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

[Chorus: Guru]
Riot act, this is where we really prepare
Riot act, out here we show no fear
RIOT ACT, time to protect our communities
Riot act, real criminals get immunity
RIOT ACT, eye for an eye - so yo who want it?
RIOT ACT, rushin all you cowards who fronted
Riot act, let's bring the power to the people
RIOT ACT, no justice then we gotta come see you

[Verse One: Guru]
Just like a thunderous gun clap, you wonder who done that
Put you under with one rap, me and the brothers have come back
We'll lash you for tryin that, we know you been lyin cat
So now you be lyin flat, we'll read you the riot act
Whassup you little fuck, get your life right
Cause there's too much goin in the world, and shit ain't quite right
See you're just addin to the problem
Young gun, high-strung, ready to trey-eight revolve 'em
Knot nearly in your waist, you step up in the place
Catch one off guard, he lookin silly in the face
But hear they come with the M-16's
They got teargas, helmets and clubs - knahmean?
It's martial law in these streets
It's like Afghanistan man, it's gettin raw in the streets
Still you demand your rights, I understand your plight
But do the knowledge if you plan to fight

[Chorus]

[Verse Two: Guru]
So realize what it is to be oppressed and afflicted
Subjected to sick shit, knowin others live different
FUCK THAT, the streets about to blow again
They forgot, so we gotta let 'em know again
Huh, we'll blast you for tryin that, we know you been lyin cat



So now you be lyin flat, we'll read you the riot act
Soldiers, let's show these cowards what's up
The hood a

"Wh-wh-wh-what can I say? Let me explain this to you..."
[GangStarr]
Yo, I don't even want to fight with you man
I'll lay you right where you stand
You can catch a few shells
One go right through your polo, man
Usually I'm dolo and I gotta crazy team
Car kissed the ride on you, watch for the laserbeam
Shit, it's that Ol' G Flavor
Remind you of a quarter bodega and that oldie behavior
All point but I ain't tryna scuffle with chumps
My long joints got the culture power plus the double pump
Troublesome, to anyone who stands in the way
I'll stand and I'll spray, FUCK if ya man is in the way
Your girl want me 'cause I do it better than you
The whole world wants me nigga, I'ma legend to you
Like LL, Rakim, Ice-T and them niggaz
Like Cube, Snoop and Dre, I'ma be seenin them figures
It don't matter, you don't have to be likin me man
Keep playin, you'll be layin there, right where you stand
[Chorus: Jadakiss]
Gun on my waist, knife in my hand
I keep tellin you cowards, I'ma leave you there right where you stand
I don't want to talk and I ain't tryna want to fight with ya man
Tryna get it over quick, leave you right where you stand
Some say I'm trifflin, sometimes I'm rightfully am
But I don't give a fuck, I'ma leave you right where you stand
You just mad, you will never be as nice as I am
D-Block, GangStarr leave you right where you stand, what
[Jadakiss]
You want to know why I invest all my money into haze and into dope
'cause right now, I'm currently a slave for Interscope
Respect first, then money - basic shit
If you got niggaz under pressure, you could take they shit
Listen, I'ma leave you right where you stand
Have the ambulance pass ya Timberlands off right to ya man
'cause he pussy, he ain't gonna do nothin but look
When it come to beef, he don't want to do nothing but cook
As soon as the chrome scope him, right there, two in the dome
Smokin, Kiss keep funeral homes open
I fall back, smoke an ounce in the dark
Bounce on a Preme track like I bounce on a NARC
Keep playin, why'all niggaz will burn
and you know they say it takes somethin to happen for niggaz to learn
Let the .40 Cal give em a perm
This industry is like bacteria and my flow is a germ
Just mad 'cause you'll never be as nice as I am
J to the mwah and I'll leave you right where you stand, huh...
"You gangstas is cosmetic..."
"Keep playin, you'll be layin there, right where you stand..."
"My people from the hood stay on the grind..."
"D-Block, GangStarr leave you right where you stand, what..."
"You gangstas is cosmetic..."
"W-w-w-w-w-word..."
[GangStarr]
I see you got the fear of God in you
We'll tear your heart in two
Too bad you didn't know what you got into
Yeah, the most righteous, till Malcolm got a close likeness
My name carry weight to capitate most vipers
Hot rhymes, spit a dime, hit a case beater
Flow is angry like I'm in your face with heaters
Chasin divas - nah, I don't ever have to do that
P.I. till I die and I laugh at you cats
You happy perhaps 'cause you got dough and bitches
But no love from streets only for moles and snitches
Only from the meatlapin, suckers won't see it happen
Cross that line, then it's time for the heat clappin
I do my thing like the whole planet depends on me
I got game to make Janet want to spend on me
Some say I'm trifflin and sometimes I'm rightfully am
Getcha man, I'll lay him right where he stand
[Chorus]

-------------
Lyrics Powered by LyricFind
Written By WHITFIELD, NORMAN J./STRONG, BARRETT/ELAM, KEITH
<i>Lyrics &copy; EMI Music Publishing</i>

[DJ Premier scratching]
"I want the public to know.. what goes on"
"I mean, look at the situation - be real"

[Verse One: Guru]
The names have been changed to protect the innocent
Each step is intricate, I rep magnificent
Knew this kid named Ronnie, used to make cash with Caesar
They made a lot of money back in the 80's crack fever
Caesar was an overachiever, a kingpin and 18-and-a-half
He got knocked and left Ronnie to watch the team and the stash
Plus his crib, his jewels, his whip and his girl
And Ronnie's self-interests had him livin in a different world
He rocked Caesar's chains, he put Caesar's rings
Smokin mad wools all day, with Caesar's change
Not to mention he pushed up on Caesar's wifey
A move like that my man, extremely sheisty
It all got back to Caesar in the bing
They found Ronnie's body in the playground by the swings
Anyone can get it, for sure it don't matter dawg
Especially when a nigga tries commitin sabotage

[Premier scratching Guru samples]
"There ain't nobody to trust"
"It's got me ready.. ready.. ready.. ready.. ready to bust"
"It's like sabotage, there ain't nobody to trust"
""It's like sabotage"
"It's got me ready.. ready.. ready.. ready.. ready to bust"

[Verse Two: Guru]



Treachery, deception, it's best to keep a weapon
When you think that they be breddern, they underhand your plan
It's over for the cowardly, we grow more potent hourly
I'm knowin where the power be, I'm schemin to get even
Dissension can occur from within one's ranks
The chain can be weakened, by just one link
Pricks be galavantin from one crew to the next
Musical click-ass niggaz catch two to the chest
My usua

Yo, do the knowledge to the master build the blow and the spliff
The new millennium, hide them a beef
Gotta watch what I say to you niggaz so I calm my patience
'Cause the shit ain't really pass the statue of limitations
The streets still holler about how strong I am
Niggaz I hurt still holler about how wrong I am
As a little nigger broke, thinking soda and coke
Had me amazed how my steady hand kept in the flow
Let it sit, cool and heart lit, hit the set cool and heartless
In front of the store projects, as long as I made a profit
I see you eyeing me, you fire escape diary
Filled with pages of episodes and shying me
Nonbeliever I hammer for hire
Hit yo ass so hard that your coke will catch fire
Dog the stakes are dyer, I'm no liar
Hold the court and the street beef cause I got pride


Same team no games, these chicks I blow brains
Rap-a-lot soul train the corners rocking cocaine
Got no shame
Trying to blow these figures
Headquarters gone he ain't left he still with us
Not in the physical through us he live
I can seen him with Big L, Pun, Pac and BIG
Watching over the kid like dear shed the waist over
And yelling ?Ether?, ?Blowout? and ?Takeover?
I'm the truth; give you proof and your video shoot
Pull them candors on you while them cameras on you
How you love that
Don't want to blow with Staxx
So go ahead dumb up, make me car crumb up
?It's the Militia?
Yall niggaz don't know about I
Got me heated, frustrated about to blow my high
Me and Benz blazing, Rave got the gauge raising
Sick of talking about it, niggaz ain't on my weight lift


Whenever we stand together, down for whatever
Divided we get at you from more angles
Gangstarr forbid, NYG's same team no games
Love is love fame one in the same
Corny style, niggers act strange going against the grain
Don't want to see us on top of our thing, we adapt to change
Fame, fortune and material game, flow natural unrestrained
Let me explain, niggers don't get it until you set it to flame
Subject them to pain, make them respect
The name, the set you rep, connects you get
Stay ready to bang
Steps ahead of competitors that'll test your aim
H. Staxx shoot back splat dang your brain
My foundation bust gats spread there's your brain
Fuck with mine, spat not take the blame
Play it for keeps, we came to win


YO, I'm the Jerry Rice to this, much too nice to quit
And just so you know, we never liked you kid
Since you ain't wanna let niggers eat
I'm gonna convene with my team before
We gotta let the trigger speak
'Cause nowadays yall rappers are carbon
Copies paws are sloppy, still its hard to stop me
Especially when I connect with my man, rep for my fam
We taking back the rest of our land
And we don't really care if they say you are the shit
They playing your hits
We about to make our way in this biz
And let's see if the gimmick last until the next season
In a flash, take your stupid ass out, give me the next reason
Flip for my peoples here, spit for my peoples here
Yeah... time to get rich with my peoples here
Cut of a snake's head, then we break bread
Same team, no games
You underground trying to fake dead

{
scratching by DJ Premier repeats
}
Let, let, let the games begin

Intro:
Skills, skills, skills

[DJ Premier Scratching]
"My Microphone"
"It's Skills"-KRS One
"The funky beat"
"It's skills"-KRS One

[Chorus: Guru]
(Skills) Top rank point blank we vital
Spit flows rip shows peep the recital
(Skills) Now, you feel it when we drop those
Hot beats stop phoes killin shit we got those
(Skills) It's, the music that the street love
Each thug, is now reppin this with deep love
(Skills) Gang Starr duelin again rulin again
Watch as we do it again

[Verse 1: Guru]
It's the, true enliven with a youthful vengeance
And I'm a judge rap is your ass give you a crucial sentence
You need at least twelve jewels to practice
Your too enthusiastic male groupie bastard
Still tryin to convince us some more
Pretendin your raw that's what you need a minister for
Again it's the law got you up against the wall
We the gulliest fuck it then it's us against y'all
Mic skills type grills like I'm Michael Jill
Like when he write for the pill is how I stay for the ill
Slide off kid, and let a grown man finesse it
We bold and impressive that old manifest shit
Some new product from a known team
Niggas know me, and you can bet they know Preme
So here we go for your stereo
And you could tell that it's real when you hear me go hear me go

[Chorus: Guru]
(Skills) Top rank point blank we vital
Spit flows rip shows peep the recital
(Skills) Now, you feel it when we drop those
Hot beats stop phoes killin shit we got those
(Skills) It's, the music that the street love
Each thug, is now reppin this with deep love
(Skills) Gang Starr duelin again rulin again
Watch as we do it again

[Verse 2: Guru]
You littl

"One-two.."
"One-two, shots to the chin.. knock you out"
"One-two.." "Devestating!" "On da mic"
"One-two.." "The maker, owner!"
"Come on, now come on"

[Verse One: Guru]
Got you quiddear and ski-dared, fearin what we might do
And you can give me all mine in cash, that will suffice dude
In the streets deep, we roll through the city
Looks like it's time to eat, so yo who's with me?
Strictly, we keep it in the best perspective
Cause nowadays it's more than simply live and let live
A sedative, that's what these headcases need
Them rats'll get trapped soon as they taste the cheese
Black M. Casey fan, just pay us and scram
Watch us drop a new supply to up the daily demand
Phony critics wanna retract shit, once I spit again
And since we didn't finish the job, you gettin hit again

[DJ Premier]
"One-two.." "Devestating!" "On da mic"
"One-two, one-two, shots to the chin.. knock you out"
"One-two.." "Devestating!" "On da mic"
"One-two, one-two" "The maker, owner!"
"Come on, now come on"

[Verse Two: Guru]
You fuck, you didn't listen when I told you before
When it comes to dope tracks, we be holdin the raw
Do somethin stupid, and you'll be left holdin your jaw
Put you punks on blast for not knowin the law
Don't deny yourself, learn to apply yourself
Or end up by yourself, I multiply the wealth
I got the titles, deeds, licenses and policies



Complete ownership, Don Gurizzu they call me
Primo said that we should just, lock it all down
See the bigger picture, so we can profit all around
Now everybody's ridin the dick, once I spit again
And since we didn't finish the job, you gettin hit again

[DJ Premier]-acapo

(feat. Fat Joe & M.O.P.)

(Fat Joe)
yeah uh, GangStarr
Crack Man, M.O.P. uh, BX, Brooknam, haha come on
living legends, ya heard me?
yeah uh yo uh

I got seven Mac 11's about eight .38
Nine nines, Mac 10's
man this shit never end
Even if the apple won't spin
I reach in my back pocket and blast you and his twin
Niggaz yellin out the window "Joe's at it again"
But this bastard's got lawyers, keep him outta the pen
I mean feds wanna knock me just cuz I'm cocky
An arrogant fuck, wave "Hi" when they watch me
Can't stop me everytime official
Better find my residuals or this nine gon' lift you
"He was a fine individual" what the papers scriptured
Had him on the front page in his graduation pictures
And they probably never hit you if you brought your glock
Me and my gat like Wilson, we all we got
We walk the scorchin blocks with the hawk on top
Even if the old ladies love to call the cops
I got guns

(Lil' Fame)
You got, he got, they got
M dot, O dot, P my nigga we got guns
Big ones, extra large heat
Humongous shit that won't fit up under your car seat
Pop in a heart beat
Keep the cannon in my reach
Lay you flat on your back like you was tannin on the beach
We keep them damn thangs full of hollows
And I'm from Christopher bitch, bang with the Wallace
Fit raw this nigga you ain't loco
You're buttocks big boy, your heart pumps Sunoco
Brownsville deep in my genes
I show you +bad boy+ for real, keep thinkin shit is +Peaches and Cream+
We'll run you down, MO-Ps hunt ya down
Gun ya down, guns sing like blaow
Raise up cock pot my biscuit for my nigga O.G. had quick shit
We got guns

(Hook)
We got, we got, they got (GUNS!)
Crazy ill, man rowdy
I gots it locked
Bringin the noise, bringin the funk, pop the lock
But only if you feel this shit
We got, we got, they got (GUNS!)
Crazy ill, man rowdy
I gots it locked
Bringin the noise, bringin the funk

(Guru)
Nowadays my priorities ain't based on fun
I'm tryna cop some more property and in case of them guns
Sick society's got Guru protectin his fam
Fuck Prudential, I got my own protection plan
Respect me man, I'm on a mission so to speak
You're too dumb to play your position so unique
I'll trade 'way your meat faggot vacate the streets
GangStarr, First Fam, and TS, we way deep
And even if you had a thought to move on us
Our fire power will devour, bitch you'll chew on dust
Slow death, no rep, hollows have you gaspin
You rich just for you, he got a lavish casket
Call us savage bastards usin all means necessary
It's only customary
It's you we got to bury
We'll dead your homo thug network
Head shots make your head jerk
My marks-men/man on the roof, he's an expert

(Billy Danze)
Who got a problem? It's already been established
I'll come through your town with a pound like a savage
Still throwin down on the grounds that I'm average
Can I hear for a gangster? YEAH NIGGA
It's always some shit but it's always a clip
to re-route your doubts and see what you about
Your homeboy's a snitch and your bossman's a bitch
We takin over these bricks (IS THAT SO?)
Doin underhanded shit, I'll shoot you in your abdomen
You fraud, you're movin like a broad with this faggot shit
And you deserve a hole
in the back of your motherfuckin head the doctor can't fix
on the concrete, we palm heat like soldiers
Spit one in your whip and flip your shit over
Keep in mind whatever the nine spit
It's only as good as the nigga behind it bitch
We got guns

Yo I pop your lid, I got to live
I ain't tall but I can show y'all what a problem is
I like to zone, I'm nice with chrome
I keep a vast stash of Magnums cause I like to bone
I play the game, I stay the same
But I can switch styles, pick files, I'm like gravy train
Shot the witness, got the bitches
Still in the streets with my heat about to shock the business
I handle biz, I cancel kids
Just like Allen I'ma show 'em what "The Answer" is
I'm after props, I spaz a lot
And yo I'm deadin all the bullshit 'til my casket drops
You know me boy, you owe me boy
You wanna end up in my trunk dyin slowly boy?
I'm confident, I'm on some shit
Cause I been knowin already you was on the dick
I'm zonin

[Chorus: DJ Premier scratching - repeat 2X]



"Down with the Foundation"
"Step into my zone, mad rhymes'll stifle ya" ->Guru
"No time for games cause I'm, all grown up" ->DMX
"I speak that re-real shit, just listen"

[Verse Two: Guru]
It's conspiracy, you hearin me? That's why I get love
And still got others fearin me
You never know, who's next to blow
And since it's me, I'ma stash me some extra dough
Got extra flow, chicks give me sex and dough
Need I, mention P.I. player let me know
I'm down with dis, I founded this
So you should recognize the true authentic sound of this
The golden voice, holdin toys
But not playin, Guru and Preem', we like the golden boys
The chain and star, I'm angry pah

(feat. DC Lee, Gus Da Vigilante (Stikken Moov))

[Chorus x2: Guru and Stikken Moov]

What's the question? Why are you flexin
Here's the answer - choice of weapons

[Stikken Moov 1]
Yo +The&nbsp;? Remainz+, kid why you flexin like a bicep
Heat on your hip, just to get a rep, it ain't worth it
Just because you pack a biscuit, doesn't mean you can't
Become another statistic, you figure it
Life's a gamble even for vandalz, I handle mine with minds
Only unless, my chest is under pressure in a contest
The fear of layin in wreck, causes the stress
I have to adjust to this mess and pull when it's best

[Guru]
Yo little big man, feelin your oats, because you're strapped?
Bustin a cap at another kid who's black?
It ain't all that when the shots are flyin back
You made a choice, and the choice you made was wack
Kinda tipsy with the liquid confidence
Pullin your pistol when it doesn't make sense
To be the bigger man you figure
But in the end it don't pay when you're livin by the trigger

[Chorus x2]

[Guru]
Yeah it's the master of the who what where and the why
But still I got a problem with seein my brothers die
I've been around and lived past the average age of us
In every obituary, a full page of us
The game is money, but what about inner wealth?
The mental, the spiritual, and physical health
But still everyday the city is a test
That's why some people feel a gun is the best

[Stikken Moov 2]
No doubt I pack protection, but every altercation
Or situation doesn't deserve blastin, I mastered precisions
Choice of weapon, should I peel or peel out?
My choice of routes may decide my whereabouts

[Chorus x2]

[Stikken Moov 2]
I pack no weapons then the seargeant bargin in
Ready to bomb a rapper like Saddam, Stikken Moov swarm
Ready to bust off, like Ron Jeremy, but I chill G
Relax and consider lucky to live to see a quarter past three

[Guru]
That's why I, wield the steel, yes my microphone is crazy real
I'm not the one sellin out to get the mass appeal
But jail cells are filled with my peeps
While the rest are gettin killed in these ill ass streets

[Chorus x2]

[Guru]
So, pick your weapon, a mic or a gun
I make a sucker run when my tongue stuns, check it
Leavin the spot, I seen some wild kids
One stepped to me asked me to freestyle kid
Meanwhile, he flexed a burner on his side
I looked him in the eye, smiled, and walked to my ride
He was actin kinda hard on the surface
I said to myself that it really wasn't worth it

[Stikken Moov 1]
Yo you think you're all that, cause you pack heat?
Seein your own brother play the concrete, in defeat
Tryin to prove yourself, while you put the next man down
But what goes around, comes back, black best believe that

[Chorus x2]

You know what I'm sayin?
That's all the real heads all over the world
That realize, that this music is real
That we keep it real like that
Peace to all my brothers on the third
And all the real brothers in hip-hop
It's like a rap's new generation thing baby
Peace to Guru
It's Panche, the wild comanche, suicide

Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Yo.. just.. count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(I say to thee well count your blessings)

I remember when I used to get depressed
Overwhelmed by the stress
Feeling my life was the illest mess
Always dwelling on the stuff that wasn't right
And staring at the four walls in my room all night
Searching for a way to cope
The situation shaky like I'm walkin on a tightrope
But now I see it's time to get a handle
And take control of things
So for me, I'ma light a candle
And other people got it worse
I get a lot of love, so I ought give my thanks first

Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(I said you better count your blessings)

Too many times I asked, "Why me?"
And I recall when things weren't goin how they 'sposed to be
Yeah I know you dig what I'm relayin
And now I find myself devoting more time to praying
I ain't saying that I don't do no wrong
I'm saying I ain't trying to sing no more sad songs
I got mad responsibilities
I'm building with my family, my loved ones depend on me
I've got no time for envy nor for hate
My inner power's too strong
To let such evil penetrate
The world around is in chaos
But I'd rather seek the truth to be found
Than to be lost
Experience is always the best teacher
Look at the signs, feel the vibes, I'm tryin to reach ya
I see how much now that one should be grateful for
And we must help the others who can't find a open door

Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)

Now as we head into the year 2000
And more and more people can't even get decent housing
Poor education in the schools
And poor employment structures, so some choose illegal tools
By all means, you know we must survive, but think
The energy we give always comes back to us in time
We must decide to make the proper choices
Or the only thing we'll hear is the cries and the screaming voices

Too many times, too many times
Too many times, too many times
Too many times, too many times
Too many times, too many times

Too many times I felt bad
Too many times I couldn't see what I really had
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings)
Too many times I felt bad (count your blessings)
Too many times I couldn't see what really I had
(Better count your blessings) .. [fades]

(feat. Baybe)

[Baybe]
Music! [x2]

[Guru]
Times like this make me clench my fist
Then I'm caught up in the midst of the musical bliss
Guru, blow a kiss to the ladies in my corner
Caress the mic and kick my game like I wanna
What? You never see the brother Guru falter
Respect is due, praise me like the altar
The crew we're as true as they come son, we come from
Ill life experience, and take rap serious
Feel the music

[Chorus: Baybe]

We hold the key, to our destiny
We can make it everybody
Feel the music
Just free your mind, sit back relax and unwind
To a higher plane we're going
Can you feel the music?

Music! [x1]

[Guru]
Original baldhead Crooklynite, rudebwoy instructor
I came back to lay down law, to the suckers
I'll crush ya, if you ain't actin like my brother
Make one false move and with the mic, I'll bust ya
Just lay back and feel the music

[Chorus]

Music! [x3]

[Guru]
When I step into the club, I come to do work
No hesitation, because I'm fully alert
Like Max Julien, I'm an authentic Mack
Many others can't compare, I'll bet on that
Dialect and vocal tone, completely exact
I react, then I max in this mellow track
In fact, I'm knockin MC's out the frame
Cause I'm smooth like jazz, Guru is my name
Feel the music *echoes*

Music! [x1]

[Chorus 1/2]

[Guru]
New reality.. a higher level of conciousness
Don't play yourself; get out of line and get stomped with this
Negativity is a chronic disease
But I'm like the cure, causin infections to freeze
I'm not gonna let up, until you get the picture
My sound gets around so you know I'm always with ya
Feel the music *echoes*

Music! [x1]

[Chorus: repeat to end]

(feat. Me'Shell N'Degeocello)

[Guru]
Dedicated to all my peeps, who looked out over the years
KnawhatI'msayin? This one's for you

[Chorus: Guru + Me'Shell]

For you, dedicated true
I'm doin this one for you
For you, dedicated true
I'm doin this one for you

[Guru]
To my moms and my pops, I'm glad you stayed together
I don't know too many people to demonstrate true love better
Nowadays kids don't have anyone
But you were there and determined, to make me get plenty done
Yes to achieve although a lot of times I hurt you
But I'm matured now, I'm showin you my true virtue
As I deliver to you, an oath of neverending love
Admiration and respect, for there is nothing above
A mother's strength and a father's concern
There was guidance, no matter which way I turned
Yo pops if I could be half the man you are I'd be a star
Moms thanks for pushin me real far
As I proceed through the tundra, and harsh winds
I think reviewin what you've instilled within
So I'm takin time out to let you know
Once a boy now a man thanks for helpin me grow

[Chorus x2]

[Guru]
Goin out to my peoples, for all the times we've spent
Fifty deep up in the party gettin crazy stupid bent
Around the block puffin lye, cruisin in the car
Whatever we was doin I won't forget it Baby Pah
When I had no dough, you were there
You hooked me with some ends, to show me that you cared
You stood by me through the ups and downs
While the other fakin clowns tried to start hangin around
See you were always genuine
That's why respect is due, and I got you on my mind
A lot of people might not understand the way we click
We're rollin thick, hittin harder than a ton of bricks
With all the drama and the phony personas
I'd rather check my man so we can share some knowledge
If the streets were college, some MC's would flunk out
Sendin shouts to my peeps, crazy love no doubt

[Chorus]

[Guru]
A true friend kid, is mad mad rare
Trustin others is a risk, a lot of things ain't fair
Cause where I be at, a lot of strange things happen jack
You can know a kid for years and still he'll stab you in the back
But that's alright cause I'm a good judge of character
And me and my family, we maintain the balance to
Master the challenges of life
Like the chain and the star, we link up to shine mad bright
To all my boys way across the country
Dealin with the struggle, the good the bad and the ugly
Yo under pressure we're the best
No matter what the circumstance no matter how much stress
Our force has the power, to bring forth change
I'd rather see us succeed than feel shame or go insane
Dedicated to my fam that supported
You shall always, I said always be applauded

[Chorus x2]

(feat. Lucien)

[Guru]
Mmm, is this really the end, or is it a new beginning?
A new reality..

[Chorus x2: Guru + Baybe]

So many misconceptions (don't be misled)
So many evil deceptions (oh I am)
I've come to give direction
For I, am the lifesaver (the life)

[Guru]
Scooby doo wah, scooby doo wee
Like a jazz player, I improvise wisely
Free with the style, I flow like the Nile
But remember, don't mistake the smile
Deep rooted is my rhymin
Like ancient African griots, precise is my timing
But let me get to the essence of what I'm sayin here
Too many blood red streets with bodies layin there
The systematic fanatics are at it again
Tryin to kill me and all of us my friend
But don't bend to the mental strain
Against all odds, we must strive for essential gains
Be true to the life the Lord gave ya
And that's a message from the lifesaver
The lifesaver..

[Chorus]

[Baybe]
Oh I am, the life (I.. am the lifesaver)
I am, the life.. yeah

[Guru]
It takes a more intelligent man to squash a fight
Than to set one off, knowledge I'll let some off
Cause nowadays, everybody's a killer
And as for me, no other MC is iller
But still a thorn scrapes my heart
When I see another life that's been torn apart
Over nonsense, no law, no order, it's evidence
That the money only takes precedence
Cause everybody wants power
While the innocent are born or die, during every hour
I scowl as I look upon evil
But I must have the strength, to spark awareness in my people
And we will learn to respect our neighbors
Another message from the lifesaver
The lifesaver..

[Chorus]

[Guru]
People talk about the Armaggedeon
And nowadays everyone you know is packin lead son
Each day's another test
Aiyyo I better do my best, cause a lot's ridin on my chest
So when I lead you to the water, you best know
How to swim across, so you can reach the border
It's international, the message and the flavor
So here's some more important words from the lifesaver
The lifesaver.. (I am the life)
The lifesaver..

[Lucien]
Garcon fache grandissant dans la violence et la peace, le mot "peace"
C'est pour ceux qui perissent
Chaque jour aux alentours dans le monde et ses tours
En prison, ou retour en arriere dans les fours
Et les condes font leurs rondes
Les ville grondent
La terre chauffe les sommets des montagnes fondent
Pendant ca passe black ca casse
Telle est mon uniforme dans une guerre en crevasse
On me regarde, me met en garde-a-vue
Certains cafardent, d'autres bavardent et tuent
Dedicaces a ton quartier toute cite oh pas de chance a ceux
Qui sont tombes mais pas pour la France
Pays trop bidon
Vivement Armageddon
J'ai raison
Prie en Jehovah pour mon pardon
Car si un flic me juge je le broie enfoncant mon doigt dans son oeil et le fond de son
Cerveau
Je gratte
[goes off to fade]

[Guru]
So many misconceptions
So many evil deceptions
I've come to give direction
For I, am the lifesaver

(feat. Sweet Sable)

[Sweet Sable]
Living, in this world
What's happening?
Living, in this world
What's happening?

[Guru]
What's happening.. check it out
It's critical, the situation is pitiful
Bear in mind, you gotta find somethin spiritual
We never gain, cause we blame it on the system
You oughta listen whether Muslim or Christian
Or any other type religion or creed
Cause what we need is less greed
We can't continue to kill ourselves
We gotta build and expand our wealth
So one more time I'll design a rhyme divine
To educate and elevate your mind
Nowadays we gotta fight to live
Human means we got a right to live
Without the homicide, without the genocide
Don't tell me let it slide, I'm feelin ghettofied
So be a soldier of truth
Protect the lives of our youth

[Sweet Sable]
Living, in this world
What's happening?
Living, in this world
What's happening?

[Guru]
What's happening
In the land of the free, home of the brave
Too many of us reach such early graves
They tell us to behave, but they don't know
About the neighborhood drug flow
They don't know about the drama or about the guns
I ask how many politicians steal our funds
And how many officers will turn up corrupt
The governments don't care, they pass the buck
I'm growin tired of the trickery
And the misery, it's makin me kinda sick you see
But now I meditate, so I can get it straight
My thoughts penetrate, so I control my fate
So be advised by the wise and concious one
We take the easy way out, too often son
We better get some kind of work ethic
Realize it and correct it

[Sweet Sable]
Living, in this world
What's happening?
Living, in this world
What's happening?

[Guru]
What's happening
From New York to L.A., dead children lay
Victims of an unfair socie-ty
But for those who are blessed
We must correct this mess, or dissapear into nothingness
We're living in the age of doom
How many teachers reach all the kids in the classroom?
The beast is stalking us, but there's no stopping us
As long as we maintain the strength within us
Cause we're winners, descendants of the kings
They try to hinder us from doin our thing
So get the money, but spend it wisely
I get ill when the beats hypnotize me
Realize that the key
Is for each, to master, his own destiny
Deal with reality, and keep a tight focus
Cause there's a lot we got to cope with

[Sweet Sable]
Living, in this world
What's happening?
Living, in this world
What's happening?

Living, in this world
What's happening?
Living, in this world
What's happening?

Living, in this world
What's happening?
Living, in this world
What's happening?

(feat. Mica Paris)

[Guru]
You know sometimes I be lookin through the darkness
Tryin to find the light
Tryin to do what's right, with all my might

[Mica Paris (Guru)]
Lookin through the darkness
(Yeah I'm lookin, lookin at you)
Lookin through the darkness
(I see you lookin at me, whatcha wanna wanna do?)
Lookin through the darkness
(Here we go.. take a walk with me)
(Lookin through the darkness..
Check it out.. now now.. now now, now now)

[Guru]
Now as I peer through the window of gloom, and everyday living
And all the hardships one faces, to make you give in
I dig more intensely, finding greater strength
A lot of heads is empty, I've got a greater rank
Than MC's not aware of situations
That'll force one to understand, true stipulations
Thou shalt not bite, thou shalt not front
Fake it if you want but for the battles I've come, cause I'm

[Mica Paris (Guru)]
Lookin through the darkness
(Yeah, I'm lookin out.. lookin at you)
Lookin through the darkness
(Lookin at me, my style is free, do you wanna be?)

[Guru]
For me this rap life is real life, I don't have to create
Some false image, to make the crowd get hyped
Too many children get the wrong message, from clowns that walk around
Hopelessly lost, thinkin that they're the boss
They're in a daze, while dope MC's don't get the front page
Me -- I try to channel my rage
As I travel through the city regularly
Turning the anger and frustration, straight into energy
Yes you will remember me; as the brother who cared
To dare to step up, with his soul bared
But never fearing cause I've got instructions
From Him, to go and fight the corruption so I'm

[Mica Paris (Guru)]
Lookin through the darkness
(I've got to look through it.. try to try to find the light)
Lookin through the darkness
(Uhh, maintainin..)

[Guru]
My granddaddy always told me, to keep the light shining
So as my mic illuminates, you can feel the state that I'm in
Thoroughly immersed in a verse, way more than hardcore
I endure, cause in myself, I'm secure
Delivering syllables and selections with profound perfection
Comin back like the resurrection
In this session, I'm professin, that those who don't
Hear and understand, never loved me, and so I planned
To take a stand, as one who is firmly focused
Plus I'm mad worthy with words
I rock from East New York, all the way to the suburbs
The lightkeeper, knowledge seeker
I switch the stress that's on my mind
Into the voice that rocks your speaker
And I get deeper than the ocean when I'm

[Mica Paris (Guru)]
Lookin through the darkness
(Yeah.. I'm lookin through it)
Lookin through the darkness
(Ain't nothing to it but to do it..
Gotta freak it, now let me freak it check it out)
Lookin through the darkness
(All my life)
(Lookin through the darkness..
Yeah, ohh yeah)

[Guru]
Yo I'm so ill, I go ill, when beats with jazz
Fill my need to express myself, like the blues I can't lose
Weak MC's, they're seekin refuge
From my barrage, there's no rescue
Then I look through the madness, finding sanity
I'm crazy alert, I never swim in vanity
I do this rap stuff every year
Aiyyo peace to my fam especially my man Premier as I'm

[Mica Paris (Guru)]
Lookin through the darkness
(Yeah.. lookin out, to the wilderness)
Lookin through the darkness
(the jungle, uhh, everybody's got to rumble)
Lookin through the darkness
(Lookin through the darkness..)

[Mica Paris (Guru)]
Lookin through the darkness
Lookin through the darkness
(Got to find my way, doin my own thing)
Lookin through the darkness
(Walkin through the darkness)
Got to find a way..
Got to get, got to get it on
(Can you see the light?)
Got to get, got to get, got to get it on
(Peace aight?)
Lookin through the darkness
Lookin through the darkness
Got to get, got to get, I've got to get it on
Lookin through the darkness
Got to get, got to get, I've got to get it on

Got to get, got to get, I've got to get it on

(feat. Jamiroquai)

[Intro: Guru]

Doing it in the house like this
Going out to the lost souls
Doing this for you and yours
Comin' straight to you from the Guru and the crew

[Chorus: Guru]

To the lost souls
I hope you find your way someday
That's why I sit and I pray
For the lost souls
I hope you find your way someday
That's why I sit and I pray

[Verse 1: Guru]

Sometimes I wonder why
Some people can't see what's beyond the naked eye
So therefore I must fortify
Techniques of communication
For beyond what is considered to be
Normal conversation
So I need some proper 'ticipation
Am I giving what you need
Yes true indeed
As greed grows like weed
Many bad seeds start to contaminate the crop
I think that needs to stop hops
Brothers are slain over respect and clout
While thier mothers're trying to figure out
What's it all about
But when you give up on self that's when you lost
Cause you're playing with your life
Like it's a coin toss

[Chorus]

[Verse 2: Guru]

No doubt I release a form of speech
Relative to urban outreach
Transmitted messages to each true listener
Rhymes divine but rough
Like the skin on blisters
Cause the truth hurts
Plus I got no time for runnin' around chasin' skirts
So see my sound is a corrector
A profound lecture
Quality texture
That's because of what I see
Alot of mc's are gassed like hellium
Word up g
Alot of people in general are straight up no good
Makes me wanna shoot 'em
Aiyo maybe I should
But instead I parlay
Maintain self control
And say a prayer for the lost souls

[Chorus]

[Verse 3: Guru]

Get up stand up
Come on
Stand up for your right
One two
I go to new heights with my insight
Whipping my mic tight
With the height of a scholar
Equipped with the gift to make crazy dollars
But that ain't the whole
See my heart is in it
That's the only way one could even attempt to win it
Dj spin it while others critique
But the science makes 'em weak
Check the words that I speak
See it's ridiculous for us
Not to discuss
The real issues
Like all you phonys
And why I dis you
Dismiss you as a lost soul

[Chorus]

[Outro: Jason Kay of Jamiroquai/Guru]

If you don't watch where you step
You can become indirect
And you know that you will lose your soul
And if you truly want to lose
Until there's nothing to choose
Then you know that you will lose your soul

To the lost soul
I hope you find your way someday
So I sit and I pray
For the lost soul
I hope you find your way someday

Lose it
You can lose it
You can lose it
You can lose your soul

To the lost soul

Hope you find your way

I hope you find your way someday

(feat. Bahamadia)

[cut x3: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect"
"So respect the architect, as I begin to build"

[Bahamadia]
I'm mystical, don't be deceived by the visual
Visible preference is pure, patent it back to metaphors
Greetin em Illa-del-style wild
Analyze my memoirs, runnin on 8/4, poetic, me-ter
Soarin way beyond
Iambic pentameter, or juvenile flam
Unsyncopated soul piercin earlobes and egos
My vocals read these thoughts - am I hardcore?
To the grain

[Guru]
Lame game plain Jane MC's can't approach these
I shake chumps like fleas, I hold the keys
To drive you, guide you, provide you
With the real joints, ahem I clear my throat of phlegm
The architect, selecting the blueprints
To rid the game of nuisance
Sucker reducin with the fusion
Rhymes solid like cement in my musical solution
Stackin concrete flows, look out below

[cut x2: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect"
[cut x3: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect... as I begin to build"

[Guru]
Floor to ceiling, constantly building
With power to construct, towers of rap CREAM kid, what?
Dreamin you're lyrical physical mystical?
Your concept's mediocre plus your way too typical withcha
Corny delivery and crazy wack voice
Mad corny image, that's why I give you jitters
It figures, I'd have to dust you off the scene
Like a wiseguy, with my New York lean

[Bahamadia]
Lines that I supply fortify the nuclei of mindstate
From state to state, universal, be the orals that I create
Top notch and on lock like Sentry, opponents could never tempt me
Samplin my style like an Akai S-950 and still can't get with me
While I spread this verbal plague like bubonic
Conductin phonics like the Philharmonics
I make in measured melody, kids praise me like the crucifix
So place Bahamad', amongst your top ten of emcees

[cut x3: BizMarkie] "So respect the architect"
"So respect the architect... as I begin to build"

[Guru]
Yeah, neverending, knahmsayin? Always buildin
My homegirl Bahamadia in the hidouse, yeah yeah
And of course, my man the legend
Ramsey Lewis
So respect the architect, knahmsayin? One love