Disc 1 | ||||||
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1. |
| 4:04 | ||||
[Nas] Uh.. uh.. uh.. New York streets where killers'll walk like Pistol Pete And Pappy Mason, gave the young boys admiration Prince from Queens and Fritz from Harlem Street legends, the drugs kept the hood from starvin Pushin cars, Nicky Barnes was the 70's But there's a long list of high-profile celebrities Worldwide on the thorough side of things Livest kings, some died, one guy, one time one day grabs me, as I'm about to blast heat 40-side of Vernon, I turned well he asked me "Whatchu up to, the cops gon' bust you" I was a teen drunk off brew, stumbled I wondered if God sent him, cause two squad cars entered the block and looked at us, I ain't flinch when they watched I took it upstairs, the bathroom mirror, brushed my hair Starin at a young disciple, I almost gave my life to what the dice do Yeah man, throwin them bones Hopin my ace get his case thrown His girl ain't wait for him, she in the world straight hoein While he lookin at centerfolds of pretty girls showin they little cooch, gangstas don't die he's livin proof The D.A. who tried him was lyin A white dude, killed his mother durin the case Hung jury, now the D.A. is bein replaced Pre-trial hearin is over, it's real for the soldier Walks in the courtroom, the look in his eyes is wild Triple-homicide, I sit in the back aisle I wanna crack a smile when I see him Throw up a fist for black power, cause all we want is his freedom He grabbed a court officer's gun and started squeezin Then he grabbed the judge, screams out -- nobody leavin everybody "Get down, get down! Get down, get down!" - James Brown {*sample cut and repeated*} [Nas] Everybody "Get down, get down! Get down, get down!" - James Brown {*sample cut and repeated*} [Nas] Some niggaz fuck they enemies in they ass when they catch 'em Weird-ass niggaz are dangerous, so don't test 'em They make you, dissapear, this a year that I won't forget Sold CD's double platinum, met mo' execs Southern niggaz, independent label, real killers Know the business, ran Tennessee for years, now they chillin They had the coke game somethin crazy Sold music out the trunk of they car, that shit amazed me Put me onto heron blunts, sherm or somethin Took a puff, what the fuck, I turned to punch them Southern niggaz ain't slow, nigga tried to play me I left from around them dudes, they cool but they crazy Now I'm back around the old school that raised me New York gangstas, we loungin, out in L.A. see A dude wrote my dawg from Pelican Bay The letter say, "Nas I got your back - the fools don't play" I rolled with some Crips down to a Crenshaw funeral Never saw so many men slaughtered and I knew the ho responsible The nigga still alive in a hospital Midnight they crept in his room and shot the doctor too See my cousin's in the game, thuggin and things He plugged me with a dame who was half-Mexicano Gave the ass up, I'ma mack daddy Soprano She passed me the indigo, but the imbecile shoulda never tippy-toed, thought my eyes were closed Openin the hotel room do', to let her goons in But I moved in a manner, on some Jet Li shit I let the hammers blow, wet three kids See honey thought I had somethin to do, with all the drama Cause I was with a crew, that had her people killed Called up my cousin, told him I ain't fuckin witchu He responded cool, but told me out here this how motherfuckers "Get down, get down! Get down, get down!" - James Brown {*sample cut and repeated*} [Nas] Everybody "Get down, get down! Get down, get down!" - James Brown {*sample cut and repeated*} [unknown speaker] All I really gotta say is that if that's how our people gon' get down, how we ever gon' get up? How we ever gon' get up if that's how we get down? A shame when you ain't look at it My folk is yo' folk, but we all kinfolk Somebody gotta make a change |
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2. |
| 3:48 | ||||
[Chorus 2X: Nas] I carry the cross, if Virgin Mary had an abortion I'd still be carried in the chariot by stampeding horses Had to bring it back to New York I'm happy that the streets is back in New York For you rappers, I carry the cross [Nas] Y'all can keep y'all weak beats, from your corny producers There's a new king of the streets, you're gonna get used to I was the old king of the streets, that y'all once hated But now I reinvented myself, and y'all all waited NAS, N.A.S. mean Niggaz Against Society Noisy I aim not silently, noose all surroundin me I hang 'em I string 'em up ain't no thing I just drop 'em to which doctor you copped and you locked and it ain't what it was I changed it up from that pop shit it's hard to see R&B rappers arguably, started fuckin up the game horribly Cause, I parted the sea, then these novices targetted me Bitches infatuated say they love me lyin to me What I've discovered is my brother's tryin to be the next me, yeah I support him but he's blinded I see jealousy he love me to death am I buggin I love him for life We both still mournin on our mother's, life And I don't need much but a Dutch, a bitch to fuck A six, a truck, some guns to bust I wish it was that simple, the last emperor, hit yo' ass with the Nasty Nas, diary, get out my path [Chorus] [Nas] I can't keep a bitch cause none of them come up for a little less I can't be too rich, too many hoes, lined up for sex I can't rest until my niggaz in houses with pretty maids Water and flowers in 'em While my niggaz walk around in they trousers grinnin Gotta keep a lot of heat; 30 cals 10 millimeters 40 cals plus the heckler, to set y'all straight You too light? I shoot your freckles out You too dark? The infrared show you what the tec about Huh? I'm stressin out, need more offices for bosses Secretaries and meetings with big sharks, who mad greedy We can sell mo', boats on the coast Give, coats to the po' and give, hope to the broke then live low But that ain't reality, I look happy but under the sky You see a nigga who know, out of three women 2 out of 3 will love you but lead you to they own, hidden evil BITCH! You the reason niggaz be beefin, hoe get on 'Posed to be Earth, ain't worth the pussy that you sit on From here on, it's a new day Million dollars ain't, what it was yesterday Many problems, many niggaz, most involved but they fake Hope y'all relate [Chorus] [Nas] I carry the cross |
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3. |
| 3:23 | ||||
*shotgun blast*
*old school break beat, thugs chant "Bravehearts!" 7X* [Verse 1: Nas] Uh, uh, uh, now let's get it all in perspective For all y'all enjoyment, a song y'all can step wit' Y'all appointed me to bring rap justice But I ain't five-O, y'all know it's Nas yo Grey goose and a whole lotta hydro Only describe us as soldier survivors Stay laced in the best, well dressed with finesse In a white tee lookin for wifie Thug girl who fly and talks so nicely Put her in the coupe so she can feel the nice breeze We can drive thru the city no doubt, but don't say my car's topless Say the titties is out, newness here's the anthem Put your hand up that you shoot with, count your loot wit' Push the pool stick in your new crib, same hand that you hoop with Swing around like you stu-pid, king'a the town, yeah I been that You know I click-clack where you and yor men's at Do the Smurf, do the Wop, Baseball Bat Rooftop like we bringing '88 back [Chorus: Nas] They shootin'! -- Aw made you look You a slave to a page in my rhyme book Gettin' Big/"big" money, playboy your time's up Where them gangstas? Where them dimes at? They shootin'! -- Aw made you look You a slave to a page in my rhyme book Gettin' Big/"big" money, playboy your time's up Where them gangstas at? Where them dimes at? [Verse 2: Nas] This ain't rappin, this is Street-Hop Now get up off your ass like your seat's hot My live niggaz lit up the reefer Trunk'a the car we got the streetsweeper Don't start none, won't be none No reason for your mans to panic You don't wanna see no ambulances Knock a pimp's drink down in his pimp cup That's the way you get Timberland'd up Let the music diffuse all the tension Ball or convention, free admission Hustlers, dealers and killers'ca move swift Girls get close, you'ca feel where the tool's kept All my just-comin' homies, parolees Get money, leave the beef alone slowly Get out my face, you people so phoney Pull out my waist, the eagle fo-forty [Chorus] *thugs chanting "Bravehearts!" 4X over DJ scratching gunshots* [Verse 3: Nas] I see niggaz runnin', yo my mood is real rude I lay you out, show you what steel do Mobsters don't box, my pump shot obliges Every invitation to fight you punk hazas Like Pun said, "You ain't even en mi clasa" Maybach Benz, back seat, tv plasma Ladies lookin for athletes or rappers Whatever you choose, whatever you do Make sure he a thug and intelligent too Like a real thoroughbred is, show me love Lemme feel how the head is Females whose the sexiest is always the nastiest *record scratched off, Nas rhymes acapella* And I like a little sassiness, a lotta class Mommy reach in your bag, pass the fifth I'm a leader, at last this a don you wit' My nines'll spit, niggaz loose consciousness |
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4. |
| 5:05 | ||||
[Chorus: x2]
Lord have mercy, Jesus Christ He's just nice, he just slice like a ginsu Look at the life that I been through I'm the last real nigga alive, that's official [Nas] y'all don't know about my Biggie wars Who you thought 'Kick In The Door' was for? But that's my heart, y'all still tripping of this Jigga shit Real niggas listen up and I'ma tell you how the whole thing start Off top I brung Queens up from hard times Rocking at the Fever, streets was all mine It was my version of the blues, dropping our schools The crack epidemic had rap representing new rules So I, got in em shoes, tried em wore them Wasn't a perfect fit, so I couldn't sport em Young murderers ride, I knew all them Jungle got shot, Will died, we was warring I wrote it in my album I was 18 when Lake seen the Island And Lord held me down and My surroundings started changing I had a baby, I was making my rounds with AZ Niggas started noticing my flow and was open when The Golden Child closed em in with more style than them older men Puff tried to start a label, Prince Rakeem had formed Wu-Tang Snoop and Dre had a new thing So Puff drove his new Range through Queensbridge Projects He let me drive it, before Ready to Die hit BIG and I hit blunts performing at the Arc Next thing you knew, BIG blew and all the balling starts He had Kim and his crew, I found Fox, only niggas in New York with number one charts BIG was ahead of his time, him and Raekwon my niggas But dig it, they couldn't get along That's when Ghostface said it on the Purple tape Bad Boy biting Nas album cover way BIG told me Rae was stealing my slang And Rae told me out in Shaolin BIG would do the same thing But I borrowed from both them niggas Jigga started to flow like us, but hit with 'Ain't No Niggas' Had much Versace swagger BIG admired the Brooklyn knight and it took him in as Iceberg the rapper Today don't know nothing, about this bullshit There's more shit than wanting to be this King of New York shit [Chorus: x2] [Nas] Rap became a version of Malcom and Martin Rest In Peace Will, Queensbridge live on There's some ghetto secrets I can't rhyme in this song There's some missing pieces I had to leave out I had lot trust for Steve Stoute At some point till I got to know him We old friends, but what's loyal? Puff soaked Interscope offices With champagne bottles on Steve, and Steve thought the drama is on me Cause previously it would have been, against whoever Friends forever However, I learn, with some niggas it's all business But I'm a street dude with morals To dis niggas with Jigga too much, he used to say Jay wanted my spot I laughed, stayed home, never hung a lot A quiet man who used to be alone planning Baby moms thought I was too quiet, couldn't stand it She hit the streets, later on she hittin the sheets With a rapper who wanted me on his songs, thinking he strong I taught her how to watch for cars that might follow Taught her street shit that I know Her weakness was shine yo But that's her, I ain't mad baby, it made me stronger Now I get my paper longer Illmatic I was boss It Was Written I flossed One of the most creative LPs ever to hit stores In the Firm I learned I am Nastradamus QB's Finest, Oochie Wally, faced more problems I gave it all up so I can chill at home with mama She was getting old and sick so I stayed beside her We had the best times, she asked would I make more songs I told her not till I see her health get more strong In the middle of that, Jay tried to sneak attack assassinate my character, degrade my hood Cause in order for him to be the Don, Nas had to go The Gam-be |
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5. |
| 3:49 | ||||
So y'all wit me? Yea, What, Yea Why don't y'all blast on these niggas, man Tuck in your chain put your watch in your pocket Here come the Braveheart straight out the projects We live the life where the blood spills Same thing that get you cats nigga, get you killed Warnin', Jungle always keep a gun on him Pull out, {*shooting sound*}, four head gone 'n Sloppy, droppin' you birds Close range so my bullets don't swerve, curve No bullshit Back in ya hand, find me Call Earl, death is the ways of the world Y'all made criminals Tryin' to wild out there so crack, bust guns at Bow Wow's age Fightin' in jail, lookin' for heaven, livin' in hell Fuckin 'em hos, born to cope since I was 12 Way too foul walk around all the time With a gray Mack 10 and a pocket full o' dimes Braveheart to the graveyard, let's go niggas Scared straight, but FUCK them hos Keep it, dead serious Believe it don't believe us, until you see me creepin', Now you sleep with them fishes G-W-I-Z, so delicious To all them ghetto and sober bitches in 'burban districts I'm movin on passin' chumps, and very thoroughly promoted by God's Son And this is the military turn it up My moves erase a ton, your son less thump nah Heat talk feet walk you run uh Rat ta-tat, Hear them shots come Drop son, pull out You better send 'em back son, or feel that casket The peeps be like one (one) I'm movin on passin' chumps, and very thoroughly promoted by God's Son G-O-D S-O-N I S-O-O-T-H-E a female's estrogen With my testosterone, male hormone Enough for a giant's body, science S-C-I-E-N-C-E Don't tempt me, EMS against you, me I'm just, invincible Like Mike Jack said, for me and Al Sharpton won't be Broke in Harlem That's that, who made this style, solo or X Are you TFO's doctor or Mobb Deep Whoever, I freaked it yes, so meet ya death I never wear Esco, I got a New Line comin' like cinemas Remember the, original, y'all still tryina show niggas are rich Town house niggas I'm six cribs deep, six bank accounts in six countries Na I'm lyin', who gives a fuck that's so tired While pictures of Bravehearts just livin' it up A million of us, each nigga inchin' a bus You got a house in Virginia The only way you sicker than us Gettin' bagged with .22's now you's a ridiculous fuck No need for the gun play, it's ok, 'cause you dyin' anyway Yo, this is for them Heismann drop outs Niggas who copped out If you prefer shots over knockouts Sniffin' coke, smokin' weed Sellin' crack, sellin' smack You thuggin' it, you ain't turn it back Braveheart's gettin' money ruthless 'till the world end Gettin' high with my enemy's girlfriend I used to have a bike on a bench Now I got a jeep on this trip Coke in the pot, heat on my head Nigga dont stop blazin' cuz ya target's movin' Shoot 'till the gun's empty stupid, Queens Niggas so ruthless, really excuses is Useless to these swift executioners And thats Queensbridge nigga, all day Pump packs o' crack, smoke purple haze Runnin from D's quickly knockout rookies G Wiz you know what I'm all about To all my real niggas [sample - repeated until end "Z-z-z-zone Out"] |
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6. |
| 4:05 | ||||
[VERSE 1] The phone rings Another peaceful moment is lost Latifah's chest jingle in "Set It Off" I press pause in the bed as a king I let it ring 4 or 5 times Answer while I'm puffin' my green It's Tamika sayin', "Hi Nas" I caught a flashback of her askin' me was I asthmatic 'fore I tapped that She offered me dinner under the moon I said, "Sorry. I made plans at Ray's Boom-Boom Room" Nine push-ups... Strength's gone at the tenth one so why hook up The pimp's gone off the Platron Tequila Put on my Lee's and the original Fila's Sedated from L's, 380 cocked, naked ladies laid up in tails Like Whodini I chose, gazelles don't lean on my nose Drivin' by the clubs gleamin' and go Heads turn it's a freak show I need them to know... When will they learn Nas need a queen not a hoe to... Point out my enemies, a girl who's into me But not a hype chick- someone with proper energy Someone who's into me but won't fuck with my enemies And you can sing along 'cuz I'm feelin' ya energy [CHORUS] (Claudette Ortiz) Hey Nas... How ya doin'? Take my name... And my number Meanwhile... We'll be groovin' But let's take... it... slow [VERSE 2] One for the honeys who roll blunts up but don't smoke Two for the few who see potential in you when you broke Three for the G they got, they game is hot I give it to you Double life wife- play with the man that's livin' with you Here's the issue... A woman gotta be stunnin' Get to a man's heart through his stomach You gotta be skilled in the culinary arts Know a brother stay mad hungry when he spark Hit the museum, maybe Central Park, you mentally smart Picture we in Tiffany, you becomin' my counterpart If I want Chinese then you buy me a wok If you want barbeque I call Professor and Ock 'Cuz u... point out my enemies, someone who's into me But not a hyper chick- someone with the proper energy A girl that's into me who won't fuck all my enemies And you could be the one 'cuz I'm lovin' ya energy [CHORUS] (Kelis) Hey Nas... How ya doin'? Take my name... And my number Meanwhile... We'll be cruisin' But let's take... it... slow [VERSE 3] Slow is the way Holdin' hands, tongue and hickeys Hope and I pray where I run at you run away with me That's if my gun get busy we gotta get outta there Hear sirens jump in the stick drop a Sedan and hide for years Like noone else in the world did this except for us two You gotta trust me, I gotta trust you If coppers bust me it's me you rescue, this to the death boo You rep me respectfully that's how I rep for you Retired from pimpin', perspire is drenchin' As we... suck and fuck each other's minds out commission Time's out forbidden Until we pass out, that's when we stop We give it all we got, give it all we got- we hot Give it all we got, give it all we got- we rock Give it all we got, give it all we got You 'bout the baddest thing Since Michael had Billy Jean And Prince gave you diamond's and pearls But to be my queen you must... Point out my enemies, a girl who's into me But not a hype chick- someone with proper energy Someone who's into me who won't fuck all my enemies And you can be the one 'cuz I'm feelin' ya energy [CHORUS] (Claudette & Kelis) Hey Nas... How ya doin'? Take my name... And my number Meanwhile... We'll be cruisin' But let's take... it... slow (Claudette) (2x) I can be... What you said That you need... I can be...All that I can be... I can have your back... baby |
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7. |
| 4:14 | ||||
I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, B-Boys and girls, listen up You can be anything in the world, in God we trust An architect, doctor, maybe an actress But nothing comes easy it takes much practice Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe Singing songs, Lina Horn, but the younger version Hung with the wrong person Gotta astrung when I heard when Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose Coulda died, so young, no looks ugly and old No fun cause when she reaches for hugs people hold they breath Cause she smells of corrosion and death Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, B-Boys and girls, listen again This is for grown looking girls who's only ten The ones who watch videos and do what they see As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be Older than you are, give yourself time to grow You thinking he can give you wealth, but so Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know You thinkin life's all about smokin weed and ice You don't wanna be my age and can't read and right Begging different women for a place to sleep at night Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this Save the music y'all, save the music y'all Save the music y'all, save the music y'all Save the music Be, be, 'fore we came to this country We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys It was empires in Africa called Kush Timbuktu, where every race came to get books To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans Asian Arabs and gave them gold when Gold was converted to money it all changed Money then became empowerment for Europeans The Persian military invaded They learned about the gold, the teachings and everything sacred Africa was almost robbed naked Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces Shot up they nose to impose what basically Still goes on today, you see? If the truth is told, the youth can grow They learn to survive until they gain control Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes Read more learn more, change the globe Ghetto children, do your thing Hold your head up, little man, you're a king Young Prince thats when you get your wedding ring Your man is saying "She's my queen" Save the music y'all, save the music y'all Save the music y'all, save the music y'all Save the music |
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8. |
| 3:54 | ||||
Alchemist you know me man
I'm the type of nigga that write rhymes right on the spot in the studio soon as I hear the track; you know what I'm sayin? Word but I wanted to bring a couple of books to the studio today Man I foundthese shits up in the crib man in boxes man I don't even remember when I was writing these shits or what's in these shits man probably a bunch of bullshit man Fuck it check it How can I trust you when I can't trust me? Picture myself a old man a O.G. Some niggas will conversate with liers all day Time pass...(Nah lemme start somethin' else) Soul on ice death threats given by clowns I guess livin' is prison when you live around clowns I'm hexed cursed worse I been blessed first I thought I was abnormal cause I would overcome any tasked called to So there it is I'ma prince I'ma get slain Some do minor shit swear they on the top of they game Ya rhymin' is called "Vagina Monologue" It kinda supports theories of scary niggas who should lie in the morgue Rarely y'all come in contact with the real Since Pun passed he was the last shine of sun I could feel Yo said there's a few left since music's expressions of life Damn I wish I took more time to write in my book of rhymes Oh shit Tina - I been lookin' for this bitch number damn. No this rhyme is weak.. This is week I remember this bullshit right here (My Book of Rhymes) Gandhi was a... what the fu..? Gandhi was a fool, nigga fight to the death The US Army is a school that teach ya plights of conquest (I wonder when I wrote this. Nah it's weak) The money's ya religion sky the limit live life Numbers is big business makes the poor live trife The glimmers of hope provoke those without dollars to dream Through your existence become wealthy knowledge is king Pimps and card sharks thiefs murderers with hard luck Addicts and fiends prostitutes passin' for teens is my society Cops that shoot blacks is routine for noteriety Grow up watchin' well dressed niggas with charms Beautiful ladies on their arms Dangerous new cars was my fantasy for Nas Rubbin my lips with Campophenique Still behind the ears wet turned out to be Pioneers vets amongst hustlers crack sellers and liers and squares... (Nah that was weak there) My people be projects or jail never Harvard or Yale Pardon me type in my 2way while I'm chargin' my cell It's hard to be iced up with Gucci god poverty's real I can't fight you cause you would sue me niggas be groupies I see imitators tryin' to make albums spittin' my style And they don't even realize that I notice they stealing Nas' shit I pump some Rick James with that Teena Marie My nina lean on me like Swoop it's crap this can't be My book of rhymes This can't be my book of rhymes writing this bullshit! (My Book of Rhymes) Nah neva that fuck that, aw why you laughin' Alchemist? Huh you a funny nigga... naw yeah (My Book of Rhymes) I'm tellin' you I'ma come up with some new shit now Fuck that I'ma write again now fuck that I musta been high on some shit mmm what the fuck is this? Look how we treat pregnancy women in the 'hood Our values so low our values are no good Things our mothers told us we shoulda heeded Cause now we need it We older almost able t... I'm jealous of you how come you so beautiful? Smelling fresh youthful intelligent while I'm stressin' and shit Aiyo I envy you 'cause all you do is smile and things come your way Such a innocent child is what some say I get upset 'cause I just want to be treated the way you are Like a star not a worry in this world thus far But wait a minute we both need ya mother's attention I must be crazy jealous of my own baby infant (Kinda crazy) |
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9. |
| 4:07 | ||||
*featuring 2Pac, J. Phoenix
[Intro: Nas] I want you to close your eyes And vision the most beautiful place in the world If you in the hood on the ghetto street corner Come on this journey The best journey Acres of land and swimming pools and all that Check it out [Verson One: Nas] I'm capable of anything, my imagination can give me wings To fly like doves over the streets watchin' many things Kids walkin' home from school on drug block missionaries Pass out papers that read: Love God See faces, cases, judges, juries, masons, lawyers and cops I watch because every thugs face is my mirror But this was one in particular This kid he was the vintage stick em up pro 16 years old, did his jail sentence, nowhere to go Every mornin calls his comrad to come and get him to smoke He insane, already gone mad Blames himself for his setbacks Dangerous street corners where his sets at Slang from dust to dawn, detectives act like they maniacs Chasin' him, his ass was flarin' Smokin' like a chimney, on really, of course he not carin' He need a place to go to keep his mind expandin' I give him a helpin' hand, bring him out to Thugz Mansion [Chorus: J. Phoenix] Every corner, every city There's a place where life's a little easy Little Hennessy, laid back and cool Every hour, cause it's all good Leave all the stress from the world outside Every wrong done will be alright Nothin but peace, love And street passion, every ghetto needs a thug mansion [Verse Two: 2Pac] Dear momma don't cry, your baby boy's doin good Tell the homies I'm in heaven and they ain't got hoods Seen a show with Marvin Gaye last night, it had me shook Drippin peppermint Schnapps, with Jackie Wilson, and Sam Cooke Then some lady named Billie Holiday Sang sittin there kickin it with Malcolm, 'til the day came Little LaTasha sho' grown Tell the lady in the liquor store that she's forgiven, so come home Maybe in time you'll understand only God can save us When Miles Davis cuttin lose with the band Just think of all the people that you knew in the past that passed on, they in heaven, found peace at last Picture a place that they exist, together There has to be a place better than this, in heaven So right before I sleep, dear God, what I'm askin Remember this face, save me a place, in thug's mansion [Chorus] [Verse Three: Nas] A place where death doesn't reside, just thugs who collide Not to start beef but spark trees, no cops rollin by No policemen, no homicide, no chalk on the streets No reason, for nobody's momma to cry See I'm a good guy, I'm tryin to stick around for my daughter But if I should die, I know all of my albums support her This whole year's been crazy, asked the Holy Spirit to save me Only difference from me and Ossie Davis, gray hair maybe Cause I feel like my eyes saw too much sufferin I'm just twenty-some-odd years, I done lost my mother And I cried tears of joy, I know she smiles on her boy I dream of you more, my love goes to Afeni Shakur Cause like Ann Jones, she raised a ghetto king in a war And just for that alone she shouldn't feel no pain no more Cause one day we'll all be together, sippin heavnly champagne What angels saw, with golden wings in thug's mansion [Chorus] |
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10. |
| 4:08 | ||||
Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh... (Chorus) A Mastermind - Sees it coming before it comes A Mastermind - Before he go to war he counts his one A Mastermind - Everything planned out perfect, in case y'all niggaz got to get murdered A Mastermind - Sleeps at night, real easy A Mastermind - Cause everything he does is by the book A Mastermind - Never do a thing irrational, lives forever, these tales are classical (Verse) Velvet bowties, bulletproofs in the tux, when I roll by In car similar to a suanas, in my diamonds And my principal is to study drama Look what happened in Manhattan A couple of years ago when guns started clappin' Two of my dogs fell, two of my niggaz ran They was amatures in beef with a grown man It taught me the lessons of how the strong stand And how the weak, end up in a coffin Play it cool, that's the old school rule, man Keep your ears to the street, y'all never lose man Make your enemies believe there's love there Cause in war, belief is all fair Rock them to sleep, shots in your jeep And you ain't never know the plot was from me It's from my Masterminds (Chorus) A Mastermind - Sees it coming before it comes A Mastermind - Before he go to war he counts his one A Mastermind - Everything planned out perfect, in case y'all niggaz got to get murdered A Mastermind - Sleeps at night, real easy A Mastermind - Cause everything he does is by the book A Mastermind - Never do a thing irrational, lives forever, these tales are classical (Verse) It ain't a game it's the life Think it's a game, you layin' And I'm nice on that black stone merlo Toast to my hero Nat Turner Whether below zero, gave the keys to Kelis Whispered in her earlobe, drive on Cause she the wife and they the freaks The underneath my girl caliber They smiled at her and said "Goodbye" With niggaz who thug or die, they wild as us My bodyguards are my Denially trucks Knownin' that I'm surrounded by OGs that I don't really get down with They got a seperate table for their freaks bought them drinks So we could talk man-to-man so real niggaz could link I knew, they kill hos too like Ray Carutth They used to spray troops, now they managing groups The main nigga sunny had big money since '82 Had two of my dogs whacked, nothing I could do That was back when I had no crew, I switch that Now I'm strong with niggaz who felt Sunny was wrong My money's long his money is weak, he's losing sleep Trying to feel me out, to see what it's gonna be But I'm a Mastermind (Chorus) A Mastermind - Sees it coming before it comes A Mastermind - Before he go to war he counts his one A Mastermind - Everything planned out perfect, in case y'all niggaz got to get murdered A Mastermind - Sleeps at night, real easy A Mastermind - Cause everything he does is by the book A Mastermind - Never do a thing irrational, lives forever, these tales are classical (Verse) I live a clean life, I don't even steal cable I speak for myslef, my niggaz will slay you Lucky us, this rap done worked out fine FEDs, check me out, it's no dirt y'all find This King Of New York shit only last 15 minutes Every nigga get burned, but it's what you did with it Niggas who brillant, came in and killed it Made millions ever three months, new jury I'm low, smoking blueberry, with a ho Who know a few scary individuals eerie as she gets into it Squares they into voodoo She says a Hail Mary and she says she knew who Would come and try to kill you too (Chorus) A Mastermind - Sees it coming before it comes A Mastermind - Before he go to war he counts his one A Mastermind - Everything planned out perfect, in case y'all niggaz got to get murdered A Mastermind - Sleeps at night, real easy A Mastermind - Cause everything he does is by the book A Mastermind - Never do a thing irrational, lives forever, these tales are classical |
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11. |
| 4:42 | ||||
[Nas] Uh, If I can teach somethin' so dear And hope somebody learn somethin' from it And give it back They can't break me or shake me They too fake to come kill me Think they faith this was satan They mistake me I'm filthy Rich off the ghetto madness, so now they wanna dare me It's gonna be a murder confront me, the burners are empty Middle Passage I made it I'm from the land of David The Nazarene of Bethlehem they had me wrapped in blankets That bunch of backward gangsters That sign of Alpha Davis Snitches with smile-like faces got you blowin' trial I hear this Hopin' my child can see through this tryna be a good daddy I was there when she was born and she'll be there when I'm buried Kind o' waitin' is scary All my years have prepared me What I fear is my temper, I subject to the center Right through a man's soul Straight through his eyes, straight through his heart I'm still alive how did I make it this far 'Cause I been high I been low, searchin' for a way to go Every single night I pray And Lord I'm on this battleground, lost just waitin' to be found I guess it's just a warrior's way [Chorus: Alicia Keys] This is the song, of my warriors (A warrior song) Bravehearted and strong, definition of a warrior (Definition of a warrior) Gonna keep punchin' on, to the sound of her own beatin' drum [Nas] Like King Nasir fightin' the British regime I can't cope my existence is hope for younger teens who lost in their world Earlier this year I buried my queen in a gold casket Your mother's the closest thing to God that you ever have kid I'm askin, what would you do at your own mom's funeral Wanna pick her up out of it, this can't be real Tellin' my daughter grandma's gone, but I can't keep still I can't go on, responsible for so many Her last days at the hospital Visits from family I'm tryin' not to bust shots at niggas Wishin' death on other nigga's mothers ain't right but why mommy She raised me in the projects alone Her untimely exit from her, heavenly body Got me ready to embody somethin' quickly Can't be happy, fuck a party she can't party with me So your apologies are burnin' ya own souls To the kids with no parents at home, grab a whole [Chorus: Alicia Keys] This is the song, of my warriors (A warrior song) Bravehearted and strong, definition of a warrior (Uh, warriors) Gonna keep punchin' on, to the sound of her own beatin' drum [Nas] Fight 'til the fight is over, for my peoples I die see When you thought they were soldiers they turned out to be nobodies I think they out to get me, helpless was livin' sinful If you was me all this pain I'm feelin would bend and killed you (I'm a Warrior) It only made me stronger But in my head it gets darker who wishin' evil on ya Sometimes I wish I was dead But I took heed to the cause (I'm a Warrior, yeah) 'Cause I been high I been low, searchin' for a way to go Every single night I pray And Lord I'm on this battleground, lost just waitin' to be found I guess it's just a warrior's way [Chorus Until End: Alicia Keys] This is the song, of my warriors (A warrior song) Bravehearted and strong, definition of a warrior (Definition of a warrior) Gonna keep punchin' on, to the sound of her own beatin' drum [Nas] To my warriors To all these, baby KrucialKeys! Braveheart y'all This to all my warriors, who breathe with the heart of a lion To everybody that lost their mother, their father Rest in peace moms! My mother's last words: Never give up A true warrior, who raised me in the hood, in a war Love ya girl, y'kno keep marchin' Yea yea yea, you never give up To all my warriors, haha Braveheart, Braveheart Definition of a warrior |
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12. |
| 3:29 | ||||
[Lake] uh uh huh, lets go, yeah! [Nas] Uh, ghetto children singing "singing" [Nas] See they eager to learn "uh hum" [Nas] how to become the next world leaders "Bravehearts"! [Chorus: Nas] Revolutionary warfare is all fair loving war for the cause I gotta take you off here Revolutionary warfare is all fair loving war for the cause I gotta take you off here [Nas] Book one, strategy, tactics, techniques Look dumb, but massively notice the weakness, in all them Gotta shoot only if necessary Homey vest is very real if enemies carrying heavy steal Beware the thugs who ain't scared of blood or jail time Where Arian nations ain't having integration, we so blind The beauty of life, was when my mom said nigga you could be Christ I wasn't old enough to hold my dick and pee right, "Jesus"! What is he like? I picture him standing with diamonds on him Little different from the way my mommy saw him Practice your aiming, physical training in, difficult terrain and Test your endurance, try to keep your stamina banging Splitting dutches up, strap up, the armies is school Teaching smart ways to kill, I'm thinking Ghandi was a fool But chronic's a fool; got me thinking out loud, fuck it Sleep on my drunkenness I'll blow your brains out [Chorus] [Lake] My revolution is as real as Bobby Seale's, I build With dudes and cribs worth a quarter mill, in dix hills for fish scale, to cop guns, the time come I'll mask up and get my comrade off the bus Fuck the beef I'll snatch your seed, from chuckie cheese And feed him to the rats in the back of the P's Black fatigues and ? on the sofa 50 inch flat screen Louie Vitton holdsters My motions don't appeal to repel at divisions I did it strong for 7 long years in prison, fuck the system I'm like a modern day Hitler, black gorilla, crip and blood in one nigga Only killas know my face I beat a case for shooting at the police, nigga, the name Lake Though simultaneously the street revolution 21 gun salute the new Huey Newton [Chorus] [Nas, Lake] [N] Teach y'all women how to hold the family down in case something happens to his fathers [N] Protect the children, grab revolvers [N] The women plays important part of our life force [N] So what we fight for, my heart goes to you beautiful wife in war [L] Uh, And listen more talk less [L] Watch all and trust none, demand your respect [L] And be ready to die for what you believe in [L] And ride all the time not just when convenient [N] Justice and freedom, wisdom and understanding [N] We the lost children of Israel in this western world region [N] You ain't a man you a coward if you cant support the girl you put a seed in [L] Strong rule the weak, but the wise rule the strong [L] It's more to a war than just getting it on [L] Conceal your form, cover your tracks [L] Stay prepared I don't care if no one's spared [Chorus: x2] |
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13. |
| 3:34 | ||||
[Nas] One more time, one more time Huh, one more time, huh One more time I dream of the day I could go back to when I was born Laying in your arms, wishing you was here today mom Wish you the pid Just for a second from heaven my tears would be gone I wouldn't be rapping this song I'd be happy driving up to your 8 bed room mansion Ablade, laughing bout the hard time we faced The galaxy is so enchanting beyond, Galileo's understanding Past the milky way and all the planets There's something out there greater But only god knows, scientist claim we came from apes But they lies though, that was part of our conversation I spark went up a star blazing Thinking of how amazing she was A angel gave me love I'm thankful, to ever know a women so real I pray when I marry my wife'll have one of your skillz But mom you could never be replaced I'd give my life up Just to see you one more day To have... [Chorus] One more dance with you mama If I could only have One more dance with you mama Praying, wish that I could have One more dance with you mama If I could only have One more dance with you mama I wish you were here, I miss you more each second I breathe You resting in peace forever I accepted you free A blessing to me, I see you dressed in all white Smiling at me, happy knowing everything's all right If only I could hear your voice and your laughter Just one more time, my chest would be filled up with sunshine April 7, 42 That's when the gates of heaven opened up for you to stroll threw Beautiful Anne Jones Job is done, raising ghetto kids in the hood You was my strength to carry on and now I'm good Job well done, you lived threw you sons and your grandchildren Jesus finally got his bridge, mommy dance with em And you've been my guide threw all the trouble I faced They playing our song the lifebeat my hand on your waist I grab your other hand and try not to step on your toes Spin you around with my eyes closed Dreaming I could have [Chorus] I love you forever mom You will always live threw me ... always Huh, huh huh, yea |
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14. |
| 4:41 | ||||
[Chorus] (If Heaven was a mile away) Would I pack up my bags and leave this world behind? (If Heaven was a mile away) Or save it all for you? (If Heaven was a mile away) Would I, fill the tank up with gas and be out the front door in a FLASH Before reconsidering, this Hell with you It ain't you it's the things you do (do) It's tearing my heart in two I would of fell with you To Hell with you [Nas] If Heaven was a mile away And you could ride by the gates Would you try to run inside when it opens would you try to die today? Would you pray louder finally believing His power? Even if you couldn't see, but you could feel would you still doubt him? How would you start acting? Would you try to put the ki's down? Thinking every drug sell that you make in the streets He can see now Would a fiend even want to get high, would he stop smoking? If he knew on his own two feet he could just stroll in To get away and escape from the craziness And I bet you there's a Heaven for an atheist It's hard taking this Racist planet where they take another brother in a handcuff Even if he innocent nigga get on the car put your motherfucking hands up Thinking I'm a lose it My mom's in chemo Three times a week, yo keep trying but people Is hard and God your young soldier's not so bold But needs you This world's my home but world I would leave [Chorus] [Nas] Nigga what you think I'ma stop building I'ma stop feeling like I'm Amistad's great great grandchildren How I'm not gonna want to make millions Since the quarter water days in the hallways making fake coke Pass with the Reeses Pieces wrapper in my mouth all day But then my style has quite a while that same type as Ill and Al Skratch Game time to them cats never looked back Cristal blowing dub sacks That's when it all just hit me You see the broads and Bentleys is nothing less my nigga spend it all with me I'd give it all away quickly Just to hear them all I'd buy some new kicks free of any autographs so not to be recognized forgive me It's becoming unbearable Making hits is easy Put a famous bitch on the hook there you go with a platinum CD I know you heard the noise Preachers touching on altar boys Sodomizing not realizing God is watching before the Lord How can they do the devil's work? A man giving another man head in church Hell it hurts just to fathom the thought wishing that I fled the Earth. [Chorus] |