If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
Nas
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Life I wonder Will it take me under I don't know Imagine smoking weed in the streets without cops harassin' Imagine going to court with no trial Lifestyle cruising blue behind my waters No welfare supporters, more conscious of the way we raise our daughters Days are shorter, nights are colder Feeling like life is over, these snakes strike like a cobra The world's hot my son got not Evidently, it's elementary, they want us all gone eventually Troopin' out of state for a plate, knowledge If coke was cooked without the garbage we'd all have the top dollars Imagine everybody flashin', fashion Designer clothes, lacing your click up with diamond vogues Your people holdin' dough, no parole No rubbers, go in raw imagine, law with no undercovers Just some thoughts for the mind I take a glimpse into time Watch the blimp read, "The World Is Mine" If I ruled the world, imagine that I'd free all my sons, I love 'em love 'em baby Black diamonds and pearls Could it be, if you could be mine we'd both shine If I ruled the world Still livin' for today, in these last days and times The way to be, paradise like relaxin', Black, Latino and Anglo-Saxon Armani, exchange the reins Cash, Lost Tribe of Shabazz, free at last Brand new whips to crash then we laugh in the ill'er path The Villa house is for the crew, how we do Trees for breakfast, dime sexes and Benz stretches So many years of depression make me vision The better livin', type of place to raise kids in Open they eyes to the lies, history's told foul But I'm as wise as the old owl, plus the Gold Child Seeing things like I was controlling, click rollin' Trickin' six digits on kicks and still holdin' Trips to Paris, I civilized every savage Gimme one shot I turn trife life to lavish Political prisoner set free, stress free No work release purple M3's and jet skis Feel the wind breeze in West Indies I'd make Coretta Scott-King mayor o'the cities and reverse themes to Willies It sounds foul but every girl I meet to go downtown I'd open every cell in Attica send em to Africa If I ruled the world, imagine that I'd free all my sons, I love 'em love 'em baby Black diamonds and pearls Could it be, if you could be mine we'd both shine If I ruled the world Still livin' for today, in these last days and times And then we'll walk right up to the sun Hand in hand We'll walk right up to the sun We won't land We'll walk right up to the sun Hand in hand We'll walk right up to the sun We won't land You'd love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory Runnin' from Jake, gettin' chased, hunger for papes These are the breaks, many mistakes go down out of state Wait, I had to let it marinate we carry weight Tryin' to get laced, flip the ace stack, the safe Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cock hammer Makin' moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler 'Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich Still nobody want a nigga havin' shit If I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit I push a Q-4-5 infinite It wouldn't be no such thing as jealousies or be felony Strictly living longevity to the destiny I thought I'd never see, but reality struck Better find out before your time's out, what the f*ck If I ruled the world, imagine that I'd free all my sons, I love 'em love 'em baby Black diamonds and pearls Could it be, if you could be mine we'd both shine If I ruled the world Still livin' for today, in these last days and times If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled I'd free all my sons, if I ruled, if I ruled Black diamonds and pearls, black diamonds, black diamonds Could it be, if you could be mine, we'd both shine If I ruled the world Still livin' for today, in these last days and times If I ruled the world, if I ruled, if I ruled I'd free all my sons, black diamonds I love em love em baby Black diamonds and pearls, if I ruled If I ruled the world If I ruled the world I love em love em baby
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: SAMUEL J. BARNES, ALLAN WAYNE FELDER, NORMAN RAY HARRIS, JALIL HUTCHINS, NASIR JONES, AARON O'BRYANT, JEAN CLAUDE OLIVIER, DAVID FRANKLIN REEVES, LAWRENCE SMITH, KURTIS WALKER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Initial Release"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" is a single by Nas, initially released in 1996.
|
Album AffiliationThe song is off Nas's second studio album, "It Was Written".
|
Chart PerformanceUpon its release, the song peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, Nas's highest-charting single at the time.
|
CollaborationThe track features R&B singer Lauryn Hill from the popular group, 'The Fugees'.
|
Grammy Nomination"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" was nominated for a Grammy award in 1997 for Best Rap Solo Performance.
|
Kurtis Blow CoverIt's a revamp of the 1985 classic "If I Ruled the World" by hip hop pioneer Kurtis Blow.
|
Musical StyleThis song is renowned for its smooth blend of rap and R&B, combining Nas's socially-conscious verses with Lauryn Hill's soulful hook.
|
Political MessageThe lyrics express Nas's ideas for a better world if he was given ultimate power, touching upon issues of poverty, racism, and societal structure.
|
Music VideoThe video for "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" features Nas and Lauryn Hill in a paradise-like setting, portraying a utopian world which aligns with the song's message.
|
LegacyDespite its initial mixed reviews, the song is now considered one of Nas's signature tracks and is notable for its influence on hip-hop music.
|
SamplingThe song samples the Whodini track "Friends".
|
Track ProducersIt was produced by Rashad Smith and Poke & Tone, acclaimed for their work in the hip-hop industry.
|
Cultural Impact"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” plays a significant role in hip-hop's venture into mainstream popular music in the late '90s.
|
Critics' ReviewsIt was initially criticized for its commercial sound, a departure from Nas's raw and gritty debut album "Illmatic". However, it has since been hailed as a classic, with its positive and forward-thinking lyrics.
|
Continual PopularityMore than two decades after its release, "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)" continues to be a favorite among fans and is a staple in both Nas's and Lauryn Hill's live performances.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/230217/Nas/If+I+Ruled+the+World+%28Imagine+That%29>.
Discuss the If I Ruled the World (Imagine That) Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In