[Jay-Z] This is a public service announcement Sponsored by Just Blaze and the good folks at Roc-A-Fella Records
[Just Blaze] Fellow Americans, it is with the utmost pride and sincerity that I present this recording as a living testament and recollection of history in the making during our generation
[Verse 1: Jay-Z] Allow me to re-introduce myself My name is Hov, OH, H-to-the-O-V I used to move snowflakes by the O-Z I guess even back then you can call me CEO of the R-O-C, Hov! Fresh out the fryin' pan into the fire I be the music biz number one supplier Flyer than a piece of paper bearin' my name Got the hottest chick in the game wearin' my chain, that's right Hov, OH—not D.O.C But similar to them letters, "No One Can Do it Better" I check cheddar like a food inspector My homey Strick told me, "Dude finish your breakfast" So that's what I'ma do, take you back to the dude With the Lexus, fast-forward the jewels and the necklace Let me tell you dudes what I do to protect this I shoot at you actors like movie directors {*laughing*} This ain't a movie, dog (oh shit)
[Interlude: Just Blaze] Now before I finish, let me just say I did not come here to show out, did not come here to impress you. Because to tell you the truth when I leave here I'm GONE! And I don't care WHAT you think about me—but just remember, when it hits the fan, brother, whether it's next year, ten years, twenty years from now, you'll never be able to say that these brothers lied to you JACK!
[Verse 2: Jay-Z] Thing ain't lie I done came through the block in everything that's fly I'm like Che Guevara with bling on, I'm complex I never claimed to have wings on Nigga, I get my "by any means" on whenever there's a drought Get your umbrellas out because that's when I brainstorm You can blame Shawn, but I ain't invent the game I just rolled the dice, trying to get some change And I'd do it twice, ain't no sense in me Lying as if I am a different man And I could blame my environment but There ain't no reason why I be buying expensive chains Hope you don't think users are the only abusers Niggas getting high within the game If you do then, how would you explain? I'm ten years removed, still the vibe is in my veins I got a hustler spirit, nigga, period Check out my hat yo, peep the way I wear it Check out my swag' yo, I walk like a ballplayer No matter where you go, you are what you are player And you can try to change but that's just the top layer Man, you was who you was 'fore you got here Only God can judge me, so I'm gone Either love me, or leave me alone