New Jack City
p.b.t Lyrics

This is ghetto warfare, heavy metal warfare.
The song is about the dangerous world of inner-city violence.

Prepare, get on your post and stand clear.
Be ready and alert for the upcoming threats.

If you start it, defend it, start it, we'll end it.
If someone initiates violence, the Brownsville sluggers will retaliate.

We're highly recommended, listen, this is
We have a reputation for success in street fights.

The Brownsville sluggers, about to attack...
The Brownsville sluggers are preparing to strike against their enemies.

Bring it back, yo I'm tired of you herbs
The artist is frustrated with people who pretend to be tough or involved in criminal activity.

Gettin' on my nerves,
These people irritate the artist.

Pretendin' to be drug dealers, and killers.
These individuals are acting tough and trying to convey that they are involved in dangerous activities.

You fold up, hold up, let me ease the grip
The artist is telling these people to calm down and back off.

So they can jack talkin' 'bout how many keys you flip.
People who brag about drug deals are often lying and not as tough as they make themselves out to be.

Your sleeves get ripped off for that bracelet you rockin'.
Being flashy and wearing jewelry can attract unwanted attention from thieves and rivals.

This lil' nigga get to poppin', pistol grippin' and cockin'.
Some people may retaliate violently, even if it's not necessary.

[Cuz nine times outta ten] I'm guaranteed to leave you stragglin'
In most cases, the artist will emerge victorious in a fight or altercation.

Plus I bag emcees that's babblin'
The artist is a skilled rapper who can outperform others.

I ain't tryin' to hear ya,
The artist does not want to listen to anyone who is not genuine or sincere.

But I'm about ready to ear ya out,
However, the artist has a lot to say and wants to make sure their message is heard.

Get the gats and clear ya out
The artist is willing to use violence to remove rivals from their area.

'cause you's a part-time felon, kid killing yellin'.
The artist sees these supposed tough guys as fake and not truly committed to a life of crime.

[Before I send a slug through your melon]
The artist is willing to kill someone if they are a threat.

I'm a basket case, don't make me bash your face.
The artist is not mentally stable and can become violent quickly.

[You sittin'] I'm sittin on chrome, like Masta Ace.
The artist has a gun and is ready to use it if necessary.

It's live nigga, no jive, hear the guns blast.
This is not a game - violence can happen at any moment.

I be wreckin' like the fuckin' Jamaicans at Sun Splash.
The artist is performing at a high level, similar to popular reggae artists.

[It ain't where you from] It's where ya at
Where someone is from does not necessarily matter - it's more important to be aware of your surroundings and be ready for any situation.

And where you be at times, you don't have your fuckin' gat.
Not having a gun in dangerous areas can leave you vulnerable to attack.

So chill with your riff raff, your bitch staff
Stay away from negative people and those who are not trustworthy.

Is some new cats, living in NEW JACK CITY!!
These people are inexperienced and naive, living in a dangerous area without fully understanding the risks.

Yo what the fuck is the deal?
The artist is questioning the behavior of new rappers who disrespect the rap game.

Here comes a new generation of rap dudes,
The artist is referring to the new style of rap music that has become popular.

[With fake attitudes] That refuse to play by the rules.
These new rappers do not have the same level of respect for the art form and are not as committed to following the traditions and rules of rap music.

It's a shame the way they be dissin' the game.
The artist views this new generation of rappers as disrespectful to the art form and its pioneers.

They fantasize, then go to something I would tell lies.
These new rappers are lying about their experiences and making up stories to sound more tough or street smart than they really are.

[These fake thugs] Replace slugs that's have three to nigga.
These fake tough guys are replacing real violence with fake posturing and lying.

[Actin' like he want it] No one want to see my niggas
The artist is confident in his ability to win violent confrontations.

[Firing Squad] Still firing, fuckin' wit old timers;
The older and more experienced rappers and criminals are still revered and respected by the artist.

Wit rhymers ready to come out of retirement.
Even older rappers and MCs are willing to come out of retirement to defend the art form.

Stoppin your traffic, a classic,
The artist is causing problems and disruptions in the area.

Puttin' you bitch ass niggas in caskets [you lil' bastards]
The artist is willing to kill anyone who threatens them or disrespects them.

Don't know this rap shit, get this:
The artist is knowledgeable and skilled in the art of rap music.

My family is ready to lynch, and roll before all you devils and sins.
The artist's family is ready to defend themselves and attack their enemies at any time.

[Raw breed] Indeed, we proceed to give you what you need,
The artist's family is tough and experienced, and is able to give people what they need in any situation.

You way out of your motherfucking league.
The artist and his family are far more skilled and experienced than their rivals.

It's the, warpath, O.G. staff;
The artist and his family are on a mission to dominate their rivals and defend their territory.

Ambidextrous and I'll tear your maggot ass in half.
The artist is skilled with both hands and can easily defeat his opponents.

My family don't give a fuck about you.
The artist's family has no regard for people who disrespect them or their territory.

How 'bout I, jump up and smack the shit out you?
The artist is willing to use violence at the slightest provocation.

[Get at 'em] Took you down the Firing Squad committee,
The artist and his family are members of a group called the Firing Squad, which takes down anyone who challenges them.

Wit' no pity, detonating this NEW JACK CITY!!
The artist and his family are about to unleash violence and destruction on their rivals and enemies.

[Chorus]
Reiteration of the song's central theme - the dangerous world of inner-city violence.