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Magic

by Nas

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1.
Speechless 03:06
INTRO I don’t even know what’s goin’ on no more I don’t even know what’s happenin’ man Ain’t no answers I’m’a figure some shit out tho Hit Yunno Yeah, yeah Just try to get my weight up Try to get all my watches in order Get my safe up Get great VERSE 1 I’m 21 years past the 27 club It’s like I went back into may past and then I sped it up Robert Johnson, Winehouse, and Morrison found where heaven was Heaven on Earth, this shit is magic with no fairy dust Home of the gully, gangsta, the gruesome, and the scary stuff I told my brother Jung fuck em they gon’ go thru hell with us They don’t have the history in the streets that compare with us Hood niggas they wanna be us, thugs in the St. Regis Only thing undefeated is time Second is the internet Number three is this rhyme Before security my dog had to sneak in the nine God must be on my side I had to eat and provide My winning streak is divine I told thun leave the street shit behind Don’t let ‘em hype you a slow run beats cheatin’ the grind Dog I’m tellin’ it like it is You gotta deal with the consequence When you run in a nigga’s crib nigga you better be ready to sit HOOK Dope dealers, street hustlers, pop cases Throw dice, on pavement, cop chases Big gamblers, scullies, hide faces Gang wars, hot spots, police raid it Left ‘em speechless Left ‘em speechless VERSE 2 Pick a down on his luck rapper Bet he broker the arrogance of a crackhead Mad at a weed smoker, or a pill taker Who hate a distilled wine drinker A killer who use a gun to hate on a knife swinger Aiight I get it It’s who the lit-est we in competition Yall did it firstin’ to death I got a proposition You and your brothers stop plottin’ on eachother, plot on millions Educate yourself, find ten different areas of interest Spread your bets out, double down on what’s working Then you double up Hands on your paper, they sending hate no matter what you touch Honestly I’m speechless Fly to Greece 20-pointers on the chain I freaked it Lawn chair in the hood, sittin’ comfortably I must be insane givin’ you bars runnin’ companies I’m done with the redundancies Checking on my Hstry, making content for Viacom License music to Tiffany’s I come from HOOK Dope dealers, street hustlers, pop cases Throw dice, on pavement, cop chases Big gamblers, scullies, hide faces Gang wars, hot spots, police raid it Left ‘em speechless (Just like when the judge read the sentence threw your life away in minutes) Left ‘em speechless (The bounce back is the greatest feeling when they thought that you was finished) Leave ‘em speechless Speechless
2.
VERSE 1 Why would I ever have to cop a chain again When the QB chain birthed most the chains in the game No post office we stampin’ time Took out a slice out of the Big Apple made apple pies Family size Leather bombers and Nike Sacais Dangerous corners you better pray that tomorrow arrives Rap Sugar Ray Robinson nothin’ sweet Yall too out of shape to even box with me Heavyweight I know my way around the ring Just like shorty know her way around the store Makin’ hits with Hit-Boy all he gotta do is hit record Record breakin’ news had to show up just to fill the void Confused spoiler lil boys yall better keep your poise Leave me out of the weasel shit Be cool when you see me I’m hot at all that rap diva shit The hood know you pussy so we don’t buy or believe in it Locked in on the instrumental I took back the key to this Uh HOOK 1 Run me the keys, run me the B’s, run me that flow back Your top 3, I’m not number 1, how could you post that? I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that I’m not the one to go at, you fuck around Meet Joe Black Run me the keys, run me the B’s, run me that flow back (What I’m sayin) Your top 3, I’m not number 1, how could you post that? (Uh) I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that (Yeah) I’m not the one to go at, you fuck around Meet Joe Black VERSE 2 What I’m sayin’ people sayin’ what’s already been said Predictions I don’t listen it’s already in my head No funny shit You’re most hungry place, I was past that at 28 Underground tapes, ask my ASCAP and publishing states As we slide in the G-ride I been gettin’ criticized, it’s keepin’ me energized Create with a business mind I’m from where killers reside A wild hood, only knew goons since my childhood Niggas say anything in they raps ‘cause it sound good Don’t even mean what they say, horrible outlook Yall ain’t really ‘bout this, house nigs Yall was in the house with it We don’t respect fake jewelry and silly outfits Window down, blowing out kush Grey tints, New York’s J Prince on Houston Street I caught the bounce before my nigga even bounced the beat I took the hard way in this shit man it’s the route for me Uh HOOK 1 Run me the keys, run me the B’s, run me that flow back Your top 3, I’m not number 1, how could you post that? I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that I’m not the one to go at, you fuck around Meet Joe Black Run me the keys, run me the B’s, run me that flow back Your top 3, I’m not number 1, how could you post that? I wear the crown, the city is mine, you cannot hold that I’m not the one to go at, you fuck around Meet Joe Black VAMP Why would I ever have to cop a chain again When the QB chain birthed most the chains in the game Why would I
3.
Ugly 03:18
INTRO Test, test Yes, yes Yeah VERSE 1 It’s ugly outside, it’s muggy, it’s money outside 105 Fahrenheit thunderous skies The clouds shape a clown face above where you reside Under his eye, a teardrop got the ugliest cry They call my city Gotham City, opposite of pretty Weatherman cannot predict bullets rainin’ from out the 50 It’s ugly outside, Big L would be here if it wasn’t Hell will freeze over the day it doesn’t get ugly out How can we hug it out After we slugged it out We should be buyin’ acres adjustin’ each other’s crowns That was your brother back then, how could you gun him down Yeah, Yeah That’s what I live for The inventor The re-invention, I’m reincarnated, see what it hit for Yo, even your mentor can get you sent for Get you chipped off if it’s a brick off, you hit a brick wall Damn big dog Dove in that water and got hit with a cannonball Ugly Christmas sweater party with no Santa Claus Companies profit off of black trauma That’s ugly, mad ugly just like Sheneneh and Wanda You been thru shit I been thru shit everyday is an honor It’s ugly how Mercedes Moore lost her life to a stalker I’m on offense everyday ‘til I see the love KD3 on the way, this just to feed the buzz BREAK It’s ugly It’s ugly Shit is ugly Yeah, one more time VERSE 2 Yeah, it’s ugly outside They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder I see the envy getting closer thru my optics Knew I had vision before I seen the optometrist I seen a whole lot of shit, never altered my confidence Or my consciousness It’s ugly outside they dangerous, stay out the mix Poppin’ back out on niggas homie I’m poppin’ shit Kill ‘em with no accomplices watchin’ my rearview the envy is obvious It’s ugly outside, it’s grown men jealous outside It’s grown ass women that’ll have you set up to die You really not a stepper nigga, just step to the side While I two-step on a beat, watch a veteran slide JMJ seen ‘em comin’ wish he ain’t hit the buzzer Marvin Gaye to Young Dolph we takin’ out our brothers Distorted faces, solemn features, we kill each other It’s Mr. Ugly Man Marlon Wayans in In Living Color BREAK It’s ugly It’s ugly Shit is ugly Yeah, one more time It’s ugly It’s ugly Shit is ugly Yeah
4.
5.
6.
7.
INTRO Yeah We’re more solid Yeah HOOK - Nas No comparison we more solid than they are Me and Hit-Boy they say we like the new Gang Starr Me and Flacko they say we the new Wave Gods Shout to Max B he could be home any day God VERSE - A$AP Rocky Wake up out the bed scruffy, sparkin’ my J Shine my nickel plated then I’m startin’ my day My old lady called me baby told her pardon my age 12 shells in the gauge like a carton of eggs We goin’ home like Eric Cartman, chromosomes on my conscience Hear some niggas talkin’ nonsense, call up Nasty Nastradamus Rock the pearls and diamonds, break your promise break her wallets Break her heart and break her pockets, taking notes like guidance counselors Aristocrat like the Chancellor, the answer to the, uh, panhandlers The corners with the mans’ is up, the jig is up, the scams is up Yeah they hands is up, lookin’ in the crowd, yeah Tryin’ to fuck the world but my pants still up Tryin’ to invest in all my G’s before we rest in peace ‘Cause we sure to rest in peace The rest is set the record set, as soon as I release The rumors be I roam the streets with no security They know a nigga overseas, uhhh Kinda swag that’s passed from your mom and dad Prada bags and we cheesin’ on them Calvin ads Mighta peeped the billboards fifty feet when out in traffic Staring at a nigga’ picture shit you bound to crash HOOK - Nas No comparison we more solid than they are Me and Hit-Boy they say we like the new Gang Starr Me and Flacko they say we the new Wave Gods Shout to Max B he could be home any day God A$AP Mob got Mass Appeal Call up Nasty Nas, niggas hit the lick like ah ah ah VERSE - Nas Wake up out the bed, wrap my durag up Say a prayer, I’m thankin’ god that Mom dukes had us Monotone style like Guru on some Preemo cuts Crewneck by McQueen go nuts Jewels over my white hoodie like Juvie in ‘9-8 It’s movies that I make Peruvian white flake It tore the community at a high rate Adversity I faced I roll my own gas to make sure that it’s not laced Damn I used to hit the block hopin’ they see me Watchin’ Video Music Box sittin’ close to the TV I was inspired by Whodini and Kool G Got my first pair of J’s thought I was 2-3 (Air) Invest in all my G’s before we rest in peace ‘Cause we sure to rest in peace My shorty is a piece, a piece of mind, a dimepiece I might buy her a piece of property You might’a had some joints but ain’t nuttin’ like me and Rocky seen HOOK - Nas No comparison we more solid than they are Me and Hit-Boy they say we like the new Gang Starr Me and Flacko they say we the new Wave Gods Shout to Max B he could be home any day God A$AP Mob got Mass Appeal Tell Hit we got a hit ayyy ayyy Tell Hit we got a hit ah Call up Nasty Nas niggas hit the lick like ah ah ah
8.
The Truth 03:27
INTRO Can’t bury you with your money Can’t bury you with your bitch Born alone, die alone Yeah, yeah Yeah, burn the whole place down VERSE 1 No more foul plays Housin’ mentality, shoot ‘em down days Goin’ out of town with a couple of pound plays Always the one you call your friend but then his style changed Hard time for non-violent crimes, that’s a outrage We need a meetin’ Money and fame is fleetin’ You never really know the reason why two people is beefin’ Bloody murder In the 80’s he had suede Louis seats in the ‘burban Did dirty, his sentence start turnin’ Look at life, took advice from the streets of Vernon Nothin Nice, John Boy Ice, his death undetermined Pick an island anywhere for your happy solar returning When I’m gone I pray my family don’t get the cash and burn it to the floor Black 4’s laced up Galactica glaciers, eighty-eight carats, immaculate paystubs Them niggas do a crime, I drop a rhyme, it’s the same rush And they been sending shots a nigga way but they ain’t struck Can’t fuck with me I been outside, since a buck fifty was the only way to get your face done Doggystyle CD turn that “Murder Was The Case” up Thinkin’ when I drop my first shit I’m leavin’ they face scrunched Black from the dark side of Vernon, draws from the dime block They had it clickin’ but today it’s some new slimes out Instagram trickin’ the hood What they cryin’ ‘bout Petty crimes, bitches and money, that’s what they lyin’ ‘bout HOOK Niggas ain’t tellin’ the truth enough (no, uh-uh no) Yall don’t look like the truth to us (Hype off that lil’ dirt you did, that ain’t shit to the kid, whoa) Niggas ain’t tellin’ the truth enough (no, no nigga) Yall don’t look like the truth to us (Hype off that lil’ dirt you did, that ain’t shit to the kid, whoa) VERSE 2 Now you got your marching orders This shit will make your mouth water Like food grilled with wood chips Woolrich, button up flannel Lookin’ wolfish my hair wolfin’ Central bookings, simple lessons One foot on the curb, one foot in the Lexus My style is eclectic Eat you pussies for breakfast Then I offer refreshments Look all that fly shit yall harpin’ on They’ll take the watch from your arm And cops do nothin’ about it that’s what’s goin’ on Many changes, more racists When I was tourin’ the nation with warrants on probation I was a small kid amazed with the thought one day I’ll be bankin’, IV from drinkin Poppy to Abu Dhabi Prolly polly with Saudis Crank the engine on a ‘74 Chevy Chevelle Shorty friend is a snake I told her her bestie ain’t real You gotta watch that As the lobster crack, I spray the Baccarat Your reputation, you can’t clean that shit up at no laundromat, sucka See somebody has to say it, the boys still ain’t graduated I must say they cap the greatest (be real) My team is mature, the bags are secured Surrounded by addicts addicted to having more HOOK Niggas ain’t tellin’ the truth enough (no, uh-uh no) Yall don’t look like the truth to us (Hype off that lil’ dirt you did, that ain’t shit to the kid, whoa) Niggas ain’t tellin’ the truth enough (no, no nigga) Yall don’t look like the truth to us (Hype off that lil’ dirt you did, that ain’t shit to the kid, whoa)
9.
Dedicated 03:52
VERSE 1 Yeah When Carlito was dying He see the shadow of his girl dancing with the baby Like fuck it it’s my time But if God save me Maybe I’ll erase any vice that could potentially bring harm to me Before I make a move I think about it karmically Everything come back like a boomerang I’m black as Paul Mooney slang And all I pray for is health and a sustainable business and a faithful missus I see a lotta people try to be who they ain’t We don’t want money that fit in the bag, we want the bank Just to spread it around, like icing on the cake White tiger out the cage, Mike Tyson in ‘88 Dedicated like jack boys on Melrose Smash and grab, yo this world became a hellhole “Stay cool” is what I tell those, (word) youngins So they don’t end up in jail clothes, c’mon HOOK I dedicated my life, my life Dedicated my life, my life I dedicated my, my, uh (yo that is inspiration) Dedicated my VERSE 2 Whole damn life If I wanted to now I could live an old man life Confronted with how the hood can use more funding More budgets for more teachers Financial literacy, more speeches Chefs come cook for me Look what it took for me The streets had its hooks in me Yeah People ask me what books to read Destruction of black civilization, that’s history Journal of Chris Columbus, that is what interests me Juneteenth holiday finally came and it pisses me Off, for the fact that we came in chains You’ll be physically in pain Dedicated like Ricky Walters, Dougie and Dana Dane HOOK I dedicated my life my life I dedicated my life my life I dedicated my, uh Dedicated my I dedicated my life my life I dedicated my life my life I dedicated my VERSE 3 Test, test, yeah, yunno To get to this point I might have to write a script, a manuscript Yo, yo, ghetto manners is you thuggin’ me or asking? Finessin’ me or pressin’ me, when none of that is happenin’ Accessory to murder not necessarily Manson I’m just a G in constructs, a Pelle Pel, or a Vanson Ratty clothes we haven’t spoke in years, pat his coat Check his waistline, he spyin’ on who has the most Best to leave me alone, I get in my zone Laughin’ with African presidents while over the phone Shit be feeling like the last days, cash made Mirrors on the ceiling with a bad babe Same age with niggas be having mad grays Million Man March for real niggas never last place Blazin’ gats like young Haitian Jack Me and money go together like the 80’s and crack Shorty aura like Kimora rockin’ Baby Phat I’m droppin’ bars nigga like I’m on stage with smack To my niggas who have staples from the navel up Healed up, had to chill a while, lay in the cut Shorty tried to wop me down in the Mercedes truck Pulled up, cobblestone ground in my palatial hut Paradis for niggas still doing deals in the street Original Backwoods I fill ‘em with green Am I a musician? Or am I a magician? No tricks, just real shit, straight out the kitchen Pure magic No tricks, no tricks No tricks No tricks, pure magic

about

Produced by Nas’ longtime collaborator Hit-Boy, Nas shares Magic, the transcendent 9 track album including “Wave Gods” ft. A$AP Rocky and DJ Premier. Magic follows the August 2021 release of Grammy nominated album, King’s Disease II.

credits

released December 24, 2021

Written by Nasir Jones
Produced by Hit-Boy
Executive Produced by Nas & Hit-Boy
Nas Management: Anthony Saleh and Gabriel “G Code” Zardes for Emagen Entertainment
Recorded by Hit-Boy and David Kim
Mixed by David Kim
Mastered by Mike Bozzi at Bernie Grundman Mastering

For Mass Appeal
Art Direction: Peter Bittenbender
Cover Photography: Chi Modu
Design: Michael Lukowski
Additional Design: Mark Bijasa
Marketing: Annie Chen and Celeste Li
Product Manager: John Notarfrancesco
General Manager: Jessica Rivera
A&R: Mark “Exit” Goodchild
Clearance Agent: Eric Weissman
Business Affairs: Kenneth Meiselas, Theodore Harris, and Mica Rollock for Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C.

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Nas Queens, New York

Since his Illmatic debut in 1994, hip hop heavyweight Nas has long been considered one of the most influential and talented MCs to ever hold a mic. The Queens, NY native has dodged the unpredictable and ephemeral nature of the rap industry, consistently releasing critically acclaimed projects that become more than just hip hop records, but defining moments in music history. ... more

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