[Hook 4X: samples scratched by DJ Premier] "Uprising surprising" "Knowledge wisdom understanding"
[Afu-Ra] Smooth like Johnny Cochran, I keep it movin through Brooklyn Base against the hymn, brings the sweat to the skin Reminisce of the days as a shorty Had no stress, no bills, was comin for me I lived it up, yeah, money ain't a thing Never thought twice on what my future bring Role models, naw I thought nothing of it Eyes fixed on skies and planes fly high above it Summer's comin, September's middle school Mom Dukes mad strict, she'll never raise a fool I'm comin up, clean the dirty from the ghetto So we can plant some seeds and watch them grow
[Chorus] Right, knowledge wisdom understanding rules, right Everybody got to pay the dues, right Knowledge, wisdom understanding rules Everybody got to pay the dues
[Afu-Ra] Tripped up by bad luck, 16 years and buck I realized the world might end, not givin up Stickin up, runnin up, comin up Turn it up, I see signs of blowin up Study life in every facet of my trainin We need masters in biology, zoology To overtake, Illuminati trick-nology Transform, reciprocate your mental state Now make a date to overtake your objective Show that through light, that everything is connected But not in categories, that's the Devil's story Symbols of cannibalism, ruin your vision The thoughts formulate in your mind with no precision So reenact, a rebirth, now you're the Phoenix When shorties see it, now that's the time they believe it Achieve it, your goals in life, don't be a casualty Infinite and intricate, monument
[Afu-Ra] I know the next millennium seems like it's cursed That's why I have to rehearse Tune my physical, mental spits the lyrical It's so essential, transcends thoughts I'm into As we continue, touch rhyme styles I'm into All grown up, Junior High to 25 A made man, tight connection with my brothers Bridgin gaps, dodgin traps with my raps Signs you're followin, shed more light Then a halogen, take a step back, now who you followin?