Intro: (Singing) Fooools Paradise
You better think twice, 'cause you're not living the life
Jay-Z: Jay-Z, Roc-A-Fella y'all, it don't stop
[Verse One: Jay-Z]
We about to change this game here
Check my pockets, ain't nothing but game there
I remain without fear
Keep the lames clear, and the cats that's all about scratch remain here
On top of this Metropolis
My name is like a square
Dropped off every tier
Now y'all can swear to Jay
Heard it the other day
Through the missive, peep how they script it
We got to hit you every night before we hit the lights it's type addictive
Need cash to live with, the beat goes on
Everyday is a hustle, the heat grows on
Funny thing happens when years of chasing money unfolds
And the only thing worse than getting old is not getting old
n***as stay low, like six bowls of sh** and gold
And watch for hoes with form fitting clothes
And I hope you shine
See many wrinkles and enough memories to last you two lifetimes
Can't knock the hustle
[Hook 1: Melissa Morgan]
I'm taking out this time
To give you a piece of my mind
Who do you think you are
Baby one day you'll be a star
[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Check this
In a mans world need a girl to touch something
Pull an 80 out her Anne Klein purse and bust something
If you skating through the night to the light, then trust something
When I get home, Then it's on
Girl just crack those shaved legs like Grade A eggs
Love the way you behave and beg
Moans, turn to hollers and screams as we zone like a college team
Then they can hear you from Hollis, Queens (226)
Life with me, consists of a lot of things
Chicks in your ear, kickin' dirt, 'cause you got hotter rings
But you know how to scream, friends talking dizziness
Remind them freak chicks to stay out my bizziness
Know they can't love it, trips to L.A. with no luggage
Came back with six bags struggling
In first cla** if my a** should crash, champagne spilled on me
Steaks still warm on me
[Hook 2: Melissa Morgan (Jay-Z)]
But until the last day, I'm the one who's crazy
'Cause that's the way you making me feel
(can't knock the hustle)
I don't want no romance, I just want the chance
Can't knock the hustle for real
[Verse 3: Jay-Z]
Ever since you retired, working alongside those live wires
Been in this rap biz with fake nigs you know liars
I guess I'm biased, what I talk about I live
These rap dudes can flip, but some of them ain't even rhyming for chips
WHAT PART OF THE GAME IS THIS
Seems brainless, on tours with who*es that's what I'm saying I miss
Cats that go all out for their gold plaques
Starting out with four jacks, ended up with Gold Ac's
Bet your love collapses if my funds get trapped
On the weight of me through you, screw you
Gun blew you, I didn't want to choose you
Run through you like UH, EXCUSE YOU!
But that's my cash, I understand you hustle
That's my cash, you don't understand
Let my dough flash, you can show it love
Like a rap star in front of the club
But don't knock the hustle
[Hook 1 & 2: Melissa Morgan (Jay-Z)]