[Intro: Jay-Z]
Everybody put they diamonds in the air tonight
Fellow Americans
It is with the utmost pride and sincerity that I present this recording
As a living testament and recollection of history in the making during our generation
[Verse 1: JAY-Z]
Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is— H-to-the-O-V
I used to move snowflakes by the O-Z
I guess even back then you could call me
CEO of the R-O-C
Fresh out the fryin' pan into the fire
I be the music biz number one supplier
Flyer than a piece of paper bearin' my name
Got the hottest chick in the game wearin' my chain, that's right
Not D.O.C
But similar to them letters, no one can do it better
I check cheddar like a food inspector
My homie Strict told me, "Dude, finish your breakfast"
So that's what I'ma do, take you back to the dude with the Lexus
Fast-forward the jewels and the necklace
Let me tell you dudes what I do to protect this
Shoot at you actors like movie directors
[Interlude: Jay-Z]
(Wow) Now before I finish, let me just say (Wow)
I did not come here to show out
Did not come here to impress you (Everybody put the diamonds back in the air)
Because to tell you the truth, when I leave here, I'm gone
And I don't care what you think about me
But just remember, when it hits the fan, brother (If you havin' a good time tonight)
Whether it's next year, ten years, twenty years from now
You'll never be able to say that these brothers lied to you, jack (Make some noise)
[Verse 2: JAY-Z]
Ving ain't lie
Said I'd come through in the block in everything that's fly
I'm like Che Guevara with bling on, I'm complex
I never claimed to have wings on, nigga
I get my "by any means" on whenever there's a drought
Get your umbrellas out 'cause that's when I brainstorm
You can blame Shawn, I ain't invent the game
I just rolled the dice, trying to get some change
And I'd do it twice, ain't no sense in me
Lying as if I am a different man
And I could blame my environment, but
Ain't no reason why I be buying expensive chains
Hope you don't think users are the only abusers
Niggas getting high within the game
And if you do, then how would you explain
Ten years removed and the vibe is in my veins?
I got a hustler spirit, period
Check out my hat, dawg, peep the way I wear it
Check out my swag, nigga, walk like a ballplayer
No matter where you go, you are what you are, player
You can try to change, but that's just the top layer
Man, you was who you was when you got here
Only God can judge me, so I'm gone
Either love me or leave me alone
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