[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]