[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
Knowledge wisdom understanding
[Chorus]
[Afu-Ra]
Right, knowledge wisdom understanding, rules
Uprising, surprising
[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?
[Chorus 2X]
[Hook 4X]
