[Intro: Method Man]
Basically, know what I'm saying?
Basically and sh**, we're like this, man
As far as the music go
You got your watered down n***as
Then you got your happy-go-lucky n***as
Then you got your hardcore n***as and your underground n***as
Basically, it's all drug blocks
Everybody selling their dope on their block
What we're saying to ya'll is like this
We got our sh** sewed up
So don't try and come on our block selling your synthetic sh**
Cause you going to get blown up
It ain't happening
[Verse]
New York State of Mind since Nasir dropped Illmatic
It Was Written, I'm painting pictures without a canvas
I'm a legend like AC, you are a fan
Total Request Live on Times Square, hand to hand
That was '99, married to the game
Say "I Do", throw the dope and the rice
Hand motion like the #1 Stunna
This Bird-Man, what's the price
I'm trying to take over the summer nights
Willie Esco lost his vida, Velour suits that say Fila
I'm Old School like Will Ferrell but Soul For Real
Talking 'bout weight, gain a pound, ‘cause your body frail
I'm in the back of her mind just like a ponytail
Real underdog story, read my book
Better yet read my moves, inspire many with every line I spit
My attitude's a living legend
Check my attributes, coke copper now the pen tell it
So magical, 119th, 122nd
You're looking at the big dog, Beethoven 2nd
Not to mention, I don't at n***as
Cause my henchmen could really clap n***as
Not just these rap n***as
A big difference with drug and rap dealers
There's those that really deal it and those that never have
(That's the kind I don't like) ‘Cause I really risk my freedom
And you lying to your fans, I should cut off both hands
You ain't writing the truth, them sitcom rappers
They ain't live in the booth, bye
I... keep it a hundred, that's what real n***as do
I ain't got to say I'm real, I got real n***a's truth
I ain't gotta say I'm s**a free, what real n***a do?
My actions make my words look real visible
With an 8th grade reading level, I'm lyrical
Ya'll good kids embrace the life God giveth you
Papi, n***a!