It's Time Lyrics – Nas & DJ Premier

Lyrics

[Intro]

Ayo, Black, it's time

Yeah

Time traveling

Ayo, Black, it's time

Yeah

[Verse 1]

Ayo, time flows through me

How many rhyme flows and lines can I recite with my eyes closed?

Yo, let's shoot this movie, smoothly, listen to me

Let's take it to the past long before the new me

I seen it when it first got tricky

Dippin' through the city, whipping new cars to the herb spots for the sticky

I was the one by the tree in the GS3 with Biggie

Next thing you know, where the time go? it's gone quickly

Spint down the street back where I used to be

Stompin' grounds just touched down in QB

It's known for violence and money

Saw a brother fresh home, he just walked down 20

I stepped out, I stretched out

I took a breath in, let a breath out

I don't flex, don't want clout

But what I do want to see is my brothers are winning

And all my people out there cherish the time you given

[Chorus]

I think you know what time it is

The illest shit that ever happened

I think you know what time it is

You know what time it is

Time traveling

The illest shit that ever happened

[Verse 2]

I use every second as a weapon

Every minute keeps on slipping

Time is a construct of your limits

The big bang to now

Evolution to how little time mankind has really been around

A grown, grown over 50 perspective

Is there an age limit to diss records or may it just be a message?

Kids are doing drive-bys, I'm looking like time flies

Squeezin' hammers, even when there's cameras up in the sky

Spark the la with the double R I drive

Pretty thugs show no love, it's like when doves cry

Maybe I'm just too much of a smuggler minded, hustler timeless

Couple hundred cover the knuckles with diamonds

Smell it on us, from the blocks they was tellin' on us

Wore a vest in the summer sweatin' and they tried gettin' on us

Prayers 'cause gangsters go to heaven and life's weighin' on us

Premier, play the chorus, yeah

[Outro]

I think you know what time it is

The illest shit that ever happened

I think you know what time it is

Time, man

Time traveling

Ayo, Black, it's time

About & Meaning

"It's Time" by Nas and DJ Premier is a reflective masterpiece from their album Light-Years. The song explores the concept of "time traveling" through memory, music, and legacy.

Time Traveling Through Memory

Nas uses the track to revisit his past, specifically the "Golden Era" of hip-hop. He vividly recalls being in a "GS3 with Biggie" (The Notorious B.I.G.), highlighting his longevity and deep roots in the culture. He speaks from a "grown over 50 perspective," questioning the immaturity of modern conflicts and "diss records" while emphasizing that time is a precious resource—a "construct of your limits." The song is a call to cherish time and witness his peers ("brothers") winning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of 'It's Time' by Nas?

The song explores the concept of 'time traveling' through memory and legacy. Nas reflects on his longevity in hip-hop, revisiting his roots in Queensbridge, his evolution, and emphasizing that time is a construct to be mastered rather than feared.

Does Nas mention Biggie Smalls in 'It's Time'?

Yes, Nas reminisces about the golden era, specifically mentioning, 'I was the one by the tree in the GS3 with Biggie,' referencing his friendship with The Notorious B.I.G.

Who produced 'It's Time'?

The track is produced by DJ Premier, featuring his signature scratching and boom-bap production that complements the nostalgic yet forward-looking theme.

What album is 'It's Time' on?

It is a featured track on the collaborative album 'Light-Years' by Nas and DJ Premier.

What perspective does Nas offer on aging in the song?

Nas offers a 'grown, grown over 50 perspective,' questioning the relevance of diss records at his age and focusing instead on seeing his 'brothers winning' and cherishing time.

IT'S TIME

Lyrics

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