Once Again

I'm back, first an' foremost, I'd like to thank Nas
For allowin' me to have be on the Illmatic
An' that Stillmatic Joint, changed the game a whole lot
Secondly, I'd like to thank the Notorious Big
Who put Brooklyn on the map, you the revolution of that era

An' all the artists that came after the era we started
I'd like to thank the East Coast, West, the North
Dirty Dirty, this is my story, welcome me back

For all those I still speak to, guess we still peoples'
Life's more peaceful when you low an' you eatin' legal
Certain niggas, never spoke, now it's peace to see you
It's a different side 'coz it's the streets too
Pleased to meet you

Just think I was a thief an' kieful
Sold Coke, even dabbled in a bit of Diesel
Scare ridded, saw the light an' I slid wit it, left the life
But for the price I can live wit it, we all pawn

Know a few niggas that's comin' home
Could see 'em now in that '86 summer zone
Hope they adapt, whatever led niggas to smokin' crack
Knew a few that went too far for me to coach 'em back

What a waste, this little blood niggas'll cut ya face
Catchin' a case'll make you fuck around an' touch your safe
This all I know, intelligence is all I show
I'm from the roots an' the truth is that I love the doe
Welcome me back, huh?

You attract some of the baddest when you platinum status
That's why I stay with prophylactics
After what happened to Magic
Six days of my creation, had to relax on the Sabbath
Remember askin' certain niggas to past me a package

I was blind, movin' ass backwards
But you can bet it was the grind that made the cash massive
Back on my feet, acapella, used to rap to no beats
On the run, dun, was the first one to clap at police

I ever saw, can never catch me in the presents of flaws
Push the Accord in '94, Mack 11 in the board
Who wanna bring it? Since Nas
Niggas swore I was Queensbridge
That's surprisin' from the wise, I was taught to be lenient

Move in silence, my moms claimed my music was violent
Had to school her, let her know that I'm a user of talents
Many faces, Gucci sneakers with the skinny laces
Fendi sweats an' Begets all up in the bracelets
Welcome me home, huh?