Surviving the Times

Nas

About Surviving the Times

"Surviving the Times" is a 2007 hip hop song by Nas from his Greatest Hits album. The song's lyrics focus on Nas career before and just after Illmatic. The song makes reference to Nas' signing with Columbia Records, being turned down by Russell Simmons for Def Jam and him meeting Large Professor and Kool G Rap for the first time. The song also samples Nipsey Russell's song "What Would I Do If I Could Feel" from the musical The Wiz in the intro and chorus. A different version of this song appeared on Nas and DJ Green Lantern's Nigger Tape. It contains the same lyrics but is produced by Cool & Dre. Nas had this to say about the song: Actually, I had it done a good while ago. I forgot I had the record. It was just perfect to go with the Greatest Hits. It just came from a conversation. I needed people around to remind me of certain things that happened, so I got a lot of information from somebody that was hanging around while I was in the studio. It's crazy, because when I talk about people from a whole other rap era, I don't know if people understand how much that meant to me, just coming up around legends like Kool G Rap and Eric B. and Large Professor and people like Akinyele who was around in the early stages that I met through Large Professor from a rap group named Main Source that most cats today never even heard of. 


Year:
2007
4:43
346 
#4

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But that's the whole tragic point, my friends
What would I do if I could suddenly feel?
And to know once again that what I feel is real?
I could cry, I could smile
I might lay back for a while
Tell me what (what) what would I do
If I could feel?

I was young, I was surviving the times
Waiting for my moment, I was destined to shine
Little Ray had an NXX, I was hoping I'm next
Wanting bracelets, never had a rope on my neck

Unless I was holding Taiyeh chain, Rest In Peace
Even though that night you flipped on us
You warned us
If you came back and we still on the corners,

We goners, moving on to
Move your arm in your watch
To another time on the block
'Cause this 40 Side Where they said Shorty rhyme

Tragedy, he used to come through all the time
I'm talking Juice Crew, not what the word define
He had a sister named Erin, for sure was fine
That was my first crush, I bought my first mic

I wrote my first verse, I was about nine
I was about mine, fantasize house-buying
Met Paul, he wore some big glasses
Him and Melquan took me where G Rap lived

I was happy, just getting some answers
I ain't even know what a record advance was
I'm seeing hoes sex in the studio bathroom
With rap dudes, thinking wow she moved me

Same girl then, right now's a groupie
Back then, she was like the star in the movie
Large jewelry and expensive Gucci
Next stop, Paid In Full posse recruits me

Knew they were some millionaires, their ropes were dookie
Eric B man looking like touch-it-he-shoot-me
You see, every time Ra didn't show
I get to record demos at attempts to blow

I wonder could they tell, how did they know
Sixteen years later, here I go

[Chorus: x 4]
What would I do?

I'm with Akinyele in the street, trying to get us a deal
G Rap tried to get us to sign to Cold Chill
But Fly Ty didn't have the contract we wanted
Clark Kent just signed Das, he didn't want us

Russell said I sounded like G, the nigga fronted
Reef and Matty C offered me a little money
Shit a little funny, feel a little laughter
Rebel of Hip-Hop coming through a white rapper

My boy MC Serch nevertheless
Took me to Columbia, back then CBS
Chris Schwartz, RuffHouse, he was the best man
Now bugging because the label had just dropped Def Jam

Could you picture Russell needing a check, man
But he smart, he plotted a plan for Polygram
Life is ill, again life's a movie
Then, the roster's: Cypress Hill, Nas, and Fugees

Before I sold records, no promotion
The rap world like, what's all this commotion
Went plat', mad bottles I'm toasting
20/20 hindsight, but how did they know then

[Chorus]

Invincible, lyrical, miracle man, huh
But back to the matter at hand
'Cause ten years ago we all strived to be twenty-five
Some cats didn't make it alive

Dated some stars but respect their privacy
Copped mad cars, laying back in the driver's seat
Held myself down, just steering the wheel
Here I am, completed my whole record deal

[Chorus]

What would I do?
If I could reach inside of me?
And to know how it feels to say
"I like what I see..."

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Nas

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones ( /nɑːˈsɪər/; born September 14, 1973), better known mononymously as Nas ( /ˈnɑːz/), is an American rapper and actor. He is also the son of jazz musician Olu Dara. Nas has released eight consecutive platinum and multi-platinum albums since 1994, four of which topped the Billboard charts upon release and has sold over thirteen-million records in the United States alone. Nas was also part of the hip hop supergroup The Firm, which released one album under Dr. Dre's record label Aftermath. Aside from rapping, Nas is also an occasional actor and has appeared in feature films such as Hype Williams' directorial debut Belly, Ticker and In Too Deep and the television show Hawaii Five-0. more »

4 fans

Written by: CHARLES EMANUEL SMALLS, NASIR JONES, CHRIS (PKA "RIDDLER") WEBBER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Artist Background
The song "Surviving the Times" is authored by Nas, a famous American rapper and songwriter hailed as one of the greatest in hip-hop music history. Nas's lyrical sophistication and thematic creativity have been widely praised.
Album Compilation
Although the song was originally recorded in 2004, it was not released until 2007 as part of Nase's compilation album named "Greatest Hits".
Reflective Piece
"Surviving the Times" is a reflective piece, where Nas looks back on his own progression from street rapper to hip-hop icon, tackling topics like economic issues, family, and the hardships he underwent.
Collaboration
The song was produced by Chris Webber, a former NBA star who ventured into music production. This collaboration added a unique subtext about blending athletic and music worlds.
Sampling
"Surviving the Times" samples the song "We Made It" by American soul music group BT Express, used as the track's primary beat.
Reception
The song received positive reviews, with many critics praising its narrative style and introspective lyrics.
Use in Popular Culture
The song was featured in the video game NBA Live 2008 as part of the game's soundtrack.
Message
"Surviving the Times" lays emphasis on the importance of perseverance and strength in overcoming life's challenges, a message that resonates with a broad range of listeners.
Rising to Fame
The song provides an overview of Nas's journey from the urban streets to the pinnacle of rap success, linking his rise to his ability to "survive the times".
Lyrical Artillery
Nas delves into the substance of his past while simultaneously taking aim at the consumer culture of hip-hop, showcasing his mastery of lyricism and storytelling ability.
Recognition
"Surviving the Times" is recognized as one of the standout songs in Nas's discography and is often mentioned whenever the rapper's best work is being discussed.
Commercial Performance
Despite not being released as a single, the song has been streamed millions of times on various music platforms, displaying its timeless appeal.

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