a white individual, potentially a specific person or a broader representation of power and influence.

Six million in the hole, still feeling short-changed
Despite being significantly financially indebted, I still perceive myself as being deceived and unfairly treated.

Reprimanded by someone who's snorting cocaine
Being criticized or admonished by an individual who openly engages in the consumption of cocaine, calling into question their moral authority.

Frank Hampton was an angel, may his name ring
Recognizing Fred Hampton, a political activist, as a virtuous figure who sacrificed his life for his beliefs, and honoring his memory.

Crackers wanna kill me for the same thing
Individuals who oppose me, particularly those from oppressive institutions, desire to eliminate me for promoting similar causes as Fred Hampton did.

Ain't no financial aid out in Notre Dame
Referring to the prestigious university Notre Dame, pointing out that institutions like these do not provide financial assistance to those in need.

Activist sipping Actavis, tryna pour away
Even as an activist fighting for social change, I occasionally indulge in a popular brand of cough syrup called Actavis, attempting to numb my emotional pain.

You know how it is
I don't need to explain further. You are already aware of the situation.

New levels, new devils
As one progresses to higher levels of success, new challenges and enemies emerge.

The cheddar breed jealousy
Amassing wealth and success often incites envy and jealousy in others.

At hella speed but it's whatever
Despite facing obstacles at a rapid pace, I have the resilience and mindset to handle anything that comes my way.

Mercedes driver
I am wealthy enough to afford and drive a Mercedes luxury vehicle.

85'er, enlightener, collapsable sun visor
I am an individual who comes from the 1985 era, enlightening others with my wisdom and knowledge. Additionally, I have a sun visor in my car that can be easily folded.

The half moon identifies
The crescent shape of the half moon serves as my symbol or emblem, representing who I am and what I stand for.

The son of God, son of man
I see myself as both a divine being, reflecting the characteristics of God, and a human being, sharing the struggles and experiences of ordinary people.

Son of Sam, young with the blam
Similar to the infamous serial killer Son of Sam, I am a young individual armed with a firearm, ready to protect myself and assert my authority if necessary.

Stick or get stuck, get killed to get buck
In the harsh realities of the streets, one must be willing to take action or face dire consequences, even if it requires engaging in violence.

A blessing of luck
Surviving and thriving in such circumstances can be considered fortunate and a result of luck.

I love all, test me, trust not
Although I have love for everyone, it is important to test my loyalty and trustworthiness before fully placing your faith in me.

Above all but young niggas address me as such
While I hold a high position and receive respect, young individuals in the community still refer to me with familiarity and reverence.

Like Hannibal Barker, running through Carthage
Drawing a parallel with the historical figure Hannibal Barker, who famously led an army through the city of Carthage, I navigate through life with determined and strategic moves.

Pan of our watches, conquer the nonsense, conquering lion
Symbolizing the unity of our group, we possess valuable watches that signify our collective power, enabling us to overcome trivialities and assert dominance.

Armée var, Son, God combined in one
We are a strong and formidable army, where the elements of being a son, a man, and a divine being merge together as a singular entity.

Most prolific, you off point
I am highly productive and accomplished, while you lack precision and are off course in comparison.

Like the coke addicted lawyer, Klienfeldt's gun
Similar to a lawyer who is both addicted to cocaine and reckless with a gun, you are unreliable and unpredictable in your actions.

Tell the waiter bring over that Moscow Mule
Instructing the waiter to serve me a popular cocktail called a Moscow Mule.

Tell them haters get over it, Nas still rules
Sending a message to my detractors, commanding them to move on and accept that Nas, a legendary rapper, still reigns supreme.

To money makers and niggas who murk you out
Addressing both individuals who are focused on making money and those who have the capability to eliminate their enemies.

And beat the death penalty on reversal trial
A reference to successfully contesting and overturning a death penalty sentence during a legal trial.

Niggas versatile
We possess various skills, abilities, and talents, adaptable and capable of excelling in multiple areas.

Some things your eyes won't see
There are certain things that remain hidden from your perception or understanding.

But when it's out of your control
However, when situations or circumstances are beyond your influence or power to change.

Then it's the powers that be, be
The governing forces or authorities are the ones who hold sway and dictate the outcome.

He he he he he, la la la la la la
Expressing amusement or a sly laugh accompanied by a melodious tune to signify amusement or irony.

He he he he he, la la la la la la
Continuing the expression of amusement or irony with laughter and a melodic sound.

Some things your eyes can't see
Certain aspects or truths are not easily observable or apparent to the naked eye.

But when it's out of your control
However, when you lack any influence or power over a particular situation.

Then it's the powers that be, be
The ultimate authority lies in the hands of those in power or with higher control.

He he he he he
Expressing amusement or a sly laugh in response to the acknowledgment of those in power.

La la la la la la (Uh, yeah)
Adding a melodic tune while ending the song with the repeated phrase, continuing the underlying theme.

He he he he he
Concluding the expression of amusement or irony with laughter.