As We Enter by Nas & Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Fusion of Hip-Hop and Reggae Royalty
Lyrics
Must be dementia that you ever thought you could touch our credentials
What’s the initials? Q-B Jamrock the lyrical officials
Send out the order, laws, and the rituals
Burn candles, say prayers, paint murals
It is truth we big news we hood heroes
Put ass to anchor, we come to conquer
I not badman, we not play Willy Wonka
And I got the guns, I got the ganja
And we could blaze it up on your block if you want to
Or haze it up stash-box in a Hummer
Or you could run up and get done up
Or get something that you want none of
Unlimited amount you collect from us
Direct from us, street intellectuals
And I’m shrewd about decimals and my man’ll speak Patois
And I can speak rap star, y’all feel me
Even if it’s in Swahili or body Ghani
Masuri Sana, switch up the language and move to Ghana
Salute and honor, real revolution rhymers
Rhythm piranhas, like two Obamas, unfold the drama
Word is out, hysteria you heard about
Nas and Jr. Gong came to turn it out
Body the verses till they scream “murder” out
The kings is back time to return the crown
Who want it? Tuck your chain, we’re due coming
Renegades that’ll peel you back like new hundreds
Bet your jewels on it you don’t want to lose on it
Either move on or move on it
Queens to Kingston gunshot we use and govern the kingdom
Rise up to Winstead I can see the fear up in your eyes, realize you can die any instant
And I can hear the sound of your voice when you must lose your life like mice in the kitchen
Snitching, I can see him pissing on his-self and he wetting up his thighs and he trying to resist it
Switching, I can smell him digging up shit like a fly, come around, and keep persisting
That’s how you end up in a hit list
In a bad man business
No evidence
Crime scene, fingerprint-less
Flow effortless
Casual like the weekends
No pressure when
We’re comfy and decent
We set this off beasting
Hunting season
And, frankly speaking
Word is out, hysteria you heard about
Nas and Jr. Gong came to turn it out
Body the verses till they scream “murder” out
The kings is back time to return the crown
Who want it? Tuck your chain, we’re due coming
Renegades that’ll peel you back like new hundreds
Bet your jewels on it you don’t want to lose on it
Either move on or move on it
Word is out, hysteria you heard about
Nas and Jr. Gong came to turn it out
Body the verses till they scream “murder” out
The kings is back time to return the crown
Who want it? Tuck your chain, we’re due coming
Renegades that’ll peel you back like new hundreds
Bet your jewels on it you don’t want to lose on it
Either move on or move on it
In the pantheon of music collaborations, the fusion of two profoundly influential artists can redefine genres, cultures, and eras. ‘As We Enter,’ the thunderous anthem by Nas and Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, does just that, blending hip-hop’s incisive poetry with reggae’s revolutionary spirit. At first glance, this track from their joint album ‘Distant Relatives’ encapsulates the essence of two powerhouses in a symphony of defiance and empowerment. But, as we unravel the layers, the song becomes a manifesto of unity, resilience, and intellect.
The seismic vibrations of ‘As We Enter’ convey more than just rhythm; they carry a weighty message that transcends the noise of typical rap braggadocio and reggae rebellion. Nas, a wordsmith from Queensbridge, and Damian Marley, carrying the torch of his legendary father, Bob Marley, come together to articulate a vision that is equal parts street sage and global philosopher. This song is a lyrical labyrinth; each turn reveals a deeper understanding of the duo’s perspective on life, legacy, and liberation.
A Confluence of Cultural Titans: The Dynamic Duo’s Impact
Nas and Damian Marley aren’t mere musicians; they are emblematic figures of their respective genres. The collaboration seen in ‘As We Enter’ is akin to a diplomatic summit between nations, each leader bringing their cultural wealth to the table. Nas’s sharp, observational style finds a perfect counterpoint in Damian’s melodic patois, laden with the wisdom of the Rastafari movement. Their fusion is not a compromise but an amplification of their individual strengths.
As they weave their vocals over a propulsive beat, there’s a palpable sense of history being written. They are aware of their role as influencers and educators, the inheritors of traditions that speak truth to power. In the context of ‘Distant Relatives,’ the song sets a precedent for the cerebral yet visceral dialogues that follow, exploring themes of ancestry, socio-economic disparities, and the bonds that bind the African diaspora.
The Rallying Cry of Lyrical Officials: Decoding the Lyrics
‘As We Enter,’ from its very inception, establishes a tone of indomitable confidence. Nas and Damian position themselves as ‘lyrical officials,’ authoritative figures ordained to enact change through their words. They challenge anyone who dares to dispute their credentials, their artistry—this is an audacious declaration that they are here to shift paradigms.
The duo trade bars seamlessly, asserting dominance with lines like ‘Renegades that’ll peel you back like new hundreds.’ Here, the metaphor of stripping away the veneer of the superficial with the rawness of their message becomes a cathartic denouncement of fakeness in the industry and society. Every line they deliver is a well-placed jab at the status quo, and with each verse, they reclaim the authenticity long sought in mainstream music.
The Song’s Hidden Meaning: A Call to Intellectual Arms
Beneath the surface of brute rhythmic force lies a nuanced invitation to join an intellectual uprising. ‘As We Enter’ is as much a battle cry as it is a discourse on awakening. Nas and Damian aren’t just engaging with the listener; they are recruiting them for a cerebral rebellion, one that requires active engagement and recognition of one’s own power.
‘Direct from us, street intellectuals,’ they state, associating themselves with a brand of wisdom that is born from experiential knowledge. This is a declaration of defiance against a society that often undervalues the insights from the street, choosing to mask its prejudice as a preference for traditional forms of education. Nas and Damian implore the listener to embrace an alternative form of intellectualism, one where life’s lessons are as valuable as academic degrees.
Worldwide Resonance: Speaking Everyone’s Language
The global consciousness of ‘As We Enter’ is palpable as Nas and Damian transition seamlessly between languages. From Patois to ‘rap star,’ from Swahili to the dialects of Ghana, they do more than showcase their linguistic adeptness; they weave a tapestry of inclusivity that transcends geographical boundaries.
‘Masuri Sana, switch up the language and move to Ghana,’ they command, both as a nod to linguistic diversity and a strategic move to dismantle barriers. This embodiment of global citizenship reinforces the idea that at the core of their message lies a universality that can resonate with every corner of the world. It’s a testament to the connective power of music and the shared struggle for identity and empowerment across the African diaspora and beyond.
Memorable Lines That Echo Through Time: The Indelible Verses
Certain lines in ‘As We Enter’ land with the impact of a gavel in a courtroom, resonating long after the song fades out. ‘Unlimited amount you collect from us / Direct from us, street intellectuals,’ boasts an air of confidence that aligns with the track’s thrust. It’s a line that exemplifies the duo’s mastery as they distribute wisdom with the same ease as a banker dealing funds.
Then there is the undeniably infectious hook, ‘The kings is back time to return the crown,’ which feels like a reclaiming of royalty, not just in music but in cultural significance. Nas and Damian Marley are not just entertainers; they are custodians of a legacy, and with every verse of ‘As We Enter,’ they fortify their claim to the throne of a movement that demands respect, unity, and enlightenment.
