Surviving the Times
Nas
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But that's the whole tragic point, my friends What, 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 awhile Tell me what, what would I do if I could feel you? I was young, I was survivin' the times Waitin' for my moment, I was destined to shine Little Ray had an NSX, I was hopin' I'm next Wantin' bracelets, never had a rope on my neck Unless I was holdin' 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, movin' on to Move your arm and your watch to another time on the block 'Cause this 40 Side where they say shorty rhyme Tragedy he used to come through all the time I'm talkin' 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-buyin' Met Paul, he wore some big glasses Him and Melquan took me where G Rap lived I was happy, just gettin' some answers I ain't even know what a record advance was I'm seein' hoes sex in the studio bathroom With rap dudes, thinkin' 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 be man lookin' 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 What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? I'm with Akinyele in the street, tryin' 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 see offered me a little money Shit, a little funny, feel a little laughter Rebel of hip-hop comin' 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 buggin' 'cause the label had just dropped Def Jam Could you picture Russell needin' 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 What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? 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, layin' back in the driver's seat Held myself down, just steerin' the wheel Here I am, completed my whole record deal What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What, what, what would I do? What would I do if I could reach inside of me? And to know how it feels to say, I like what I see
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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 BackgroundThe 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.
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Album CompilationAlthough the song was originally recorded in 2004, it was not released until 2007 as part of Nase's compilation album named "Greatest Hits".
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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.
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CollaborationThe 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.
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Sampling"Surviving the Times" samples the song "We Made It" by American soul music group BT Express, used as the track's primary beat.
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ReceptionThe song received positive reviews, with many critics praising its narrative style and introspective lyrics.
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Use in Popular CultureThe song was featured in the video game NBA Live 2008 as part of the game's soundtrack.
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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.
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Rising to FameThe 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".
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Lyrical ArtilleryNas 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.
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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.
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Commercial PerformanceDespite 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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Citation
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