The Power
Wale Lyrics

If Michael Jackson came alive right now
If the iconic Michael Jackson were to somehow be brought back to life in the present moment

He'd ask you to smoke one for him
He would request that you honor his memory by smoking a joint

So in his honor
As a way of showing respect and paying tribute to him

You niggas Spud Webb, coming up short
You guys are like Spud Webb, the basketball player known for his height disadvantage, always falling short and not meeting expectations

Think you're Dee Brown, jump if you want
You may think you're like Dee Brown, who famously performed a dunk in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, but go ahead and try jumping if you want

I put it on my momma and her very last nerve
I swear on my mother and her last bit of patience

Ricky made off everything I deserved
Ricky, likely a person or a metaphorical figure, managed to take away everything that I rightfully deserved

The square root of a kilo is me nigga
I am the essence or embodiment of a kilogram, represented by its square root

Do the math, I'm a motherfucking G nigga
If you calculate it, you'll realize that I am a true gangster or someone of great significance

It's all on me now, as you can see now
The responsibility and burden of success now solely rests upon me, as it is evident

I'm gon' get this money and I will not be denied
I am determined to acquire wealth and success, and I refuse to face any obstacles that may hinder me

Been shittin' on you fucks a long time, time to pee now
I have been consistently outperforming and surpassing all of you for a significant period, and it's now time to assert my dominance further

When you finish first they hate you worse, startin to see now
Once you achieve success and come in first place, the level of hatred and animosity towards you intensifies, and it is becoming increasingly apparent

I'm at the round table, where your seat at?
I am seated at the prestigious round table, where is your position or influence?

Where your plate, where your lobster, where your sea bass?
I'm questioning the presence of your luxurious or extravagant possessions, such as a plate of food, lobster, or sea bass

We ain't never left, acting like we back
We have always been relevant and present, yet people are acting as if we have returned after a period of absence

You should see us now taking pictures acting like we rap
You should witness us now, as we actively engage in taking pictures and portraying ourselves as musicians or rappers

This the circle that'll murk you, blackout, short circuit
This is the group or network of individuals that can cause harm to you, resulting in a sudden loss of power or functionality

Somebody show them square ass niggas the first exit
It would be wise for someone to guide those individuals who lack authenticity or courage towards the nearest exit or way out

This here reserved for soldiers most definitely
This particular space or position is exclusively meant for loyal and dedicated individuals, without a doubt

So watch what you say and where you step more carefully
Be cautious and mindful of your words and actions, ensuring you proceed with greater care and consideration

If I fall in the field and ain't no more air for me
If I encounter failure or struggle within my endeavors and there seems to be no support or assistance available

Pour some on the ground and put one in the air for me
Symbolically, pour out a drink on the ground and light up a joint as a gesture of remembrance or honor towards me

Tell my enemies fuck 'em, they know already but fuck 'em
Convey a strong message of dismissal and disregard towards my adversaries, as they are already aware but deserve no consideration

Tell 'em again with a middle finger and a chuckle
Reiterate the sentiment of disdain and disrespect towards them by extending a middle finger gesture while sharing a disdainful laugh

You don't know nann nigga, nope, uh uh
Not a single person truly comprehends me or understands my experiences, nope, not at all

This famous that'll still throw copper
Even as a celebrity or prominent figure, I am capable of engaging in illegal or questionable activities, like tossing a copper coin

Cross so heavy crack the tabernacle
The weight of my burdens or struggles is so immense that it could potentially break a religious sanctuary or holy place

Fire the ganja back up
Reignite or resume the consumption of marijuana

Throw some blow in my tobacco
Mix some cocaine with my tobacco or cigarette

Then crank the Lac up
Proceed to enhance or increase the volume and intensity, likely referring to the music or atmosphere

One match left, this the last turn
There is only one opportunity or attempt remaining, and this is the final chance

Santeria candles in my sanctuary burn
The candles used in the Afro-Caribbean religion of Santeria are being lit and placed within my sacred or personal space

I'mma earn 'til the last court adjourn
I will continue to work and earn money persistently, even until the final session or adjournment of a court proceeding

'Til the last gavel drop we gon' have it locked
Until the final decision or ruling is made by the judge, we will maintain control or dominance

I'm part of the small percentage of niggas who make it out the ghetto
I am a member of the select group of individuals who successfully escape or rise above the impoverished and disadvantaged neighborhoods

But niggas tried to pull me back cause misery loves company
However, there have been attempts by others to hinder my progress or drag me down, as unhappy people often seek solace in the company of others

It's funny how they come for me when they see me living comfortably
It is ironic or amusing how individuals suddenly show animosity towards me when they witness me living a comfortable and successful life

But when I was broke and sleeping on floors they ain't want nothing from me
But back when I was financially struggling and had to sleep on floors, they showed no interest or desire to associate with me

My future's so bright but my past so ugly
Although my future prospects and opportunities are extremely promising, there are aspects of my past that are unsightly or regretful

And I just try to correct it all but it all still haunts me
I make continuous efforts to rectify or amend my past mistakes, but they still linger in my thoughts and memories, haunting me

Tried to section off the past but it still haunts me
I attempted to separate or compartmentalize my past, yet it continues to have a lingering impact on me

So I accept what got me here, reflecting in this rocking chair
Therefore, I embrace and acknowledge the factors that have led to my current position and find myself contemplating my journey as I sit in a rocking chair

All this space created, all that hard work it got me here
The opportunities and achievements I have obtained have resulted from the creation of space or openings and the dedicated effort I have put in

So what I look like telling a nigga that I shouldn't be here
How would it appear if I were to tell someone that I don't deserve to be in this position or place?

Power to the people so the people shouldn't live in fear
The people should possess the authority and control, allowing them to live without experiencing fear or oppression

And I'll be that raising voice and tell the people treat us fair
In that role, I will be the voice that speaks out and demands fair treatment for the people

Warring in the streets tell them soldiers to meet us there
Engaged in conflicts or battles within the streets, I instruct my fellow soldiers or comrades to gather and join us in the struggle

Out in the open all alone, I felt the coldest air
Being vulnerable and exposed in the open, I experienced the harshest or most chilling atmosphere or surroundings

Secluded in my thoughts in fear
Immersed in my thoughts and emotions, feeling afraid

No one to talk to, no one there
No one available to have a conversation or provide support or companionship

Not even a voice, not even an ear
There was no one to listen or lend an ear, not even a voice to break the silence

No one alive, no one to care
There seemed to be no one in existence, and no one who cared or showed concern

Now I got a power circle, now I'm on a power trip
Now, I am part of a group or network with influence and authority, heightening my sense of power and control

And they calling me counterfeit cause I ain't gave a coward shit
Others label me as inauthentic or a fraud because I refuse to provide any form of assistance or support to weak or cowardly individuals

Stone me, throw me a pile of shit but you won't pull me out of it
Feel free to criticize or attack me, even throwing a pile of negative circumstances my way, but you won't succeed in bringing me down or extracting me from it

It's funny how it comes full circle
It is ironic or interesting how things have come back around to where they began or originated

Now they wanna be a part of the power circle
Now, they desire to join or become involved in the influential and powerful group that I am a part of

They wanna be a part of the power circle
They express their wish to be included or accepted within the influential and powerful group

May the wind be at your back
May you have favorable circumstances or conditions that support your endeavors

May the bad be in your past
May all the negative experiences or occurrences remain in your past and not affect your present or future

May the kids take all your good
May the younger generation inherit and benefit from all the positive aspects of your life or achievements

And your wife have class
May your spouse or partner possess elegance, sophistication, and good manners

And you realize your goals
May you achieve the realization or fulfillment of your goals or aspirations

And what's life without grind
Without the dedication and hard work, what meaning or purpose does life hold?

Those niggas, yo' niggas?
Are those individuals truly your close friends or acquaintances?

Hope those niggas real as mine
I hope those individuals, in terms of loyalty and genuineness, are as authentic as my own

There's a difference between underrated and hasn't made it
There exists a distinction between being undervalued or underappreciated and not yet attaining success

Once you successful they relentlessly giving you hatred
Once you achieve success, people continuously shower you with hatred or animosity

There's no applause for ya and success is hard for ya
There is a lack of applause or commendation for your accomplishments, and attaining success has been a difficult journey for you

There's enemies, envy, with green my niggas, lawnmower
There are foes and individuals envious of your success, and my loyal associates will mow them down like a lawnmower cutting grass

And I'm on tour, Jordan 4's, Tom Ford
As I embark on a musical tour, I wear the iconic Jordan 4 sneakers and stylish garments from the fashion designer Tom Ford

And I ain't thugging, they clapping at me, a encore
Despite not engaging in violent or criminal activities, they are applauding and celebrating my performance on stage, demanding an encore

Got a dark heart, bright mind, make women crazy
Although I may possess a cynical or troubled nature, my intellect and charisma drive women to act irrational or infatuated

I give her D, I throw up two, I call that shit a safety
During sexual encounters, I provide her with satisfaction (represented by 'D'), use a hand gesture signaling the number two, and humorously refer to it as a 'safety,' like in American football

Shit is crazy when entertainment ain't entertaining
It is ironic or absurd when the world of entertainment fails to captivate or bring joy to its audience

And my inner sanctum need real estate I'm out my cabeza
My close and private circle requires additional space or territory, as my mind is becoming overwhelmed or scattered

Jealousy's for the weak, you ain't happy I made it
Jealousy is an emotion reserved for individuals lacking strength or character, as they cannot find happiness in my success

I be feeling like brother Malcolm just out of the Nation
I experience a sense of similarity or connection to Malcolm X after his departure from the Nation of Islam

Allah got us cause if we hollered a lost numbers
God is protecting or looking out for us, as we would be regarded as expendable or insignificant if we were to make a loud outcry or protest

I seen hustlers turn cluckers out niggas grandmothers
I have witnessed individuals who were once involved in hustling or drug dealing become addicts themselves, causing pain and distress to their grandmothers

So shut the fuck up and listen, fuck all them stuck up musicians
Therefore, be silent and pay attention, disregarding all the arrogant or pretentious musicians

My circle small but regardless, my circumference official
Although the size of my inner circle is small, its influence and impact are legitimate and authentic

My clothes different like quarterbacks at a closed scrimmage
My fashion choices are distinctive and unique, similar to how quarterbacks participating in a practice game behind closed doors wear different outfits from their usual uniforms

They gon' blitz us but ain't no way that they gon' hit us
They will definitely come at us with a forceful attack, but there is no way they will successfully strike or harm us

I'm so elusive, so my niggas be goin' through it
I possess an ability to avoid or evade capture or detection, causing my associates or friends to experience difficulties or struggles as a consequence

Guess it's a wrap when your co-defendant make soul music
It's safe to say that the situation is over or concluded when your partner in crime starts making spiritual or heartfelt music

Cash rule the world -- at least it do with girls
Money has a significant influence on the world, especially when it comes to women

At least it do with churches, seek the truth and true it hurts
Money also holds sway within religious institutions since seeking the truth can be painful or uncomfortable

If they real, then they real -- my niggas deserve it
If individuals are genuinely authentic and loyal, then they truly deserve my respect and admiration

And we don't deal with weak squares in this power circle
Within this influential and powerful group, we refuse to associate or engage with individuals who lack strength or integrity

I'm like welcome to the power circle
I am akin to welcoming or introducing someone to the influential and powerful group

I came a long way, I started with a powdered circle
I have come a great distance, beginning my journey with a group of individuals involved in drug distribution or use (represented by 'powdered circle')

Clique full of real niggas that'll probably murk you
My group consists of genuine individuals who would most likely cause harm or even kill you

Cause they about that murder game you do a lot of verbal
Because they are actively involved in criminal activities, particularly murder, whereas you mainly engage in boastful or verbal actions

Lotta talking, lotta Tweeting, 'til you hear that chopper speaking
There is a lot of excessive talking or tweeting until the sound of gunfire or a helicopter with weapons becomes audible

Kill my dog, I kill your dog, we tied even, I'd believe it
If you harm my close associate, I will retaliate by harming yours, resulting in a state of equality or balance, and I would have no doubt about it

If you see it then you got it, nigga never give up
If you witness an opportunity or goal, you have the capability to obtain it; therefore, never surrender or give up

Cause if you grindin' you gon' be rich before you can look up
Since you are putting in dedicated effort and working diligently, you will become wealthy or successful in no time, without even realizing it

My cousin Knock told me never teach niggas to cook up
My cousin, referring to someone named Knock, advised me never to educate individuals on the process of preparing drugs or engaging in illegal activities

Cause you can sell 'em hard for the low and give 'em the hookup
If you were to provide individuals with drugs at a discounted price or through special arrangements, they may become dependent or rely on you

And still make the profit
Despite providing discounted or favorable deals, you can still make a significant profit

The streets say I'm the hottest and a nigga still modest
According to the streets or the urban community, I am considered the most popular or sought-after, yet I remain humble or unassuming

I'm just being honest
I am simply speaking truthfully or expressing my genuine feelings

Back to the wall, never let 'em get behind us
Even when facing difficult or challenging situations, we should never allow our adversaries to gain an advantage or be in a position of power over us

Mac in my draws fitting right in my designers
A firearm is concealed in my undergarments, fitting perfectly alongside designer clothing or fashion

Look at my persona, I dreamed it, woke up and conquered
Observe my personality or image, which I envisioned and then successfully achieved or conquered

And there was commas after commas, I eat 'em like Benihanas
I earned significant amounts of money, one after another, as if they were plates of food, devouring them voraciously like at the Japanese restaurant chain Benihana

Put the shrimp over the pasta, the pasta over the lobster
I indulge myself by placing smaller luxuries or extravagant items, represented by shrimp and pasta, on top of larger ones, symbolized by lobster

And the lobster over the table, power circle a mafia
Finally, the lobster, representing the pinnacle of luxury, is placed on the table, signifying that the influential group I belong to operates like a powerful and secretive criminal organization

Just talkin' money, talkin' money what you talkin' bout?
We are strictly discussing financial matters; when you mention talking, are you also referring to money?

Probably talkin' bout us, we the only thing to talk about
Most likely, you are discussing or referring to our group, as we are the sole topic of conversation or interest

Cause we the only thing to talk about
Because we are the most significant or relevant subject of discussion

Look inside the eyes of the last Mohicans survived
Gaze deeply into the eyes of those who are the final remaining members or representatives of their kind, just like the last Mohican tribe

You won't last a weekend outside
You will not survive or endure even a weekend in the harsh or dangerous environment beyond the comforts of society

Seen a pastor tweaking, then sunk his teeth in a rock his demise
I witnessed a religious leader behaving erratically or under the influence of drugs, which ultimately led to his downfall or ruin

Later on that evening you heard the grieving of angels that cried
Subsequently, in the evening, there was a sorrowful or mournful sound that could be heard, resembling the crying of angels

See a demon don't compromise
Demons or wicked entities do not make concessions or compromises

And so I walk alone with a cross and a diamond stone
Therefore, I navigate through life by myself, carrying both symbolic burdens or challenges (represented by the cross) and valuable possessions or achievements (represented by the diamond stone)

I'm a diamond inside the rough that's too mighty for maricons
I am a diamond that exists within the rough or unrefined state, representing someone of immense strength and power, who intimidates or surpasses individuals lacking courage or integrity

I might as well put all my killers in YSL
I should gather all my lethal or dangerous associates, symbolized by killers, and dress them in high-end fashion brand Yves Saint Laurent

Put my voice on this microphone, put you pussy niggas through hell
As I project my voice through this microphone, I figuratively subject weak individuals to torment or extreme difficulty

Hell's fire, I never lie, you will never grind
I speak the absolute truth, as if it were fire from the depths of hell, and there is no way you will ever work hard or put in effort

I know the priors they running by us when we do crime
I am aware of the previous criminal charges or records that are being associated with us as we engage in illegal activities

I know that section eight wanna discontinue my Moms
I am aware that the government housing program, referred to as Section 8, intends to terminate the assistance provided to my mother

When they heard that Ohio state gave me 30 racks in July
Upon learning that the Ohio State University awarded me 30 thousand dollars in July

Oh Lord, this can't be life, no it can't be life
Expressing disbelief or astonishment, I question whether this reality or situation can truly be my life

When they day breaks and you earned them stripes
As a new day dawns and you have truly earned or proven your worth

And you learned that strike
And you have now internalized or understood the significance of that accomplishment

From upstate will adjourn that life and confirm that life
It will be determined or confirmed that the previous way of life, often associated with crime, will come to an end or be replaced, especially in prison located outside the city

It's good bait for the warden that might get awarded and write
It serves as enticing bait for the prison warden, who might receive special recognition and proceed to write a memoir or book about it

Now your fate can record it denied a reporter replied
Now, your destiny or outcome will be documented and rejected or dismissed when a reporter inquires or responds

The death rate will eventually climb, so eventually I'm
The number of deaths will gradually increase over time, so eventually, I am prepared or ready

On a track race for the dough before time get a clock that resigns
Engaging in a race or competition for money, ahead of the moment when time itself surrenders or concedes defeat

So about face if it ain't business, I get offended, I mind
Change your direction or approach if it does not concern business matters, as I become easily offended or concerned

Now one fake, I'm a realist in strive, I'm a billion in five
Even if there is only one individual who pretends to be genuine, I remain focused on being a realist and striving for success, eventually becoming a billionaire in five years

Well a billion cause the limit is the sky and I live on cloud nine
Well, I have the potential or aim to accumulate a billion dollars, as the only limit is the sky itself, and I currently live in a state of great happiness or euphoria

And I recognize my nemesis gon' try to put a finish in my shine
I am fully aware that my adversaries or opponents will attempt to bring about my downfall or end my success

But pussy, where it hurt you
But, my friend, where does it hurt you or cause you pain?

Life in the power circle
Existence or experiences within the influential or powerful group

Regardless of how it goes down
Irrespective of how events unfold or turn out

Life goes on, am I right?
Life continues and progresses, don't you agree?

Tried to warn you niggas
I made sincere attempts to caution or advise you, individuals

I tried to warn you niggas
I made genuine efforts to forewarn or alert you, individuals

It's too late now
However, it is now too late to address or rectify the situation

Double M-G
Referring to the record label or collective, Maybach Music Group

Too much cake
Having an excessive amount of money or success

Too much power
Possessing an overwhelming amount of authority or influence

Too much respect
Earning an excessive level of admiration or regard

Bow down, nigga, ugh!
Show reverence or submission, my friend