Guru

Uhh...
("Boy, what is it you want to do when you grow up?)
Aiyyo I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
Now I'ma start collectin props, connectin plots
networkin like a conference, cause the nonsense is yet to stop
Jakes shake me down, haters wanna take me down
Break me down, CLAP all they heard was the sound
Yo I scoped it out, I took your weak dream and choked it out
Your bitch don't really got no ass, she just poked it out
on the deelow, I'm sayin, you versus me though?
We can do this shit right here, in front of your people
See time is money kid, and BS walks
And to me, it's funny kid when you meet heads talk
I see Feds stalk, they wanna dig up the dirt
Son is it me they hawk, cause I be puttin in work Son?
Aiyyo I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
You cornballs get stonewalled, blackballed I own y'all
The veteran, runnin my plan I'm the better man
Crazy raw, doin my job like the mob
Blazin y'all, and disappearin in the fog
or a mist, and chicks can't resist what I kick
They be beggin for attention or some more of the dillznick
Word up baby, someone may have to get hurt up baby
Shit is mad shady, but I got to get the gravy
Platinum respect like the force of a tech
keep you hittin the deck, feelin heat in your chest
Bangin your thoughts with the hot onslaught
A kid got shot on the spot for goin where he should not
Viciously, I make history, instantly
Those other lame ass loser ass niggaz, they can't fuck with me
I'm doin my thing now, to lamp later on
Paid in the shade, with some fly gators on
But now I'm grimy as they get, mud on my pants and shirt
I bet you niggaz out here know, I be puttin in work
Aiyyo I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate

From every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international

I'm a tell you like this, kid
I'm a well-known legend with a flow that's liquid
You can front if you want to
But you'll never get the love that I get when I come through
Doesn't matter where I go
Country to country I do my thing like a pro
I got the worldwide charm
Might see me with two or three girls on my arm
Always on the job, never frown at work
I'm never scared of the fans 'cause I'm down to earth
They all talkin, oh what's up now?
My name is good, I'm on the come-up now
Other guys are local
While I'm known everywhere for my buttery vocals
Me and the God got the game on tap
And this kind of thing goes way beyond rap

Every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international

From every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international
International

Dash to the airport, flight's at nine
I'm a jet-setter, and she likes it fine
I got style and intrigue
She wants a grown-man type that plays in the big leagues
Keep it thorough, that's what I do
Most likely I'll be passing by you
Philly to Spain roll my phillies the same
The deal goin' down while I'm killing the game
No entourage needed
'Cause I don't like to make a scene and I ain't conceited
I'm convinced of a few things
I get love for the way I make the microphone do things
Chi-Town to Jamaica
From New York to Chile I'm a stone-cold heartbreaker
UK to Japan
Ask about me, dawgs, and they'll tell you I'm the man

Every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international

From every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international

If you don't know about me
Go 'head and ask about me
Whatever language you speak, you can catch me overseas
To all the paparazzi
They'll want a picture of me
Go 'head and snap a shot, it's worth a million bucks
Girls, girls, all over the world
Get your passports and visas ready
Get your luggage don't pack too heavy, travel the
World, world, first-class, non-stop
And we don't need no cash at all
'Cause we international

From every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international

From every city, every coast, international
Everywhere I go they know I'm international
Speak they language like a pro, international
If you don't know now you know I'm international
I'm international

My mind blows decisions at times indecisive, I think about the paradox that life is, keep my head to the sky and understand who Christ is, turn off the news cuz everyday is a crisis, lifeless ni..as on the couch weeded out, itLike ladanians certain types of ni..as out my life I weeded out, I believe in the route of soul before paper, no gold before labor, truth told with no glazieurs, days are getting darker quick, I was told that it was written Imma author it, wanna go the same place that the martyrs went, the Black figures on the wall in my apartment, like LaDanian yall I be charging it, touching down with the people from my town, its the Chi that be giving me my ground, dug in the crates of my soul and I found, clarity.

Chorus:
Be yourself, yeah and be so clear
Heyo just be yourself, and be so clear
Be yourself, yeah and be so clear


C'mon just be yourself, and be so clear
(repeat x 2)

Verse 2: Guru
Toiled in the trenches, faced judges on benches, betrayed by some that I fed not to mention, standing here now in the best condition, up outta the dirt so I suggest you listen, see money cant make you or me, protect my mind with nines cuz it shines more than jewelry, used to do things that werent too productive, now I breathe life into mics for your comfort, I see past the groupies and goldiggers to find women, how I'm living? doing me and not savagely driven, taught the game of fortune and fame so I'm not playing no more I hold the torch with flames, I've lost and gained at the same time, mc's biting and swagger jacking still commit the same crimes , once you see past the surface, that trash is worthless, with me you get a lasting purpose.

Take this for example young brothers want rep
Cause in the life they're living, you can't half step
It starts with the young ones doing crime for fun
And if you ain't down, you'll get played out son
So let's get a car, you know, a fly whip
Get a dent, pull a screwdriver, and be off quick
With a dope ride, yeah, and a rowdy crew
We can bag us a Benz and an Audi, too
Even a jeep or a van, goddamn, we're getting ours, yo
Take a trip up the strip, and be like stars so
It doesn't matter if the cops be scoping
They can't do jack, that's why a young brother's open
To do anything, anywhere, anyplace
Buckwild in another court case
It's the code of the streets


They might say we're a menace to society
But at the same time I say "Why is it me?"
Am I the target, for destruction?
What about the system, and total corruption?
I can't work at no fast-food joint
I got some talent, so don't you get my point?
I'll organize some brothers and get some crazy loot
Selling D-R-U-G-S and clocking dollars, troop
Cause the phat dough, yo, that suits me fine
I gotta have it so I can leave behind
The mad poverty, never having always needing
If a sucker steps up, then I leave him bleeding
I gotta get mine, I can't take no shorts
And while I'm selling, here's a flash report
Organized crime, they get theirs on the down low
Here's the ticket, wanna bet on a horse show?
You gotta be a pro, do what you know
When you're dealing with the code of the streets


Nine times out of ten I win, with the skills I be weilding
Got the tec one dealing, let me express my feelings
Guru has never been one to play a big shot
It's just the styles I got that keep my mic hot
Anf fuck turning my back to the street scene
It gives me energy, so Imma keep fiends
Coming, just to get what I'm selling
Maybe criminal or felon dropping gems on your melon
So keep abreast to the GangStarr conquest
Underground ruffnecks, pounds of respect
I've never been afraid to let loose my speech
My brothers know I kick the code of the streets

[DJ Premier scratches]

I'm comin' through

It's the voice you can't ignore

It's Afu

[Guru]

Hey yo, this is Gifted Unlimited, peace, Afu

You know we been doin' it for years, man

Show these fools how it's supposed to be done, baby

[Afu-Ra]

Uh, I spent time learnin' to kill

That's right, I'm stretching out with my tentacles

When I nourish my skills

The illest with that other shit, Perverted with this

Come and step inside the mother ship

I got the codes and manuals and microchip to flip the script

Parallel to my thoughts, tryin' to get

I keep it hooked up, but not the great white hope

Hey yo, Preemo, should I hit 'em with the rope of dope

Sea shells, sea shells by the sea shore

But now I'm slap, tap and a rap an' attack your jaw

Summertime, ladies at the bus stop

When I roll without the drop, they yellin'

"Shimmy shimmy, Coco Pop"

Ill with the slurs, what?

And I'm thick like yoghurt

Quick to quick to quick to bust a fast word

I know you like what you think what you like

But I stick out on a track and blind your third-eye sight

[Guru]

Why do you think that we should settle for less?

Now take a deep breath

No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest

Kid you know who we are

Afu to the Gang to the Starr

We got props on every boulevard

[Afu-Ra]

I do it like this and that

Straight knowledge drippin' right out my hat

Like sex and candle wax

As a matter of a fact

I take it back, in the days

If you wack, in fact, you get the bozack

And the chickens, are thinkin' they finger-lickin'

Tryin' to get the party kicking

But really they should be stinking

Crack the asphalt, while doing lyrical somersaults

Slang slay your head, bang a boogie

I got a think-tank, that's lighting up with the blinks

Move and sway but I'm compared to mint

Some cats can't forget the spiritual and mental

Straight up, yo, I slap 'em with a miracle

Expressing everything, including the kitchen sink

Building on topics from aluminium and zinc

So while you fix your kicks, I do triple axels

Get in your bath or round the rink

[Guru]

Why do you think that we should settle for less?

Now take a deep breath

No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest

Kid you know who we are

Afu to the Gang to the Starr

We got props on every boulevard



Why do you think that we should settle for less?

Now take a deep breath

No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest

Kid you know who we are

Afu to the Gang to the Starr

We got props on every boulevard

[Afu-Ra]

When I spark it up, and you ingest my skills

I'm hanging down like I'm testicles

Romancing like Cassa', more steps than a dancer

Got a Pop Quiz? Yo, I help you with the answers

I'm Master Marvel, scribble the illest novel

80 more albums, I got more pages than the bible

Never allow my energy through Leviticus

As I rebirth my soul, glowing Genesis

Eyes tearing through the fog

Shout my brothers and sisters

Who studied the Qua'ran

From a path of hip-hop

Shall arm in a synagogue

Dinner china mushroom song

As the night prolongs

That means I'm 'bout to put it on

So abrasive, and persuasive

Thugs pulled out of my set, stop pace makers

Peace: computer-whizzes, graph-writers and breakers

[Guru]

Why do you think that we should settle for less?

Now take a deep breath

No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest

Kid you know who we are

Afu to the Gang to the Starr

We got props on every boulevard

Why do you think that we should settle for less?

Now take a deep breath

No time to get rest when cats is testin' your vest

Kid you know who we are

Afu to the Gang to the Starr

We got props on every boulevard

[DJ Premier scratches]

I'm comin' through

I'm holding aura, it backs the voice you can't ignore

I'm comin' through

It's Afu, you know who, I'm comin' faster

[DJ Premier]

Yo, check this out

You know it's on the popper when I'm on the scene

That's right, it's me, DJ Premier

Representing Gang Starr and all the affiliations along with it

And right about now, you in tune to Life Force Radio

That's the way it goes down, and that's the way it's gonna be

Word up and we outta here, DJ Premier and I'm out

Peace!

[Digital voice]

You have been listening to Life Force Radio

[Chorus]
Feed the hungry, and house the poor
We gotta save these babies and stop the wars. [x2]

[Verse 1]
What is success if we can't reach back
And drop a jewel, in today's schools, they don't teach that
Our ancestors were kings and queens, peep that
So called educators need to learn to teach facts
From the slum alleyways and the burned-down apartments
TO the drug infested buildings where the gun rounds be barking
I see promise in the eyes of the babies
Still the death toll and trauma, drive me crazy
I watch how they're making us, I spot where they're taking us
In every neighborhood, the block is hot and dangerous
And what's the point of a fist in the air
If the children are starving, and the men don't care
BUt niggaz dont care, and they don't realize
For us to have the chances we got, many have died
And hear the cries of the innocent ones, the victims of guns
And see how shits wickedly run

[Chorus x4]

[Verse 2]
Though they might hate my kind, they cant incarcerate my mind
I control my own fate, watch me break these vines
Who else can enlighten the people and fight against evil
Comes against me, and your plight will be legal
You know they gonna start another war again
We got a few good men, but there's much more of them
And I doubt we'll see another Martin or Malcolm
'Cause the rims and the blimps, have distored the outcome
And how come, we'd rather floss than get our souls right
Still some stay up hustlin the whole night
I Guess that's why we got war in our own hoods
'Cause we can't even save ourselves, for our own good
And what don't kill you can make you stronger
Keep procrasinating, it'll take you longer
But in these trouble times, so many troubled minds
I see them rocking us to sleep like a lullaby

[Chorus x2]

It's easier for one, to give advice
Than it is for a person to run one's own life
That's why I can't get caught up in all the hype
I keep my soul tight and let these lines takes flight
It's easier for one, to give advice
Than it is for a person to run one's own life
That's why I can't get caught up in all the hype
I keep my soul tight and let these lines takes flight

[Chorus x2]

[Female singer]
WE gotta stop the war. Save the children. Yea
Feed the hundry, house the poor. We gotta save
The babies and stop the war. [Voice fades out]

Yea, it's the Baldhead SLick ya heard, aka
Dog ruizi, my man Solar on the track. I'm about
To hit one out the park baby. Peep this

[Chorus]
You need to put me in the hall of fame
I'm worldwide, a legend in this game. Check the resume
You could put me in the hall of fame
I'm worldwide, a legend in this, Check the resume [x2]

[Verse 1]
Peep my groundwork, check how it's masterfully laid
Composition when written gets classically made
Start with a concept then collect the beat
Sit and write the bomb shit and rep the streets
Respect my state of mind, I never waste a line
Suckers are featherweight, while I'm heavyweight with mine
I caught more war scars than others profess to
Don't ask me to kick no rap, ask me to bless you
It's special, just like a brand new three-eighty
Have you thrash your CD, 'cause man your forgaize
Or you could catch me with the gods building
You can catch me on the mic, spitting juice to all the god's children
If I sold out, I could've sold millions
But in a minute, I'm about to hold billions
'Cause after the charade, and after the parade
Niggaz got to pay homage, to the master of this trade

[Chorus x2]

[Verse 2]
My lineage is large, my pilgreamage was hard
But I held down my square, my images of God
I hit the corner like I'm real familiar
I get up on ya like a wise guy will be familiar
And all the haters want to throw me off, bitches want to blow me of
Got die-hard fans, like I'm holy cross
See I'ma put you in your place
Niggaz be shook when they see a crook With triggers in their face
The triple OG's is back in his rest
Scheming on the way, to kill a demon is his quest
I'm planning all the way, got cannons all the way
Got a boat load of artillery, landing on the bay
I never really cared about critical acclaim
Still I never let a punk, try to ridicule my name
And after all the hatin' and all of the debatin'
Niggaz will run to the stage, to see the master conversatin'

[Chorus x2]

[Verse 3]
I'm like a one-man army, You little bums can't harm me
And don't try to send no little holocs to charm me
The hall of famer with my microphone flamer
The baller trainer with my monotone banger
I travel light years mentally
Essentially I'm wise, as if I've been here for centuries
And after the charade, and after the parade
Niggaz got to pay homage, to the master of this trade

[Chorus x2]

Audience ovations

[Chorus]
Taking off my jacket, my talk is classic
'bout to elevate to kingpin in this racket
Taking off my jacket, my talk is classic
'bout to elevate to kingpin

[Verse 1]
Here it is now, it's back to the best
Complete with hollow-tip vocals made to smack through your vest
First I drop on, then I'm going after the rest
You gon' need deacons and ushers, I have to confess
I spit flamous, live famous, no need for this glanous
You could point the finger at me, it was I who made this
I'm like *Hannibal* in Rome, I'll dismantle your dome
Leave your fresh carcass out, where the animals roam
Pull savages, could lose whole savages
I wreck whole spots, and I pay no damages
Remember the face but you can't place the scene
Set an incredible piece, while you chase your dream
I aint worried about how many that come, we'll watch them go
They all want to stop my show and stop my dough
But I know that the people endorse me
This means that I'm the new boss, I got the streets to enforce me

[Chorus x2]

[Verse 2]
Now the streets may show love but the po-po doesn't
They want to lock us all up like it's a local custom
Some people are frauds, yet you hope to trust 'em
Soon as you find they snitch, you ready to load and bust one
Not an advocate of violence, but I fight for truth
I like firing rhymes more than I like to shoot
I see the young ones, grabbing their guns for fun
Aint nothing glamorous about slinging jums in the slums
The god came up hard, straight of the boulevard
Playin to win, stay in your skins like a bullet scar
Authorized to rise just like baker's ease
Now those who come against me, want to make the peace
And all you knuckle-head, coward ass chumps get back
Rhymes spray, fools pay, as if I dump my mack
And of course you know the people endorse me
This means that I'm the new boss, I got the streets to enforce me

[Chorus x2]

[Chorus]
No time to wait, gotta make cake
Keep your burners on bake 'cause the streets ain't safe [x4]

[Verse 1]
The streets got me layin, same games, no rules
'Bout to go legit, flip quick on these fools
I look at hustle, in the long term sense
I ain't tryna be stuck with a long term sentence
Calculate my moves like I'm Bumpy Johnson
Bring it to 'em by surprise, straight dumpin on 'em
Mentally I could chalk out your physical
Way before you even taught of ever grabbin your pistol
I can't wait to get the drop first, and watch it drop first
'Cause you swine like knock words
I hit your face, turn your head when I come through
My man wanna get at you with the gun fool
We maneuver through the hood quicker than light speed
The god always hook me up with the tight weed
I hit your stance, you pollutin my cypher
I'm all in your way 'cause it's my duty to slice ya

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
Your poor fee is with you
Divine justice when the niners hit you
Didn't know the half, so I split you
It's the righteous don, when I write my songs
It's like the quiet storm, till my mic is on
And once I got ya, it's too bad, too late
It's two of y'all, they'll find your bodyparts in two lakes
There's more of y'all, well I'm well prepared
To stab you where you bleedin, wipe your lung in my sleeve
From the hood to the office, I'm good for a profit
Like Kareem with the sky hook, how could you stop it
If I got to, I'll send a son or two at you
Straight pit, them dogs will turn you to cat food
I'm that dude, the one that's callin the shots
Went away and came back, niggaz was all in my spot
Sheisty niggaz even had their hands all in my pot
Gave 'em a group raid and buried them all in one plot

[Chorus]

[Chorus]
Money, cars, clothes, give me all of that
FLows, shows, hoes, I got all of that
Sex, teks, checks, give me all of that
Cribs, chicks, whips, I got all of that

[Verse 1]
If you want to know just how I feel
Then fall back boy, while I'm adjusting my steel
I'm a semi short nigga but my game is tall
I like money, clothes, cars just the same as y'all
Been down in the dirt and it was hard to come up
Had to grind like a motherfucker, sun down to sun up
Me and my niggaz used to dream of this
Now it's all on me, I do my thing with this
Blast at you rapper cats, slash past your battle raps
You're in the hospital, body cast after that
One of the realest you could ever meet
Get love in every hood 'cause I rep the streets with clever speech
You'll never reach, my legendary status
MY presence is alarming, my chicks be the baddest
So nigga just close your mouth
I close you down and take everything like open house

[Chorus x2]

[Verse 2]
Yall fools don't want it, word to my moms
I can see it in your eyes that you scurred to be harmed
And I don't give a damn if you, came with your man or crew
Still gon' have to dismantle you and hammer you
Don't let me catch you, after dark
I'll snatch your heart when the desert E sparks
I'm nice with a two, might fight with a fool
Why I'm spazing, 'cause I don't be liking y'all fools
And niggaz front 'cause I could bag they broad
I don't want they bitch, they could have their broad
I'm on some businesses, a mansion, a yacht
See I'm a winner girl, that man ain't got what I got
I work for the riches baby, hurt from the stitches baby
Stay alert and go beserk just to get the gravy
So nigga just close your mouth
I close you down and take everything like open house

[Chorus]

(feat. Jean Grae , Talib Kweli)

[Chorus: x2]
Power, money and influence
I had a taste of it, now I'm all into it
The game ain't over 'till I get my share
'till I have my run, this here is my year

[Jean Grae]
Man, I'm a tycon, whether in person or slick right on
Crisp Nikes on, six niggaz with sick pythons
Right around your area, face close like a scared
Straight playin your host, you get bitched out
This ain't fluffin a rang, this clip ain't bang
You sittin lame duck, shittin on the names stuck
I vow this year, power's mine
If I gotta sketch up my name, empowering rhymes
If I gotta attend jail just to boost up the sales
I know a laber owner that I'd love to bruise up for bail
I know my family got it, they pull together but it's amniotic
I mean baby like askin for a name spot it
The talent, the influental and erotic
Put on the back burner but potential as a parent
Every track is a murder but could treat it like lobonic
The play that graze here, now MC's in a daze mind

[Chorus]

[Guru]
In one second flat I tear your whole frame
Plus we pack like a stadium does, at a pro game
Got so many ways to end yo glory
Rub you out, shut you down, then it's end of story
I'm like Robert Horry with a clutch three
You can't touch me, the black double oh-seven, nigga trust me
Modern day Ali when it comes to the rhyme
Know how to hold the fort down when they comin for mine
I'm crafty, I move swift and changeable
Plus I'm aware, of what jealousy and anger do
You can't help yourself then you can't help me
Can't smell what the truth is then you can't smell me
You can tell a million stories about how gully you are
Then as soon as you finish, I'm be pullin your card
I step so courageously, I rap so amazingly
I guess you could say, that niggaz slept on me basically

[Chorus x2]

[Talib Kweli]
Jean Grae, Kweli, Guru, for the first time
Let the games begin like Jaceson Taylor wrote his first rhyme
Technology make niggaz lazy, with the pro tools
Even you could write your verse in the booth like you were Jay-Z
A Hollywood between reality tv and rap
Is there ain't no more use for the classically trained actor
First light bulb ever made is still burnin
They sell the ones that burn out to take the money you earnin
Word that marijuana grow too natural to be a cash crop
We have cops at bars, smokin squares, throwin back shots
They walk the street and bring the heat to the apshalts
Servin, protectin the half, beatin on the half not
Niggaz talk greasy in the magazines
'Till they track down and you hear the sounds of loaded magazines
Havin dreams 'till they ribs got a gat in between
Passion for cream, make a nigga wanna splatter your spleen
That shit is mean

[Chorus x2]

[Chorus]
He was talking all loud and he knew that he was frontin'
And he slept on his job so he didn't see us coming
Had to fall back, he didn't want no problems
It wouldn't be a nice thing to get involved in. [x2]

[Verse 1]
It's gifted, unlimited, rhymes universal
I get at you, I'm that dude, my style could you
GURU, the keeper of the gate, lead you to your faith
Righteously I stand with my heat around my waist
They said I couldn't do it, I suceed with ease
Others bleed over greed, I'm smoking trees overseas
Listen fucker, you don't want to tussle and muscle
You don't want to end up on the wrong side of my hustle
I could walk on any block in any continent
MAke MC's step their game up and fuck up their confidence
A true definition of a season vet
I ain't expose you, 'cause I ain't have a reason yet
ANd If I seem upset, or maybe even vexed
It's 'cause somebody owes me dought and yo I need my check
Still I'm a daring, dash it, tearing their dome
Said you was a gangsta, found out you was wearing a thong

[Chorus x2]

[Verse 2]
It's them loud-mouth cats that get you into trouble
Keep your nose clean, that way you could slowly bubble
I created a man and created supply
If I had a school, rappers coudln't wait to apply
I'm tremendously tight, when defending my right
I'll throw a combo, and then I'm ending the fight
The G U R U with SOlar on the track
Pop shit and run away and catch a hole in your back
The streets been mine and I ain't never left
I ain't never forfeit and I ain't never forget
The hallways, the alleyways, the cornerstore action
Straight gullyness, I generate pure attraction
New York talk without a pacid to walk
Better reach motherfucker, that's your last resort
I'm a daring, dash it, tearing their dome
Said you was a gangsta, found out you was wearing a thong

[Chorus x2]

It's yo man Guru. Building right now in the lab
With the god Solar. Tuning you in like so not
Tracking you down. Niggaz tried to dome my shine
But now my shit is crazy bucked up

[Chorus]
It's gettin all, too dark to see.
Too dark to see, what I need to be. And you know
I can't use it any more.
We need the streets to peace. [x2]

[Verse 1]
Fake friends tried to keep me down, life tried to beat me down
I bounced back nigga, and nothing can defeat me now
The game had me twisted, angry and upset
About to take it all risk it, crash and burn like a jet
But I live for this, yes I was made for this
I acrificed for this, and there is nothing I would trade for this
So every ghetto I walk through, every person I talk to
Could feel me, bringing life like I ought to

[Chorus]
It's gettin all, too dark to see.
Too dark to see, what I need to be. And you know
I can't use it any more.
We need the streets to peace
It's gettin all, too dark to see.
Too dark to see, what I need to be. And you know
I can't use it any more.
The fights, the mic, my life

[Verse 2]
See I'm a strong man, you try to play me I'm the wrong man
And when I spit, it's like smacking you with long hands
You can't bury me with jealousy
I got soul, watch me move the crowd, check my melody
Mysery loves company, that's what they say
So all you lame ass niggaz, stay the fuck away
Mad rooms filled with snakes waiting to suck my energy
They explode at the dust, just another bad memory

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
I heard it all son, from threats to straight lies
Any problems, I'm rolling with vex to take lifes
I ain't want it like that, but I be damn If I don't
Preserve and protect, and what's a man if he won't
That's why right now I'm on the next page boy
You don't really want to take it to the next phase boy
My struggle prepared me, that's why you all leary
You thought you was Bruce Almighty like Jim Carrey

[Chorus]

A special guest ??"It's the militia... It's the militia"

This is a conquest, so I suggest you take a rest
Or keep a breath, but definitely keep a vest on that chest
Rymes I'm packin, just like a thug at a car-jackin'
Shoot off your hat when I start cappin, this is no actin
G-A-N-G, S-T-A double R
And you don't want no trouble up in here, baby pa
From the late-night drama, of the New York streets
To the hoods of LA, real niggas likin Primo's beats
Put suckers on glass, send em, back to class
And kick hot shit, so we can stack the Johnny Cash
I brought the God, Rakim, lyrically gunning you wanna dash?
I got Dub C, from South C, what you doubt me?
Travellin through warzones with my infrared microphone
In the year One Mill, destroying, enemies chromozones
Words burn through flesh, leavin nothing but skeletal
You best pay resepect to the legends, boy I'm tellin you, Militia

The illest--Realest--Representin
Bringin the rukkus--Let it be known
The illest--Realest--Word up
It's The Militia
The illest--Realest--Representin
Bringin the rukkus--Let it be known
The illest--Realest--Word up
It's The Militia

Makin a move, makin a move, who's that nigga thats makin a move?
It's the Shadiest rhymin'-back, actin' a motherfucking fool
Four-four packers, my jackets ?hittin the tag? saggin, baggin
Foot on my rag, mess up a bag, leavin my enemies in bodybags
You niggas was crackin, what y'all thought it wasn't gon' happen?
Dub C and my East Coast sisters gettin together rappin
Gun-clappin, chump smackin, kiss the ring of your highness
Look while I'm in New York City,
walkin with two of the Brooklyn's finest
My two affiliates from the East we all bang
But if y'all don't mind, this is still Westside Connec' Gang
Dress-code the same, just new pieces on my neck
East Coast brownies, house shoes, and hair nets
Y'all can't see this, so peep the sister G is pushin a Six
As I freak this, caviar GangStarr Militia remix
It's Dub C the jankiest loc', I'm runnin this here
With the Guru and New York's hardest, DJ Premier, Militia

The illest--Realest--Representin
Bringin the rukkus--Let it be known
The illest--Realest--Word up
It's The Militia
The illest--Realest--Representin
Bringin the rukkus--Let it be known
The illest--Realest--Word up
It's The Militia

Yo, it's The Master, mister, Musical Massacre
Passion for disaster, paragraph ambassador
R get the red carpet, just call me on
Corner the market like the mic's last name was Corleone
The facade killer, come through your city like Godzilla
Think of the sickest thing you ever seen, Ra's iller
My vision's vicious, suspect suspicious
Plans is ambitious, my motive's malicious
No interferin, if you ain't down, you got to swearin
And these cats they ain't carin, habitat awarin
Crack appearin, from out the track that I'm hearin
It's either that, or I'm going back to racketeering
Yo, you should see me, I got a crew like Mussolini
But Kool as Moe Dee, my flow be, smooth and easy
For turnin ?area centers? to wilers, you get the picture?
Rakim is, the minist', with malice, Militia

GangStarr, The R, Dub C, baby pa. Straight up, check it out

[Guru]
Yeah, bout to talk about some serious shit
Deadly habits, you know everybody's got 'em
Just that some niggaz try to front, try to cover shit up
But fuck that, I be wylin sometimes - you know why?
Cause suckers be thinkin that shit is sweet
Niggaz be thinkin that rap niggaz ain't real, haha
Yeah well that's aight, that's aight
Let 'em think what they want

[Verse One: Guru]
Yo I'm steady at it, them deadly habits
I pray for the best outcome son, but my dome's already shattered
By the shit that's occurred
Drivin home tipsy from the club, puffin herb, vision blurred
Thinkin bout them niggaz who caught the drop
Who I gotta stop, who he caught, and who still gotta get popped
Stash box, feelin like Fish in "King of New York"
Wifey do her thing for the God, she don't be bringin me pork
Cause there's enough deadly shit a brother be facin
Up in V.I.P., niggaz drinks they be lacin
Got a nigga sweatin pacin, not ready to fall the fuck up
But ready to pull out, and back 'em all the fuck out
And my guardian angel, is always there to protect
And my supreme nature, keeps all them savages in check
How the hell did everything get so twisted
They say be careful what you pray for, so I guess now it's this shit

[Chorus: Guru]
They will never know - what I do to get by
And them many times I almost died
They will never know - all the reasons why I flip
And now I gotta keep an extra clip
They will never know - what this stress is like
And why I'm on point, ready to fight
They will never know - all the pressure and pain
Don't give a fuck if they think less of me mayne

[Verse Two: Guru]



Deadly habits, they could be a number of

[Premier]
Yeah L.B., Bryan Moier
I miss you man rest in peace
To Endeara Bishop
Rest in peace little lady
To Claira Stewart
I love you Aunt Ploute
To the coffe boy Arden Franklin
Rest in peace Res
My nigga Headquarters
Head up eyes and ears open
Word is bond!
Jam Master J, Big L
Big Lee, Flamboyant for life
Aaliyah, Mad Mark
Boogie down Bronx
P. O., Left Eye

[Guru]
The emotions that one goes thourgh, over a loss of a loved one
Or friend then, knowing the cost of rebuilding and carrying on
It gets so damn hard in this modern day Babylon
And disease runs rampant, so many men carry arm
So many have a lonely painful road to travel on
Mothers losing sons, improper use of guns
Children go astray because their parents were abusive ones
I used to run with the illest guys
Thourgh the realest eyes
I seen the realest and the illest die
The cycle continues, so many times the good ones
The young ones
So many misunderstood ones
Remembering their faces and voices
And when the wise man said
Life is full of choices



Some get caught up, others are innocent victims
All I know is they were close to us, and that we miss them

* I'm not sure about any of these names *

[Premier]
Easy E , Big Pun
Lil Bro, East New York
Dorothy Clark, Sydney Clark Junior "Rest in peace"
Clarence Elam, Charles Elam
Omar Pitts, D. J. Threat
Big Mellow, D. J. Screw
Aunt Nettie "Rest in peace"
Uncle Frank, Harold Guy
Poetic, Gravediggaz
Fred Jordan, Ted Dimmy
G. B. Greg Box "Rest in peace"
Taheim Cambell
Watch over your big brother
Bumpy Knucks
Yeah!
H

DJ Premier]
Word up
Aiyyo Rome' (yo)
Yo life ain't what it's cracked up to be these days, why'knahmean?
[Rome]
Word! Knahmsayin?
Life hard out this muh'fucker, why'knahmsayin?

[DJ Premier]
So you gotta make the best of a bad situation, and hold your head

[Rome]
Know what I'm sayin? You gotta progress through the struggle man

[Chorus]
[Guru] In this life.. (ohhh, this life)
[DJ P] "You better wake up"
[Guru] In this life.. (talkin bout this life)
[DJ P] "are-are-Remember this"
[Guru] In this life.. (whoah-ohhh)
[DJ P] "S-S-Survival of the fittest" -> Nas
[Guru] In this life..
[DJ P] "I go all out" - "why'knahmsayin?"

[Verse One: Guru]
From New York to Cali it remains the same
Bitch niggaz always want to go against the grain
The strong will survive, the weak shall perish
Why'all need more courage, I keep why'all nourished

Get in line, I let you know right now
You need to slow right down or you get blown right now
From what I see it's systematic how we push to addicts
Demographics make the street life hell or drastic

In the hood we see oppressive genocide
'Cause if it's on it's on, you know at least 10 men'll ride
But on the other side, corruption runs deep
I'm aware of the conspiricies, discussion is brief

They're building more prisons, spendin less on schools
On the block Smith & Wess-ons and Teflons rule
It's hard to escape it, certain laws are sacred
In this life my nigga, it's mad hard to make it

[Chorus]
[Guru] In this life..
[Dogg] Money is key
[Dogg] And everybody you see ain't what they claim to be
[Guru] In this life..
[Dogg] I try to do right
[Dogg] I live a treacherous life, I know I ain't right, mm
[Guru] In this life..
[Dogg] You got to keep on
[Dogg] You got to be strong, you got to hold on
[Guru] In this life, heh, I come in peace
[Guru] But still yo, I come from the streets

[Verse Two: Snoop Dogg]
This one's for my sons and my lil' daughter
Peace to JMJ and my nigga Headquarters
A +GangStarr+ with a gangster, on a mission
World +Premier+, limited edition

My mind keeps driftin cause I haven't had a spliff in
A long time, I'm doin fine, I feel teriffic
I bop up the street, see-walk to the beat
It's cold outdoors, so I got to keep some heat

I never know when a cutthroat gon' try to test me
Disrespect me, things could get messy
Yes he, shoot a good game, like James
I mean Jesse, watch out nigga, heavens to Betsies

The big drum beater
With a car full of heaters and some fly senoritas
In some Stacy's or some Chucks, cause I gotsta keep it G'd up
Run up on the Dogg man you bound to get beat up

[Chorus]
[Guru] In this life.. (ohhh, this life, I'm tryin to make it better)
[DJ P] "You better wake up"
[Guru] In this life.. (I won't have to struggle no mo', no I won't)
[DJ P] "are-are-Remember this"
[Guru] In this life.. (ohhh, this life, this life)
[DJ P] "S-S-Survival of the fittest" -> Nas
[Guru] In this life.. (tryin to make it better, yes I am)

[Outro: Uncle Reo]
Ooooohhh, talkin bout this life
Whoahhhhh, this life, this life...

Just a nice girl, in the wrong place Just a nice nice girl, in the wrong place

[Guru]
What′s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this? You wanna take my chips I wanna take you on trips So you can help me get my won Go ahead try it for me here′s the story of my money I′m the owner and I do more than bone you Maybe help you in fam like Princeton Apollonia You looking right I see you hooking the night But something about you got me pushing up tight Do that dance like Aphrodite cause you mighty Might be the trick that make me trip just slightly Your eyes twist and your breast acts on times as hitten If it ain′t love it is thuggish just smithen I′m felling on ya like I′m reading your aura So, and I hope that I can see you tomorrow Remembering your face like this And be chased like this What you doing in a place like this?

[Chorus: Boy Big]
Just a nice girl, in the wrong place And I think I′m getting you in a major way Just a nice girl, in the wrong place yeahyeahyeah Whatcha doin in a place like this?

[Guru]
What′s a nice girl like you doing here like this? busting your heels like this, I know you feel like shit And you feel like calling it quits, but you need that dough Paying for school I can see that yo You′re intelligent similar to Angelo I′m understanding you, I got big plans for you Your (?) got you going places You chasing money, ain′t no funny faces You s-serious, just delirious You like your little outfit, I like the way you wear it You say your last man was too jealous Your too young to settle down, girl I let you tell ′em You′re not a video chick not a groupie Just an ambitious young woman with juicy lips Remembering your face like this And be chased like this What you doing in a place like this

[Chorus]

[Guru]
What′s a nice lady doing i

Aiyyo, what the FUCK is this shit that y'all are listenin to
nowadays on the radio man? You call that shit hip-hop?
THAT'S SOME FAGGOT BITCH SHIT Y'ALL ARE LISTENIN TO!
All you DJ's are lettin the program directors handcuff you
and sit there and tell you how to mix?! YOU FUCKIN ROBOTS!
FUCK Y'ALL!!!

[Guru]
Real talk, serious thoughts
True and livin with a youthful vengeance, yo

[Primo: "Trust me, I'm as live as it gets"]

[Guru]
At times I feel like my back's against the wall
And if y'all ain't with me, then it's me against y'all
I stand my ground, that's what I was taught
While others stand around, I hold it down like a fort
In the midst of war, I find peace within
Run, lock your doors, don't let the beast get in
The mind is a terrible thing to waste
I show love cause it's a terrible thing to hate
Of course I want money, but I won't compromise
Y'all don't realize, think I won't bomb you guys?
With the truth nigga, stop misleadin the youth nigga
Too many wakes and funerals, that's the proof nigga
Our hood's in danger, kids need guidance
You keep lyin, still the young keep dyin
As I walk through the valley I fear none, yes I'm the chairman
Here with my nigga Premier son
And we came to change the game
We represent the pain that's real talk, what's y'all claim to fame?
Rappers simply tracin flows and chasin hoes
Frontin mad hard, that shit's amazin yo
Producers makin Tinkerbell beats for them to rhyme on
Their ass if they get on the same stage that I'm on



Our shit be rugged, like the New York streets
Make the wrong move stupid then you lose your seat
Cats be buyin up

"Y'all cats know we always play to win" ->Guru
"Players get your pay up"

[Verse One: Guru]
For my respect, I just might have to shut you down
Hang your punk ass from a limb, they'll have to cut you down
See I'm tired of you faggots kickin dirt on my name
While you rap clone phonies only hurtin the game
I'm too persistant, plus I flow too vicious
Bout to expose you hoes, this shit is too twisted
Rappers be actin, like they rich or somethin
When they get robbed like a herb, that's what they get for frontin
I'm in the top ten, one of the best of all time
Been known to drop men - who CARES if the rest of y'all rhyme?
You're mediocre son, you're barely average kid
Your style's Chi-Chi, wanna see me crack yo' cabbage kid?
From the hood to the corporate, give up your goods and forfeit
This is George Foreman style, watch me cook this raw shit
More chips, watch us rake 'em in
And y'all cats know we always play to win

[scratching by Premier]
"Y'all cats know we always play to win" ->Guru
"Real.. rough rhymes"
"Y'all cats know we always play to win" ->Guru
"Players get your pay up"

[Verse Two: Guru]
I'm hot so they're feelin me, you're not so you're killin me
You're hatin on the low, tried to block my soliloquy
While you spread rumors, I'ma dead you junior
Have your mind blown, poundin your dome like head tumors



Family tradition when I'm randomly spittin
And girls love my voice, they say it's handsomely different
I never won awards, no Grammys and things
Back in the days did sticks, made niggaz hand me they rings
What goes around comes around, they tried me later
But I survived a

[Verse One: Guru]
Stupid, you know it's time to sit and think, before we hit the brink
Lockerroom, at a prize fight, before he hit the ring
Like when I tell these corporate leeches they can't get a thing
Or when I tell relentless rappers they had better sing
The position that anyone holds could be up to grabs
I'm waitin up the ave to see if anyone folds
Since I was twenty-one years old and legal
I knew the difference between gimmicky gangsters and powerful people
I'm the reason, why the game is flipped
I'm the reason, why your aim is missed
I'm the reason why you're mad I only sprained my wrist
The reason my mindframe is trained in this
You like gunfire? Better acquire the taste
Cuz youf walk aroun' with full pounds by dem waist
Deface property, they be laced properly
Rules are rules, fools are fools, I react logically
Ain't no way, so come, make my day
Like Tom Hanks I earn long bank and Cast you Away

[Premier scratching]
"This mic in my hand, I'm rulin!"
"I repeat, this is not a question"

[Chorus: Guru] (Krumbsnatcha)
Oh you brag about the ki's you flipped and who you done up
Nigga whattup? (Put up or shut up!)
Poppin shit about the chicks and the whips you got
You think you hot? (Uh-uh, man - you put up or shut up!)
Always talkin bout your dough and your wealth and fame
Youse a lame (Get out of here - put up or shut up!)
You got hot beats and kids that can spit mad fire?
Youse a liar! (That's whack - put up or shut up!)

[Premier sample: "This mic in my hand, I'm rulin!"]

[Verse Two: Guru]
Aiyyo I've seen the toughest of tough guys, the ro