This song came out when I was in middle school.. I just turned 30 today and I’m still singing this song lol ... the part when he said “you can be anything in the world .. in God we trust .. an architect, a doctor , maybe an actress but nothing comes easy it takes much practice” ... and now I’m in school to become a doctor 👩🏽⚕️
Early days of NY Hip Hop culture and Universal Zulu Nation, the first block parties with breakers battling, a healthy musical outlet as an antidote to gang violence. Some proud origins. Respect to the founders, Kool Herc and Bam, Grand Master Flash True-school hip hop. EOTO
As I recall, Nas wrote this song at the request of his Mother, who had asked that he release an inspirational song for children before she passed away. This was him fulfilling his promise to do so. For someone who writes such deep raps with integral stories, it shows the man's talent that he can compose something so simple yet meaningful.
i I heard this song when I was in 6th grade living in the inner city of Brooklyn. Now I have graduated college and am now a working engineer. Thank you Nas.
Nas. I am a male nurse. I have a nice house, 2 kids, wife, cars and a boat. Thank you for this song as it got me through the grit and grind! I worked hard at it! And got out my neighborhood!
This song gave me strength when I was young and impressionable. That’s when I knew Nas was different. His outreach to the youth commendable. The real king of New York City. I’m Greek so those parts about Greeks and Roman and Alexander the Great mentions hit home
It depends on what mood you want to feel while listening. This song is very motivational and hype, the lyrics are very well put together as well. I think that some songs have poor meanings for children, but at the end of the day if it is catchy the lyrics don’t matter to me as much.
@HAYT sounds like you have "back in my day" syndrome, people have always fucked and smoked weed, and they used their free will to do so too. amazing, isnt it
Pretty much what I said in another convo What people view and choose to consume as media will always reflect what's coming next. If you do really appreciate rap with intelligent lyrics and you are truly tired of those with small to no content in their chants simply stop consuming their product. They will collapse of their own. And that doesn't go only for music. It goes for all. Money is power, use your power (give power) sparingly and only to those you truly feel deserve it. Because they will use it the way THEY see fit. And when it comes to music, well Migos will produce more Migos album with more money/views people give him....
This is a timeless classic that will never die out or get old. I often play this in the morning with my kids before they get out of the car for school. I do so to plant the subliminal seed so that they will know that they can do and have what the song is saying. There are so many other songs and messages on the radio that plant poison and destruction, I make the conscious choice to do otherwise. Nas thank you for your contribution to the world. God's blessings to you and your family, be well.
One of the best quotes I ever heard was "if you show me your friends I'll show you your future" Took me years to understand this till I realized I was an addict and all my friends were too.
There is no money to be made if you teach the minority. Power must be kept in balance or else the idea of thought and self worth will topple the status que. Remember a single grain of rice can tip the scales of fate
I listen to this song almost daily. As a proud Haitian, belonging to the first free and independent Black nation in the world, I am reminded of the courage with which our ancestors defeated Napoleon’s army. This song deserves a place in our schools, as it unveils parts of our history that have been hidden from us for too long. It resonates deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of our rich heritage and the importance of passing it on to future generations.
This song came out when I was 9 years old. I lived in the projects with my grandparents, uncle and mom all in the same house. I took heed to the words of this song. Never did a single hard drug. Never drank alcohol until I was 21. I went to college and got a computer science degree while working at walmart. Now I work at an insurance company making software. I'm glad Nas was the artist I was obsessed with as a kid, it really kept me on track.
One of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard. He gave our history, the parts they don’t want to teach, and uplifts our culture. This song went WAYS in helping me become the strong proud black Man I am today.
Where is the evidence that Alexander the Great damaged the nose of the sphinx? It seems that the the doctrine perhaps best named 'black pride' is so deep into the victim role that they allowed themselves special rights to assume history even though it is not at all proven or even deliberately altering it. The 'we are the victims so we are allowed to lie' ofcourse goes at the expense of your credibility.
This is when hip hop was great. Had a positive message. You don't have to be poor, or a criminal, just because you come from humble or poor beginnings. You can do anything you want with hard work. 💪👍
@@1Flyingfist lol 😂 For real old school hip hop was like that, nothing unusual here. Only gangsta rap and mainstream rap changed this, and still some like Tupac wrote great lyrics
Lyrics: I know I can Be what I wanna be If I work hard at it I'll be where I wanna be I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, b-boys and girls, listen up You can be anything in the world, in God we trust An architect, doctor, maybe an actress But nothing comes easy, it takes much practice Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe Singing songs, Lena Horne, but the younger version Hung with the wrong person, got her strung on that heroin Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose Could've died, so young, now looks ugly and old No fun 'cause now when she reaches for hugs, people hold their breath 'Cause she smells of corrosion and death Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring 'Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how Put your hands in the air, and take the vow I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, b-boys and girls, listen again This is for grown-looking girls who's only 10 The ones who watch videos and do what they see As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be Older than you are, give yourself time to grow You thinking he can give you wealth, but so Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know You thinking life's all about smoking weed and ice You don't wanna be my age and can't read and write Begging different women for a place to sleep at night Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) (Now, go) I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Be, be-fore we came to this country We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys There was empires in Africa called Kush Timbuktu, where every race came to get books To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans Asian Arabs and gave them gold, when Gold was converted to money it all changed Money then became empowerment for Europeans The Persian military invaded They heard about the gold, the teachings, and everything sacred Africa was almost robbed naked Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces Shot up they nose to impose what basically Still goes on today, you see? If the truth is told, the youth can grow They learn to survive until they gain control Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes Read more, learn more, change the globe Ghetto children, do your thing Hold your head up, little man, you're a king Young princess when you get your wedding ring Your man is saying "She's my Queen" I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) I know I can (I know I can) Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be) If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it) I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) Save the music, y'all Save the music, y'all Save the music, y'all Save the music, y'all Save the music
I think I got the message of this song when I first heard it as a child at age 12. I grew up to be a high school teacher. This is as a refugee immigrant out of Eritrea, Africa. Thank you Nas
Wow, this literally brought a tear to my eye, this music started for the messages but has been terrible lost because of the machine that took control, as usual
Radio stations should just randomly play this song twice a day, everyday, for the rest of the year. Its super necessary for not just us, but for the ones that are lost right now to hear this.
Listened to this song over and over again 15 years ago while I was studying day and night to become an engineer. I was living in my student dormitory as I had nowhere else to go. I kept working hard and today I am well known in the real estate world, happily married and bought my dream car (a brand new Porsche 911) which I paid cash for. NEVER GIVE UP!!
I remember seeing kids younger than the ones on this screen singing to this. Those kids are adults now 🤯. Also imagine all the Americans being in our own world. Then there's the ppl in Egypt: ohhhhh sh. This my ish. & Then just like that, I half way feel improper
@@dabossmanjae5560 Yes the same promoting sex and violence been going on since the late 80s,but for some reason since it's in the 80s and 90s it's considered good music. When artists send messages or have meaning in a song y'all ignore it.
@@bettybirku5104this video was uploaded 11 years ago. I know damn well the first time I heard it wasn’t in College. The song was released over 20 years ago.
@@Wis_Dom yeah might be in the grand scheme of things. At least here in Germany we are very aware of this kind of stuff I don't think I have to explain to you why. I know damn well what my country has done in the past. From the Herero and Nama genocide in 1904 in German West Africa to the biggest crime against humanity ever, the Holocaust. And yet there is so much more to our history. There's a reason why patriotism is very uncomfortable for us today.
What's up fellow old millennial. 35 y/o here. I somehow happened upon this song after probably a decade. I wish this song was blasting from people's car's.
The last verse gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I listen to it. And it's incredible to know that all he tells about is true. Such a masterpiece, this song deserves all the accolades.
Alexander didn’t do anything to Sphinx noses, and the idea is based on a myth that Napoleon did so, which he didn’t do either, it was much more likely to be other pharaohs such as Akhenaten, who declared himself a God and dismissed his predecessors, the Persians didn’t rob Egypt and steal everything either, they only controlled Egypt for 150 years, and suggesting that Africa was empty from the Hellenistic period onwards is not correct, Nas is dismissive of Rome, Islam and the ottomans in Africa, and jumps to slavery which was in a different area of Africa, west and south instead of north where Egypt is, so it’s quite problematic as a history lesson, but I’ve always loved nas and the attempt by him to make a good song with a real pointed lesson and it’s a shame that songs such as this barely make an impact yet generic and crass songs blow up and are remembered worldwide
lmao its the 80% dumbasses listening out there. if it sold best industry would push nothing else. thinking is hard and painful for them so they rather hear about tiddies ;)
Eye was a teenager whilst going through a mental breakdown,I kept playing certain songs and this over and over again. All Seeds must listen to this song🧡3️⃣6️⃣9️⃣☯️💓⚖️🧬👏🏾🌞🌙💫🫂🥰💕🥰🌠🤰🏿🤱🏿👩👩👧👧
Nas gave wisdom and clarity to endless generations through this masterpiece. As a grown man approaching 40, this song has and will always be like a wake up call for me to strive for that which is meaningful and has substance.....
Crying wish I had paid more attention. Know all the words but it’s taken 15 years to understand. Going to make sure my kids listen and pay more attention than I did.
Thanking God for Nas 🙏🏽I am what I want to be in 2024! A 40 year old Black Queen, working in a career with a majority of 50+ yr old white man. And I am about to graduate with my degree in Applied Science. 🎓 I made it out!
It's a Black empowerment song, of course it's not going to be accepted. You have to understand that by now. They love to steal from us, but not support us.
In order for you to get a grammy this days award the lyrics should be none sense garbage selfish thing such crime and violence, brutality revenge, drugs& alcohol abuse
@@sweetjamesjones6554 Yessir! The only flaw I'd say is it was Napoleon that was believed to have shot off the nose of the Sphinx, not ATG. But of course history's muddy on that part.
I remember I bought my first MP3 player for $9 and it was only a 2GB and I gave it to my brother to put music on, when I got it back this was the first song that came on. My third and quest for knowledge has never been the same since. Thank you Nas.
My name is Jack from Taiwan and this is my story. 10 years ago, I was the one who got 0 in my English exam back in junior high school. I have no idea how to improve my English since the text book is too difficult for me to understand. One day I heard this song in a burger restaurant, I liked it so much so I told myself said: one day, I will able to understand everything in this song. It took me a while to find this song because I could only type “be where I wanna be” to search (I didn’t even know wanna is want to😂 at that time). After few months of study, my English improved a lot, I got 60 in my English exam! But some how, I became a person that is brave, confident enough to speak English with foreigner on the street. Thank you Nas for making these wonderful, motivative and positive songs, I want to thank me as well, for putting efforts and making a change. 💜
@@timmywunderlich7404 who doesnt know that though he saying stuff that is not know to a lot of people its a pretty well know fact that slaves built them (even though no one knows how)
There's school curriculum that actually tells inner city kids they can't be anything and the system holds them back. Keeping them stuck...like plantation owners telling slaves how bad the world is and they need to stay on the farm and be safe. How about you get then to read. .start with school work first. It's up to the teachers to see if the kids succeed. There's always trouble sometimes...ain't always easy. But if you start out quiting. You're stuck.
I used the " I know I can be what I want to be, When I work hard at it, then I can be what I want to be " lines today at a primary school I was doing motivation at this morning. The kids loved the lines because I made them sing. They may not understand what I was doing today or even the words, but in the future, they will. When I left, they wanted to leave with me.
Nas is the GOD MC - I’m 43 this year and have studied hip hop for a very long time. This story is equal to no other. As a new father, a man who grew up beyond poor, and have climbed out of the gutter, I can say with out a doubt music like this saved my life. Blessings to all that teach not preach how to become better humans. When my baby girl is of age we will study this song, build on what it means, and strategize how to look within not out the window and become confused. May peace be upon you all!
Wow makes me realize how much music has really change...This is a true hip hop song...makes me sad to think how crappy hip hop has turn in to now days...I'm glad I grew up listening to some of the best hip hop artist ever like (NAS)..music will never be this good again.
Nas deserved the Nobel peace prize for this song
Facts!
Facts (2)
Hell yea, considering Obama got it for taking the country INTO Lybia, wtf. Nas earned it on this one f'realz.
@@kinkane5566 🔥 say it
Bulletproof facts
“If the truth is told, the youth can grow.”
-Nas.
If the truth is told, the youth can grow
GROW and HEAL
Ral had a meaning back then
This year's mid terms in 2022 the Gen Z voters outvoted old white voters for the first time
If the truth is told, the youth can grow
This song came out when I was in middle school.. I just turned 30 today and I’m still singing this song lol ... the part when he said “you can be anything in the world .. in God we trust .. an architect, a doctor , maybe an actress but nothing comes easy it takes much practice” ... and now I’m in school to become a doctor 👩🏽⚕️
Hell yea sister!
And I'm a money launderer, we all take different paths. You gonna make it
i'm on the streets doing crack.
Doctor Fashion So you were one of the kids that can relate to this. Now look at you a 30 year old woman doing her thing.
Congratulations
Most educated musician in the 🇺🇸 bigger respect 🫡
kinda true, what he implicated with this slavery /african culture stuff wasnt entirely right though!
Still love his stuff!
@@peterweiss123 it was entirely true tho about slavery
@@kwamenyarkoosafo7705 To the great part, yes
A song like this is really necessary right now
Let’s get this song trending you guys
Sooon.....💯✊
My exact sentiments.
Hip hop is dead
IM ACTUALLY CREATING A SONG ALONG THESE LINES RIGHT NOW.....
cool dude how bout you start a business and employ people instead of making a pointless song
This is actually the reason and purpose for which Hip Hop was meant to be.
King Nas for life.
Early days of NY Hip Hop culture and Universal Zulu Nation, the first block parties with breakers battling, a healthy musical outlet as an antidote to gang violence. Some proud origins. Respect to the founders, Kool Herc and Bam, Grand Master Flash True-school hip hop. EOTO
Nasir was here
Go look at Tupac and his work.
King Pac 4 LIFE
#facts
@@australianresoluteminds If it wasn't for Kool Herc, we wouldn't have what we have now.
As I recall, Nas wrote this song at the request of his Mother, who had asked that he release an inspirational song for children before she passed away. This was him fulfilling his promise to do so.
For someone who writes such deep raps with integral stories, it shows the man's talent that he can compose something so simple yet meaningful.
wow that is so powerful, divine feminine rising! Happy mothers day yall! Its time to rise, thank you Nas' Mom
my g its long time ago
Why haven’t this reach 💯 mill yet is beyond me
That gave me chills, he definitely delivered for his mommy. This makes me so happy and proud.
not all of the song, part of it was written by one L.W.Beethoven
Tupac was the poet and Biggie was the lyricist. Nas was all combined
hell fucking yeah...
Hell yeah!
What the fuck? 😂
Facts
Eminem was all of them tripled
He’s not a rapper, he’s a poet. My favorite musician ever.
The Emcee
🎯🎯👍👍🎯🎯
@@MrMakingcake lol
Nas isn‘t a poet. He is a storyteller. 2Pac is a poet. Biggie is a lyricist. All different things
Lyricist extraordinaire!!!
i I heard this song when I was in 6th grade living in the inner city of Brooklyn. Now I have graduated college and am now a working engineer. Thank you Nas.
Wow. Keep it up. NaS is the best :)
nas is very inspiring. If only today's "artists" were more like him.
congratulations my man I'm studying to be an engineer too wish me luck
Proud of you man :)
+connorlax goalie yo homie that's impressive fair play
Nas. I am a male nurse. I have a nice house, 2 kids, wife, cars and a boat. Thank you for this song as it got me through the grit and grind! I worked hard at it! And got out my neighborhood!
Im happy for you, succes usually comes with jealousy 2 side of the same coin. Peace
@@Oraldc_lover who do you think you are?
Amen
Dopeness
Tons of respect, show those babies how it’s done ❤
This song gave me strength when I was young and impressionable. That’s when I knew Nas was different. His outreach to the youth commendable. The real king of New York City. I’m Greek so those parts about Greeks and Roman and Alexander the Great mentions hit home
Pay attention kids.
This is what rap is SUPPOSED to sound like.
Yes sr
It depends on what mood you want to feel while listening. This song is very motivational and hype, the lyrics are very well put together as well. I think that some songs have poor meanings for children, but at the end of the day if it is catchy the lyrics don’t matter to me as much.
Ma manh you are right
You're not wrong
@@lukeadams6737 True
Just a positive message and not drugs weed or twerking girls. Hip-Hop at its finest.
oh yeah yeah man
90s hip hop also had those... yall old heads contradicting
@HAYT sounds like you have "back in my day" syndrome, people have always fucked and smoked weed, and they used their free will to do so too. amazing, isnt it
@@yeetsmith1105 My thing is artistry kinda ceases to exist in my generation. The ones who show this barely get the time of day.
So true
The most positive message in rap music ever
❤️🔥🔥
To the point:) in 2024
Yeah but this song gives people false hope
@@niket527hush you’re depressed
@@niket527 you projecting, goofy
Nas 💪
My 10 year old daughter has no confidence so I always get her to repeat the chorus after me it helps her so much to achieve goals in her life ❤️
Waaoo that nice
Good luck to your daughter. Laws Of Attraction helped me with my daughter.
@@ashabrookelendloveundersun thank you the same to your daughter ❤️
Congrats to all the cool and creative supermoms, you included!
Best song on earth
That first Grammy is long overdue. Congratulations Nasty Nas.👑🏆
Clearly they have the wrong people voting for a long time Nas has been 🔥 for decades.
@@jasminemonroe5784 OLD WHITE PEOPLE WHO ARE SO FOAR FROM THE CULTURE. THAT IS WHY T.I. JOINED THE COMITTEE
Nas is beyond a grammy. They should be happy to just put Nas in their list.
th-cam.com/video/ets9skozGQc/w-d-xo.html
No one is going to give him a Grammy.. he is not singing about bitches, drugs and violence
Remember when rappers used to tell stories and not just rap about how much they have
Pretty much what I said in another convo What people view and choose to consume as media will always reflect what's coming next.
If you do really appreciate rap with intelligent lyrics and you are truly tired of those with small to no content in their chants simply stop consuming their product. They will collapse of their own.
And that doesn't go only for music. It goes for all. Money is power, use your power (give power) sparingly and only to those you truly feel deserve it. Because they will use it the way THEY see fit. And when it comes to music, well Migos will produce more Migos album with more money/views people give him....
Like Lost Boyz~Renee
@@revariox189 PREACH! 🙏☝️ people don't be knowing
That's why i love Kendrick, J Cole, Joyner and Em
Fish Nerd 👏🏾
This is a timeless classic that will never die out or get old. I often play this in the morning with my kids before they get out of the car for school. I do so to plant the subliminal seed so that they will know that they can do and have what the song is saying. There are so many other songs and messages on the radio that plant poison and destruction, I make the conscious choice to do otherwise. Nas thank you for your contribution to the world. God's blessings to you and your family, be well.
This song needs to be played more for this generation untill they really understand it
But omg how could i forget the powers that be dont want that!!!!
Really men
I am 18 dude and i love this
Well explained
As I'm playing it for my 14 year old son glued to his xbox!
One of the best quotes I ever heard was "if you show me your friends I'll show you your future" Took me years to understand this till I realized I was an addict and all my friends were too.
I feel like this artist can bring 90s hiphop back th-cam.com/video/a1VfycbMoSw/w-d-xo.html
Still takes guts to admit it, mad respect man👏🏻
@@fohduhskreets8301 It's good not bad
It’s a really great bar, I will say.
they don’t make empowering music like this anymore 🖤
BLM would hate this song. They need victims. I like this song!
There is no money to be made if you teach the minority. Power must be kept in balance or else the idea of thought and self worth will topple the status que. Remember a single grain of rice can tip the scales of fate
@@loganforge9266 agreed. BLM is a Marxist organization. Thats communism. They are criminals for taking money from people and buying mansions
They never did.
Yes they do lol
I listen to this song almost daily. As a proud Haitian, belonging to the first free and independent Black nation in the world, I am reminded of the courage with which our ancestors defeated Napoleon’s army. This song deserves a place in our schools, as it unveils parts of our history that have been hidden from us for too long. It resonates deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of our rich heritage and the importance of passing it on to future generations.
This song came out when I was 9 years old. I lived in the projects with my grandparents, uncle and mom all in the same house. I took heed to the words of this song. Never did a single hard drug. Never drank alcohol until I was 21. I went to college and got a computer science degree while working at walmart. Now I work at an insurance company making software. I'm glad Nas was the artist I was obsessed with as a kid, it really kept me on track.
Amazing testimony!
I love your story. It needs way more likes.
Nas smooth as ever
Write to him and tell him.
Well done. Keep striving
Respect bro!
Why didn't he got a Grammy for this, this is better than so many hip hop songs
It didn't even blow up much so painful
Because it is a positive song that teaches kids from all walks of life to achieve. But if it was the opposite then it would have been nominated.
Because it's the truth and the truth hurts. They'd rather have someone like lil nas x representing black men. Smh🤦
Because he was telling the truth about Egypt. The history that was whitewashed
Songs like this dont win grammies they want to keep us dumb ignorant and violent
This song came out when i was a kid.
i grew up in the hood.
I'm 25 Now with a college Degree.
Thank You, Nas.
Respect, bro I'm still trying on mine. Peace.
@@ericsonjacques7643 I failed some classes at first but kept fighting and graduated. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 all part of the process. keep going brother, you got this.
@@MrTrav110594 respect earned brother ❤
Hope you grinding well, man! Keep doing you ✊🏽✊🏽🔥
@BASSNSANE yeah when u and i was cruising down the drive through bro was servin fries
One of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard. He gave our history, the parts they don’t want to teach, and uplifts our culture. This song went WAYS in helping me become the strong proud black Man I am today.
👌that's amazing
Where is the evidence that Alexander the Great damaged the nose of the sphinx?
It seems that the the doctrine perhaps best named 'black pride' is so deep into the victim role that they allowed themselves special rights to assume history even though it is not at all proven or even deliberately altering it.
The 'we are the victims so we are allowed to lie' ofcourse goes at the expense of your credibility.
Shut up boomer
@@spraakkanon all throughout the Bible u Dummy
@@spraakkanon Greek scholars the Bible kemetic scrips
Respect to nas for looking out for the youngins
This is when hip hop was great. Had a positive message. You don't have to be poor, or a criminal, just because you come from humble or poor beginnings. You can do anything you want with hard work. 💪👍
Lol, this song inspired by Slick Rick. Hey young world.
Yep you right
+1
song at the beginning?
You seen Hopsin? Number 5 reminds me of NAS
This song will be more important in 2035❤😊
I got older n finally understood what nas was talking about...
Same here lol
Really 20 years later
True facts
Idem pour moi
Fr
Nas was ahead of our time💯
....Or maybe you guys are lost.... 😔
@@1Flyingfist lol 😂
For real old school hip hop was like that, nothing unusual here. Only gangsta rap and mainstream rap changed this, and still some like Tupac wrote great lyrics
Not ahead, always on time
Vous s an du lour
No he wasn’t
2020 whose still listening to these great jam like
Me brother and can u respond back to my comment that’s never happened to me
@@maxx2raw92
Damn right
My 6 year old Nubian Prince Favourite song💪🏾✊🏾
@@maxx2raw92 whassup
Nas's flow and delivery is impeccable.
Lyrics:
I know I can
Be what I wanna be
If I work hard at it
I'll be where I wanna be
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
Be, b-boys and girls, listen up
You can be anything in the world, in God we trust
An architect, doctor, maybe an actress
But nothing comes easy, it takes much practice
Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star
She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe
Singing songs, Lena Horne, but the younger version
Hung with the wrong person, got her strung on that heroin
Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose
Could've died, so young, now looks ugly and old
No fun 'cause now when she reaches for hugs, people hold their breath
'Cause she smells of corrosion and death
Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring
'Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing
So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how
Put your hands in the air, and take the vow
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
Be, b-boys and girls, listen again
This is for grown-looking girls who's only 10
The ones who watch videos and do what they see
As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID
Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV
You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey
Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be
Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be
Older than you are, give yourself time to grow
You thinking he can give you wealth, but so
Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know
You thinking life's all about smoking weed and ice
You don't wanna be my age and can't read and write
Begging different women for a place to sleep at night
Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish
If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be) (Now, go)
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
Be, be-fore we came to this country
We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys
There was empires in Africa called Kush
Timbuktu, where every race came to get books
To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans
Asian Arabs and gave them gold, when
Gold was converted to money it all changed
Money then became empowerment for Europeans
The Persian military invaded
They heard about the gold, the teachings, and everything sacred
Africa was almost robbed naked
Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships
Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went
He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces
Shot up they nose to impose what basically
Still goes on today, you see?
If the truth is told, the youth can grow
They learn to survive until they gain control
Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes
Read more, learn more, change the globe
Ghetto children, do your thing
Hold your head up, little man, you're a king
Young princess when you get your wedding ring
Your man is saying "She's my Queen"
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
I know I can (I know I can)
Be what I wanna be (Be what I wanna be)
If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)
Save the music, y'all
Save the music, y'all
Save the music, y'all
Save the music, y'all
Save the music
Que letra!!!!
Love! Much much much appreciated.
Oh nice
Merci 🔥🔥🔥
I think I got the message of this song when I first heard it as a child at age 12. I grew up to be a high school teacher. This is as a refugee immigrant out of Eritrea, Africa. Thank you Nas
I was 11. It definitely felt like Nas was speaking to me. 🙏🏽
Eritrea...? how can I reach you pls
Awesome song. Unforgettable!
Wow, this literally brought a tear to my eye, this music started for the messages but has been terrible lost because of the machine that took control, as usual
Dope!
Radio stations should just randomly play this song twice a day, everyday, for the rest of the year. Its super necessary for not just us, but for the ones that are lost right now to hear this.
What year? For life
Don’t think they played this song in mainstream radio back in the days correct me if I’m wrong ...
@@SajidHussain-gt6ig this song was played almost every day the year came out.
@@SajidHussain-gt6ig Yep, it used to play in the stations in Houston when it came out.
I just came here from a radio station lol 😂 didn’t knew the name so i just search it up as ik i can i know wanna be and it appear😂😂🔥🔥🔥🔥
Listened to this song over and over again 15 years ago while I was studying day and night to become an engineer. I was living in my student dormitory as I had nowhere else to go. I kept working hard and today I am well known in the real estate world, happily married and bought my dream car (a brand new Porsche 911) which I paid cash for. NEVER GIVE UP!!
This song is a MASTERPIECE! It's weird that I have tears in my eyes listening it. This was real music with meaning.
Meee tooo!!!!😅
This is definitely a masterpiece does the samething to me 👍👌
I remember seeing kids younger than the ones on this screen singing to this. Those kids are adults now 🤯. Also imagine all the Americans being in our own world. Then there's the ppl in Egypt: ohhhhh sh. This my ish. & Then just like that, I half way feel improper
same!
Same 😢😊
This is the most important message in the world.
Nas should be praised, and all these other rappers and singers and superstars should fucking bow down
Lyrical content, bars, no mumbling at all, telling a story, giving a positive message. What hip hop used to be.
This a statement that people can make inspirational and great music. Not promoting sex, money and murder
Sending a positive message is still happening nowadays
@@ko-rp7ge Nah
@@dabossmanjae5560 Yes the same promoting sex and violence been going on since the late 80s,but for some reason since it's in the 80s and 90s it's considered good music. When artists send messages or have meaning in a song y'all ignore it.
@@dabossmanjae5560 listen to Kendrick, J Cole, JID, Cordae.
Grande Nas..
Melhor de todos os tempo
Escutando em 2024 directamente de Moçambique 🇲🇿
This song should be played at every elementary school on the first day all across the globe 🌎
"Sniffin' up drugs".
Agree
I agree 👍
Agree
I’m just hearing this song. Love it
Yeah, or even at the school assemblies every week...
This song just popped up in my head. This generation need real lyrics that still apply like this🔥🔥❤️.
Same! Popped into my head so randomly and hits so differently listening to the lyrics now, as a 30 year old woman. So cool.
This is just happened to me this evening ! ❤🔥
Word
Nowadays rappers do not push themselves to create lifetime content...they just want the bag
@@donoloo3636 not kemdrick
Nas is the best Rapper ever. This song is so relevant.
Chill my boy lmao .. U forgot 2pac and big
Chill both of ya ... eminem is the goat
@@em28z15 uh no
@@joezxc ask kendrick
@@joezxc uh yes
One of the most educative song ever made.❤
Nas is King 👑
This song never stops giving me chills...even after what 20 yrs
Factss👊💯💯 intense Goosebumps
It's been 11 yrs
@@bettybirku5104this video was uploaded 11 years ago. I know damn well the first time I heard it wasn’t in College. The song was released over 20 years ago.
Easy over 20 year old ... only the old skool know
@@kylephillips9612 TH-cam was non existent then as we barely had broadband internet.
the world doesn't like this kind of message. Yet this beat still strengthen someone out there and change someone's life everyday.
Only a certain color of the world, lol!
@@Wis_Dom not true. I'm from Europe and I know damn well what my ancestors did. I appreciate the message of the song. Nas is the GOAT
@@LOLXD-sf4yd That's one, now convince a billion more, lol. So yeah that logic doesn't makensense, it's still pretty true.😂
@@Wis_Dom yeah might be in the grand scheme of things. At least here in Germany we are very aware of this kind of stuff I don't think I have to explain to you why. I know damn well what my country has done in the past. From the Herero and Nama genocide in 1904 in German West Africa to the biggest crime against humanity ever, the Holocaust. And yet there is so much more to our history. There's a reason why patriotism is very uncomfortable for us today.
You are correct
I'm 26 years old and this song still makes me believe that I will be successful in life one day. Love it
Keep trying and never give up👍🏼
Dont imagine goals just bring them goals in reality
Timeless classic. That defines greatness.
The lyrics on this song is just absolutely fantastic
35 years old now and still listening to this. We need to bring these lyrics back. ❤️
What's up fellow old millennial. 35 y/o here. I somehow happened upon this song after probably a decade. I wish this song was blasting from people's car's.
Yess 💯
Ik that's right
Could not agree more!
Komin soon 🔜
This is real hip hop
0%nudity
100% talent
Love nas,tupac and biggie
This is so real bro 👍
And Nipsey Hussle
@@besbesubisu3817 nipsey was trash lol
Eminem mahn
V3N0M_PL4Yzz GTA so what if theres0% nudity hahaha
Nas Definitely Deserves To Be Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025.
he just told the whole ancient history in under a minute... what a legend
Fact check what he says tho
.. I love nas but some shit he says isnt 100 % facts
@@5280PolotheKid u must be fun at parties
@@lovrokosutic8973 i don't "do" parties
@@5280PolotheKid What is incorrect?
We Wuz Kangs
Can’t believe a whole generation just missed this , sorry.
NAS king.
The last verse gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I listen to it. And it's incredible to know that all he tells about is true. Such a masterpiece, this song deserves all the accolades.
Facts. That Last verse is different
Jesus loves you
💯
Alexander didn’t do anything to Sphinx noses, and the idea is based on a myth that Napoleon did so, which he didn’t do either, it was much more likely to be other pharaohs such as Akhenaten, who declared himself a God and dismissed his predecessors, the Persians didn’t rob Egypt and steal everything either, they only controlled Egypt for 150 years, and suggesting that Africa was empty from the Hellenistic period onwards is not correct, Nas is dismissive of Rome, Islam and the ottomans in Africa, and jumps to slavery which was in a different area of Africa, west and south instead of north where Egypt is, so it’s quite problematic as a history lesson, but I’ve always loved nas and the attempt by him to make a good song with a real pointed lesson and it’s a shame that songs such as this barely make an impact yet generic and crass songs blow up and are remembered worldwide
@@adamcarney1465 Exactly. Good you mentioned this.
Nas should've been rewarded for this song this a timeless gem fr and forever a classic nas a legend 😅🔥🔥🔥😅😁😁😁😁💯🙏
What a positive song and strong message!
am i the only one listening to this in 2024! Respect Nas thank you!!!
Still rockin in 2024 right along with you! ✊🏾Black History Month is the perfect time to bring this back.
Love to you ❤
Me too! Showed my daughter this video too!❤
No 💪🏼💪🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🌹🌹🌹
I’m here❤❤🙏🏽🙏🏽2034
Best generation homie never stop listening to this genre ..... We need to have the radio and TV bring back the real shit !
this why nas is one of the greatest rappers
Lorenzo Cole yea he's Tha fucking greatest rappers of all time sure
Lorenzo Cole nah Tupac is the Biggest rapper
The 🐐
Respect to Nas for this song and for speaking the truth
Nas never sold his soul!
Question is tho how did he make this song and not be touched
Bull
@@swaedank1029 maybe just a little bit or maybe your right!
@@jasminehayes9673 maybe I was wrong but who knows.
That’s a lie 😂
such a good yet motivational song and anyone listening in 2021
Here in 2065
Yes sir
I am saying my g
🙋🏼♂️
@@eddyvilla6085 🙋🏼♂️
It is a shame that this kind of motivational music doesn´t get the recognition it deserves
Nas is one of the biggest rappers of all time, don't look at the views.
Jozef Čagala yep 👍🏾
It’s the industry that won’t allow new talent to be this
It’s out there but you have to dig
lmao its the 80% dumbasses listening out there. if it sold best industry would push nothing else. thinking is hard and painful for them so they rather hear about tiddies ;)
It did, but its from 2003
Thank you Nas. Only you seem to recognise what happened to us blacks and us that are still living in Africa. You're my GOAT. ❤️
I remember listening to this in elementary school. 27 years old now and it still gives me the motivation it did back then !
My big sister showed me this song. She Would always play it for me where my dad couldn’t hear it
Hell Yea
Turning 33 in July
Been banging this tune since 03
Eye was a teenager whilst going through a mental breakdown,I kept playing certain songs and this over and over again. All Seeds must listen to this song🧡3️⃣6️⃣9️⃣☯️💓⚖️🧬👏🏾🌞🌙💫🫂🥰💕🥰🌠🤰🏿🤱🏿👩👩👧👧
Same 😭😭😭 I’m 25 tho
Same bruh send me 5000 dollars for a loan!!
Who's still listenning this Nas's master piece in 2019..?
Not me
☝️
Me
this song is beautiful
@@andirohim8651 lol
he's not rapping , he's lecturing the history of the world in less than 5 min
That's rap
It's sooo many styles and this is one of them
@@royaltypoetry1533 How to tell world history in 5 minutes by poetry
@@maredygduygu5243 are you asking me to write it
@@royaltypoetry1533 that would be nice. That was the definition.
Nas gave wisdom and clarity to endless generations through this masterpiece. As a grown man approaching 40, this song has and will always be like a wake up call for me to strive for that which is meaningful and has substance.....
I still have goosebumps like when I was 13, and now I'm 30. The only difference is that now I really comprehend the deep meaning of his words. 🌱🦋
till now his so good. bring me back on track
I totally get you. I turned 30 in March. Im so happy to ran into this.💖💖💖
Crying wish I had paid more attention. Know all the words but it’s taken 15 years to understand. Going to make sure my kids listen and pay more attention than I did.
th-cam.com/video/ets9skozGQc/w-d-xo.html
@Alexis Rios
th-cam.com/video/ets9skozGQc/w-d-xo.html
Thanking God for Nas 🙏🏽I am what I want to be in 2024! A 40 year old Black Queen, working in a career with a majority of 50+ yr old white man. And I am about to graduate with my degree in Applied Science. 🎓 I made it out!
Light skinned are blacks??
@@westernsellers9148There's always somebody trying to divide. It's all the same struggle
You go girl congratulations, I'm proud of you.
Congratulations! Show them who's boss! :-)
hahahaha oh no, not another "queen"
This song deserves multiple awards.. I'm shocked this man doesn't have multiple Grammy awards
unfortunately in the day and age of keeping people blind to their power i'm not shocked at all 😢
It's a Black empowerment song, of course it's not going to be accepted. You have to understand that by now. They love to steal from us, but not support us.
In order for you to get a grammy this days award the lyrics should be none sense garbage selfish thing such crime and violence, brutality revenge, drugs& alcohol abuse
After Eminem, the medium/Rap went to shit, imo.
@@Ford-wt8rn eminem is trash
It took this long for people to realize why Nas made this... 🤍🙏💜
Hip Hop + Kids song + History = THIS FREAKING MASTERPIECE
That piano riff is, literally, hundreds of years old and it’s still awesome today 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼
That third verse is LEGENDARY.
My favourite
man... you're right
@@sweetjamesjones6554
Yessir! The only flaw I'd say is it was Napoleon that was believed to have shot off the nose of the Sphinx, not ATG. But of course history's muddy on that part.
Amen
This is a great verse, the only thing wrong with it is that Alexander the Great did not shoot the noses off the Sphinx
Imagine making a song and 10nyears later people still love it and listen to it daily for inspiration. Go Nas. You da man.
20 years you mean.. your point still stands tho
This MV resolution is not the quality of 2011 lol. This song came out 2 decades ago
just Nas being Nas.. :)
it's a good song but the politic part is really demagogic and low iq
@@davidjeanmichel8358 can't take that statement seriously if you're too lazy to elaborate.
수십년된노래... 아직도 듣기좋네 이렇게 찾아서 들을정도면...힙하게 역사적임 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ교육자료영상같은ㅋㅋㅋ
this song actually motivates me to follow my dream, and im 20
@Kakashi commentor thanks kakashi senpai
Good, don't give up, fuck who ever hating
You can say it again Bro
I'm 22 and my dream is to own a bank and a powerful media group
@@zavtraafricatv8517 rock a fella
This be the real side of the internet. Keep going guys!
When im gonna have kids ill play them this song for bed time. Nas truly made the difference!. One of the greatests rappers ever.
Cool bro. I second you. I loved this song since I was a kid until now. I also feel that someday when I'll have ma kids I'll let the know this song.
ColdSanity coolest comment I've ever read
Despa TV .. that sir is a good thought hauah
Despa TV
ditto
Despa TV An eemce not a Rapper, an eemce :)
My mom used to play this when I was in elementary. I suggest every parent play this for their child 💯
better every school should play this song
I play it every morning!
Fr I’m glad she showed me this song
Him and Pac was it for me. 💕😊
I remember I bought my first MP3 player for $9 and it was only a 2GB and I gave it to my brother to put music on, when I got it back this was the first song that came on. My third and quest for knowledge has never been the same since. Thank you Nas.
+Jamie Guildea and thanks to your brother
NAS, you will be in history books. One of the best overall Influential people of our generation and o time. Nuff said.
My name is Jack from Taiwan and this is my story. 10 years ago, I was the one who got 0 in my English exam back in junior high school. I have no idea how to improve my English since the text book is too difficult for me to understand. One day I heard this song in a burger restaurant, I liked it so much so I told myself said: one day, I will able to understand everything in this song. It took me a while to find this song because I could only type “be where I wanna be” to search (I didn’t even know wanna is want to😂 at that time). After few months of study, my English improved a lot, I got 60 in my English exam! But some how, I became a person that is brave, confident enough to speak English with foreigner on the street. Thank you Nas for making these wonderful, motivative and positive songs, I want to thank me as well, for putting efforts and making a change. 💜
Im touched by your words. Congratulations bro and big thanks to NAS for blessing the world with this timeless record
💖💖🥰
You made a story with a song that is a source of inspiration for your story
Good job man this was touching
Your story made me smile.
Im back here after Kendrick and the last few months.❤
Nas is dropping knowledge, too
I hope all those kids grew up to be all they wanted to be and are where they want to be
I hope so too
Don't say that,some kids wish to be criminals,I wish only the kids with good intentioned dreams achieved their goals.
Happy 46th birthday to one of The G.O.A.Ts... Nas!
He's 47
@@senecawilliams7582 Actually 46
This song is so important, he drops knowledge and gave a history lesson for all (every race) to learn! I love this song. Great job Nas!
Yes. he ignored how Egyptians used slave labor to build...
@@timmywunderlich7404 who doesnt know that though he saying stuff that is not know to a lot of people its a pretty well know fact that slaves built them (even though no one knows how)
I miss the Persian episode, do you know what he is referring to historically?
Just getting the sense of this song after how many years 😮. Makes so much sense.❤
This is what Hip hop/rap/ music should be about.
Exactly, the people in charge only push Gansta Rap. But then rappers start their own labels and only put out "Gansta Rap" so kinda fucked up.
Apoc414 it's need to be BOTH
The Listt so true
hip hop remixes needs to listen to more music
What about rock, country and rnb ? Seems like everyone have these educational expectations for rap/hip hop...JUST SHUT UP AND VIBE
I'll never forget my father playing this for me in the early 2000s. This was my first real introduction to hip hop and Nas.
Heard this song when I was 10 yrs,still rings on my mind..still fresh in my memory..working harder to be where I wanna be..I can..
My ss teacher plays this song every day 💙💙🩵🩵
How am I just getting into Nas.
Play this in all schools mornings during lunch etc
@Natalie Cramer what's so funny about it?
There's school curriculum that actually tells inner city kids they can't be anything and the system holds them back.
Keeping them stuck...like plantation owners telling slaves how bad the world is and they need to stay on the farm and be safe.
How about you get then to read. .start with school work first. It's up to the teachers to see if the kids succeed.
There's always trouble sometimes...ain't always easy. But if you start out quiting. You're stuck.
Actually my elementary school used to play the chorus all the time.
@@MilanLD th-cam.com/video/KSejl0eRD9E/w-d-xo.html
I used the " I know I can
be what I want to be,
When I work hard at it,
then I can be what I want to be " lines today at a primary school I was doing motivation at this morning.
The kids loved the lines because I made them sing. They may not understand what I was doing today or even the words, but in the future, they will.
When I left, they wanted to leave with me.
Nas is the GOD MC - I’m 43 this year and have studied hip hop for a very long time. This story is equal to no other. As a new father, a man who grew up beyond poor, and have climbed out of the gutter, I can say with out a doubt music like this saved my life. Blessings to all that teach not preach how to become better humans. When my baby girl is of age we will study this song, build on what it means, and strategize how to look within not out the window and become confused. May peace be upon you all!
Pac would’ve tore this up
"Nobody says you have to be gangsters, read more, learn more, change the globe"
- Nas - (A true rapper)
Wow makes me realize how much music has really change...This is a true hip hop song...makes me sad to think how crappy hip hop has turn in to now days...I'm glad I grew up listening to some of the best hip hop artist ever like (NAS)..music will never be this good again.
Livin' Legend Nasir Jones 👑❤