In My Lifetime

Jay-Z

About In My Lifetime

"In My Lifetime" is the debut single by Jay-Z. It is produced by Ski and contains samples from "Oh Baby" by Aretha Franklin and two Soul II Soul songs: "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" and "Get a Life". It is not featured on either of Jay-Z's first two albums, but is remixed by Big Jaz on the Streets Is Watching soundtrack. The original version of the single was sold by Jay-Z and his friend Damon Dash out of Dash's car in 1993. It was released by Payday Records, but Jay-Z had royalty conflicts with his label and soon decided to start Roc-A-Fella Records to release his material. It features two b-sides, the Big Jaz remix and the Clark Kent-produced "Can't Get Wid That". 


Year:
1995
353 
#4

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This song here is dedicated to Danny Dan and may he rest in peace
Who at his funeral left us with the words that
He did it his way
(Uh huh, uh huh)
So I have no other choice but to do it my way
Uh huh, uh huh

Uhh, while niggaz are shootin' stupid
I'm carefully plottin' ways to make it rotten
Well, planned hits until you're long forgotten
Y'all niggaz that utilize my style don't hurt me

'Cause on the low half of these rappin' ass niggaz wanna work for me
Now picture me standin' on somebody block tryin' to rock
I drop bombs and niggaz see me with that dough by eight o'clock
My feet never touch the concrete, just street sweep awards

While you're starin' on my dick nigga, gimme yours
I don't hassle with capsules, 'cause that'll make the grass grow
And get a project nigga paid up the asshole
If I'ma risk a frisk, gettin' my wrists wrapped up in steel

I'm out here tryin' to make a mill', my shit is real for real
While others worship guns I worship tons of money
Tons of fun, laughin' at shit that ain't even funny
So I ain't pressed to make a CD, I took it slow

Eighty percent of these niggaz with deals
Can't see me with the dough, uh

In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of dough
I need a whole lot of dough
(For real)
In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of stash
I need a whole lot of cash
(Stay real)

In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of dough
I need a whole lot of dough
In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of stash
I need a whole lot of cash

(For real)
(True)
(True)

More ice than winter ninety-four
I toured the fifty states with a trunk of raw
Recrutin', I'm hittin' shorties with consignment but don't play me
Oh, you gon' pay me, y'all niggaz ain't crazy

I'm laid back in the five thousand Italian leather seat recliner
Under some vagina, discussin' the finer, things
My crib is mean, watchin' a hundred inch screen
Lettin' the shorties slide by once in a while and let 'em dream

They think I've mastered the game, 'cause dames scream my name
With passion, I tell 'em stop flashin' and start stashin'
And we'll all get off the corner, the only heat you'll feel
Is from a sauna, lettin' bubbles shoot up your ass if you wanna

And f*ck that weed, it keeps you broke, invest in
Pounds of herbs and profit if niggaz wanna smoke dope
But keep your nuts, 'cause this is a man's game
And we'll all pop champagne till it's a damn shame

In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of dough
I need a whole lot of dough
(For real)
In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of stash
I need a whole lot of cash
(Stay real)

In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of dough
I need a whole lot of dough
In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of stash
I need a whole lot of cash

I'm shootin' to Vegas, gamblin' green-o at the casino
Schoolin' the dice like Vinny Barberino
Welcome back, the ninety-four version of the mack
As soon as these ladies see me they don't know how to act

'Cause like that, nigga, never twist the cap of malt liquor
Only pop and droppin' Cristal's down my throat, take a swigga
My style, ladies intoxicated by my profile
Your rollin' with a pro with, money to blow child

You need to feel how sweet the skills be
To come and slide down Sugar Hill with me
The high roller, rolled up on your dice game
Unfold a pack of bills, grab my balls then bet it all

I never slept, 'cause sleepin' keeps you deep in debt
On the block you lucky if you see my silhouette
I'm ghost, envied by most
So I keep a crew of crazy tenants that's sling toast, fucker

In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of dough
I need a whole lot of dough
(For real)
In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of stash
I need a whole lot of cash
(Stay real)

In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of dough
I need a whole lot of dough
In my lifetime, I need to see a whole lot of stash
I need a whole lot of cash

Haha, f'real, Jay-Z lives
Ski, Roc-a-Blok Productions, uh-huh, uh-huh
Dame Dash, ha-ha
Roc-a-fella Records, uh huh

Everybody from Brooklyn
Sauce Money, Big Sarge, be Hah
DJ Clark Kent, everybody Uptown
[Unverified] my V-A click running thick
D'Shawn definitely in the house
Roughness y'all, this how we do

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Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, Forbes estimated Carter's net worth at nearly $500 million. He has sold approximately 50 million albums worldwide, while receiving fourteen Grammy Awards for his musical work, and numerous additional nominations. He is consistently ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all-time. He was ranked #1 by MTV in their list of The Greatest MCs of All-Time in 2006. Two of his albums, Reasonable Doubt (1996) and The Blueprint (2001) are considered landmarks in the genre with both of them being ranked in Rolling S… more »

6 fans

Written by: HAYDEN BROWNE, TREVOR ROMEO, JONATHAN BURKS, SHAWN CARTER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Release Information
"In My Lifetime" is a single by rapper Jay-Z from his debut album "Reasonable Doubt" which was released in 1996.
Song's Genre
This song falls into the genre of East Coast hip hop, a style of hip hop music that originated in New York City during the 70s, characterized by aggressive lyrics and beats.
Record Label
The song "In My Lifetime" was released under the record label Roc-A-Fella Records, a company co-founded by Jay-Z himself.
Song's Inspiration
It's believed that this song reflects Jay-Z's early life and experiences in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn, New York.
Song's Meaning
The lyrics of "In My Lifetime" revolve around inner-city struggles and Jay-Z's aspirations to rise from these struggles and achieve success.
Production Details
The song was produced by Ski Beatz, a renowned record producer in the hip hop scene who also worked with Jay-Z on other tracks from the album "Reasonable Doubt".
Initial Success
"In My Lifetime" was not an initial mainstream success, but it helped to establish Jay-Z's reputation within the hip hop community.
Cultural Impact
Today, the song is widely recognized as one of the classics in Jay-Z's discography, representing his early style and lyrical themes.
Video Release
The music video for "In My Lifetime" was set in exotic locale which was rare for hip-hop videos at the time, adding a sense of luxury and aspiration to the gritty, street-smart lyrics.
Reception
Despite not reaching top chart positions at the time of release, "In My Lifetime" received widespread critical acclaim and has since become recognized as an important piece of Jay-Z's musical legacy.
Song Release
"In My Lifetime" by Jay-Z was released on November 28, 1995.
Album Information
This track is part of his debut studio album "Reasonable Doubt” which was released in 1996, but initially first appeared on his 1995 debut official single.
Collaboration
It was produced by Big Jaz who has also co-produced other songs for Jay-Z.
Inspirational Background
The song showcases the harsh realities Jay-Z faced growing up in the Marcy Housing Projects in Brooklyn, where he was involved in drug dealing before he started his rap career.
Lyrical Genius
"In My Lifetime" is considered one of Jay-Z's breakthrough songs as it highlights his storytelling ability and lyrical prowess.
Critical Recognition
The song was recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine as a track that helped establish Jay-Z as one of hip-hop's most popular and respected artists.
Audio Format
The original "In My Lifetime" was released on 12" vinyl format.
Early Recognition
It's one of the early songs that helped Jay-Z gain recognition as a talented lyricist.
Remixed Version
A remixed version of the song, titled "In My Lifetime (Remix)", was later released and continues to be popular amongst fans.
Music Video
The music video for 'In My Lifetime' was shot in lavish locations, including St. Thomas, whereas the original song dealt with life in Brooklyn's housing projects. This contrast was a deliberate artistic decision by Jay-Z to show his journey from poverty to success.

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