Hold On - The Last Emperor

It’s been a long time comin', but the time has arrived

For the Emperor to get live

Now that I’m back outside, all the suckers should hide

As I give rap fans somethin' they can bump in their rides

I wanna thank all’a y’all for still rockin' wit' 'Mal

Through the trials, tribulations, roadblocks and pitfalls

Breakin' down brick walls

The wait is over, I came here to show ya this is finally it, y’all

My chance at last to advance and pass the average cats

Ya done son, it’s a rap — you’re finished

I smash and grab, and stash the cash in plastic bags

With raps that have pizzazz — admit it

Would ya like it?

UH!

Would ya knock it?

UH!

If I put it out ya gonna cop it

Well it’s here

A lot of emcee’s is in trouble this year

Well it’s the incredible Last Emp'

And my story is fresh

With the spirit of rap I’m possessed

I signed my first deal with Dr. Dre and moved to the West

Many speculate but I’mma put the rumours to rest

It wasn’t like he couldn’t understand my vocals

He didn’t understand that I was anti-social

I didn’t come here to hang out

I came here to put in work

And put motherfuckers under the dirt

So when I let it be known I was a battle rapper first

They didn’t invite me to studio sessions and it hurt

But as bad as it felt, instead of sit on the shelf

And wait for somebody else, I reinvented myself

So whassup, Doc'?

Now that the young boy grew

Would ya, finish the album we intended to do?

Show 'em there’s no animosity between me and you

Throw The Last a couple’a tracks for album two

Now would ya like it?

UH!

Would ya knock it?

UH!

Now it’s comin' out ya gonna cop it

Well it’s here

A lotta emcee’s is in trouble this year

Well I’m back and it’s real

And this time I feel

Like a different person

I put in work like a civil servant

Instead’a makin' songs without purpose

A brother like The Last Emperor has worked wit'

People in the game, like The Rza from Wu-Tang

Even the Music Man — Masta Ace

KRS-One and the Cocoa B’s

The Beatminerz and Diamond D

Among others, talented sisters and brothers

But all dedicated hip-hop lovers

I gotta thank y’all, for bringin' me back

And helpin' me map a new plan of attack

Cop the album and throw it on

You know The Emp' got it goin' on

And I just thank y’all for holdin' on