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