Cops Shot The Kid
Kanye West, Nas
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The cops used to come around in my neighborhood "Alright, you kids, stop having so much fun, move along!" Oh they'd arrest me, you know, especially at night They had a curfew, niggers had to be home at 11, negros, 12 And you'd be trying to get home, doing your crew runs And they'd always catch you out in front of a store or something 'Cause you'd be taking shortcuts, right Cops, "Ree, put your hands up, black boy!" The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot I don't wanna hurt nobody We just came here to party See a few dames, exchange some names I'm a top shotta, kid, stay in your lane The cop shot the kid, same old scene Pour out a little liquor, champagne for pain Slap-boxin' in the street Crack the hydrant in the heat Cop cars on the creep Doin' they round-ups, we just watch for the sweep Yeah, it's hotter than July It's the summer when niggas die It's the summer when niggas ride Together we be strong, but forever we divide So y'all are blowin' my high Type of shit that's killin' my vibe White kids are brought in alive Black kids get hit with like five Get scared, you panic, you're goin' down The disadvantages of the brown How in the hell the parents gon' bury their own kids Not the other way around? Reminds me of Emmett Till Let's remind 'em why Kap kneels The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid I still hear him scream Stay tuned up and down your timeline This fake news, people is all lyin' Money is bein' made when a mom cries Won't be satisfied 'til we all die Tell me, who do we call to report crime If 9-1-1 doin' a driveby? It's certain things I can't abide by I ain't bein' extreme, this is my side Talkin' big shit, ready to die I know every story got two sides Claimin' he paranoid by the black guy Cop wanna make it home by night time Just a good kid, he wasn't that guy Had a little hit, he wasn't that high Cop gon' claim that it was self-defense Say he was ridin' dirty so the case rests The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot (workin' nine-to-five) The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot (tryna stay alive) The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot (makin' ends meet) The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot (shot him this week) The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid The cops shot the kid, the cops shot The cops shot the kid I still hear him scream
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Written by: Andrew Dawson, Che Smith, Kanye West, Nasir Jones, Richard Pryor, Ricky Walters
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background"Cops Shot the Kid" is a hip-hop song by American rapper, Nas. Known for his reflective and provocative lyricism, Nas has been praised as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
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Track FeaturesThe song features Kanye West, another prominent figure in hip-hop culture. Both Nas and Kanye have collaborated multiple times across various projects.
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Album of Origin"Cops Shot the Kid" is a part of Nas's 2018 album "Nasir." The album was the rapper's eleventh studio album and his first release under Kanye West's label G.O.O.D. Music.
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Sample MaterialThe song samples a line from Slick Rick's track "Children's Story," which was released in 1989. The line "The cops shot the kid" is looped throughout the song's duration as an integral component of the rhythm and message.
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Theme and MessageThe lyrics of "Cops Shot the Kid" deal with police brutality and the systemic racism faced by African-Americans. Nas and Kanye narrate the experiences and fears of a black youth growing up in America, providing a strong sociopolitical commentary.
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Music ProductionThe song was produced by Kanye West himself, who was also responsible for producing the entirety of the "Nasir" album.
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Critical Reaction"Cops Shot the Kid" received significant acclaim from critics upon its release. It was praised for its potent social commentary and skillful sampling of Slick Rick's line.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Cops Shot the Kid" is a powerful depiction of the track's central theme. It features a young black boy running from two white police officers.
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RecognitionDue to its powerful social commentary, "Cops Shot the Kid" was considered one of the standout tracks from the "Nasir" album. Numerous music publications ranked it among the best songs of 2018.
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Live PerformancesNas has performed "Cops Shot the Kid" at various live events and concerts. The performances typically maintain the song's intense atmosphere, reflecting its powerful socio-political message.
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Citation
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"Cops Shot The Kid Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35218881/Nas/Cops+Shot+The+Kid>.
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