Move On
Sadat X (of Brand Nubian) Lyrics

Check it, check it, check it, the new reign.
Listen up, things are changing and I am taking the lead on this new era.

Diamond D, D-I-T-see, the Crates.
Shout out to Diamond D and D.I.T.C, they are a part of this new era too.

Brand Nubian still up in here, no question.
Brand Nubian is still around, we are still relevant and important, no doubt about it.

I'm Shawn Black, so stop asking me questions.
My name is Shawn Black and I don't want to be bothered with unnecessary questions.

This solo thing I'm doin' here is real to me,
My solo career is very important to me, it's a serious endeavor.

The most serious thing in my life, I can say up to this point.
My solo career is the most significant thing I've done so far in my life.

My reputation is at stake, this where the men are mad
My reputation is on the line here, and it's in the hands of the most critical and serious audience.

Separate, me from the sons put me with the big guns.
I deserve recognition and respect, separate me from the rookies and put me among the most esteemed.

My energy now radiates from leads, grow trees.
I'm full of energy and creativity, manifesting in my music and in great accomplishments.

I'm every time like crime on frustrated black men.
My presence is felt, and I inspire and motivate like a social justice movement against oppressive conditions.

Hey you, and ya buddy, why y'all both need to study.
Listen up, there's a lesson here, and I'm teaching you two to pay attention.

That my past records shows, my pros is untraceable
My past work speaks for itself, my skills and greatness are undeniable.

Flows will lace that ass, full fold in and
My rhymes and delivery are powerful, overwhelming, and impactful.

I'm nice now, five years ago way back in the beginning,
I've evolved and improved in the past five years, since my earlier days.

When I was runnin' in back yards, while people was playin' cards
When I was younger, I was determined and driven, while others were relaxed and leisurely.

And eatin' barbecue, I'm one of the only few. Sayin' take that pork off ya motherfuckin' fork.
While others were enjoying themselves, I was focused on my beliefs and values, urging others to avoid pork for health and cultural reasons.

Then they would front and cut out the mic, and I'd be out on my bike.
Jealous and disrespectful people would try to stop me from shining, but I didn't let them get in the way.

Now Lil' Mo was there, Marvin Spark was there; This is in the eighties now, the start of my long career.
I had supportive friends and peers back then, and it was the beginning of my successful journey.

Move on, black man, move on.
Black people, let's progress and move forward.

New year, same game, same shit goes on.
As time passes, things don't change much, and some problems persist.

We was young cats playin' Latin quarters;
I have fond memories of my youth, hanging out at a popular club called Latin Quarters.

We was playin' roof top, yeah don't stop,
We would also play on rooftops, never losing our energy and passion.

And I was there at Union Square when KRS-One did his thing.
I witnessed KRS-One at Union Square, giving me an insight on the difference I can make with my music.

So why y'all know what I'm bringin' to this ball game.
You already know I am bringing my best, you can expect the best from me.

I got stacks of rhymes and papers and notes, Lil' phrases written and my catchiest quotes.
I am full of ideas and creativity, I have lots of material and catchy lines.

I free them Hatians off them boats and give em' the finest ocean liners.
I care about social issues, like the plight of Haitian refugees, and I'd like to help them in any way I can.

I hate brothers that's walkin' but mentally in recliners.
I despise people who are physically present but mentally absent and unproductive.

Hey who's that behind with the plastic and them scanners?
Who is behind us with security measures, is it getting worse?

In the year two thousand will ya be on ya manners?
Will we behave appropriately in the new millennium?

In concentration camps, wet floors and cold,
Things aren't looking good, as we might end up in concentration camps, freezing and uncomfortable.

And population control keeps ya welfare comin'.
The government is controlling the population by keeping people dependent on welfare.

No more big fams, Uncle Sam damns,
We won't be able to have big families anymore, as the government isn't allowing it.

And this MC Big Brother want the platinum
This music company is greedily focused on sales and fame.

At your expense, niggas ain't been heard from since.
They are using us to make money and leaving us behind, while we can't be heard anymore.

I walk light and carry the big stick.
I am confident and powerful but carrying myself with humility.

Give out my views to blacks and Jews, and whoever choose to get hit With my shit;
I'm sharing my opinions to those who will listen, whatever their racial or cultural background.

I'm like the snowball effect
My impact is greater than my actual size, spreading like a snowball rolling down a hill.

And why y'all should all stand erect when I pass.
You should pay attention and respect me when I'm around.

Corporal with the ranch groove style, leadin' profile.
I have a commanding presence with my unique style, and I am leading in my genre and scene.

First leave the whole crowd thirsty and wet, Wild Cowboys leadin' New York and that's my set.
I'm making the crowd eager and excited for more, Wild Cowboys are the top dogs in NYC and I'm part of them.

I'm down with Lil' L and my man Akinyele;
I have great friends and collaborators like Lil' L and Akinyele that I trust and work with.

I love her but I can't stand her mother.
I may have personal issues with someone's family, like a girlfriend's mother.

Me and her brother ain't had the blessings to lead, Kind of hard that I'm the G-O-D.
Me and her brother couldn't succeed like me, and it's tough being a successful god-like figure.

Yeah my rent is due and the phone bill too, Long distance is dead, got to see ConAir.
I have financial obligations like paying rent and phone bills, and also have to travel for work.

All of these bills is risin' in my head, But wait I got the child support.
I'm stressed out about all these expenses, but need to prioritize child support.

Got the car note as the after thought, Got the school loan then after college that was blown.
I have lots of debts to pay off, like car loans and student loans.

Did I forget with my car a lot of tickets I owe?
I might have forgotten I have unpaid tickets for my car.

Now niggas hate, my youth it constantly grows.
I'm getting older but also gaining more haters and critics.

Always need clothes, hey that's how it goes.
I always need new outfits and fashion, that's just how it is.

Word, and my wife, I gotta keep my home life in tact;
My family life is important to me, I need to make sure it stays steady.

Some of her friends try to end me then try to act friendly.
Some of her friends are trying to sabotage our relationship but still pretending to be nice.

That's that bullshit, yo now that's that bullshit.
That is total nonsense and unacceptable.

Now my crew all money and I'm tellin' em' to hang on,
My crew is making bank now, and I'm encouraging them to keep hustling.

I'm tryin' to hang but sometimes that don't be workin'.
I'm trying to stay afloat and enjoy my life, but it's not always successful.

Niggas talkin' about gettin' a package and goin' down South and murkin'
Some people are discussing illegal and dangerous activities, like drug dealing or killing, in the Southern US.

In Carolinas or to V-A with the stash spot.
Criminals are planning to stash their illegal goods in the states of Carolina or Virginia.

Tryin' to hit the jackpot, tryin' to hit the jackpot.
They are trying to make quick and easy money, gambling on their criminal activities.