Queens Get The Money You Can’t Stop Us Now FEATURING EBAN THOMAS OF THE STYLISTICS AND THE LAST POETS Breathe Make The World Go Round FEATURING CHRIS BROWN AND THE GAME Hero FEATURING KERI HILSON America Sly Fox Testify N.I.*.*.E.R. (THE SLAVE AND THE MASTER) Untitled Fried Chicken FEATURING BUSTA RHYMES Project Roach FEATURING THE LAST POETS Y’all My Ni**as We’re Not Alone FEATURING MYKEL Black President BONUS TRACK:
Like Me EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: ANTONIO "LA" REID, NASIR JONES & A. SALEH A&R FOR DEF JAM: SHAKIR STEWART A&R FOR EMAGEN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.: A. SALEH
J
WWW.DEFJAM.COM 2008 The Island Def Jam Music Group and Columbia Records, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10019. Distributed by Universal Music Distribution. All rights reserved.
Queens Get The Money:
(N. JONES, T. THEDFORD, J. POWELL) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Jay Electronica. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Contains samples from the recording "I Am Sam (Theme)" as performed by John Powell. Courtesy of New Line Cinema. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Written by J. Powell, New Line Music (BMI). All rights administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI). All rights reserved.
You Can’t Stop Us Now:
FEATURING EBAN THOMAS OF THE STYLISTICS AND THE LAST POETS (N. JONES, S. REMI, A. OYEWOLE, B. STRONG, N. WHITFIELD) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by SALAAMREMI.COM. Recorded by Kevin Crouse at Legacy Recording Studio, NYC and by Franklin Emmanuel Socorro at Manhattan Center Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Seamus "Moose" Tyson. Mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Horns: Vincent Henry and Bruce Purse. Background vocals: Bruce Purse. Contains interpolations from "Message From A Blackman" written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, published by Stone Agate Music (BMI). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Breathe:
(N. JONES, J. SUBLETT) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by J. Myers and Dustin Moore. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Guitars: J. Myers, Dustin Moore. Background vocals: J. Myers, Dustin Moore
Make The World Go Round:
FEATURING CHRIS BROWN & THE GAME (N. JONES, J. TAYLOR, A. LYON, M. VALENZANO, E. MONTILLA) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Cool & Dre for SupaNova Management, Inc. and The Game. Recorded by Gina Victoria at The Record Room, N. Miami, FL; by Geoff Gibbs at Encore Studios, Burbank, CA; by Brian Sumner for Royal Z Entertainment at Westlake Studios, Los Angeles, CA and by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer at Electric Lady Studios: Noah Goldstein. Mixed by Steve "B" Baughman at Pacifique Studios, Burbank, CA. Strings: Eddie "Crack Keys" Montilla. Guitar: Kevin Mayer. Bass guitar: Thomas Hatcher. All other instruments: Cool & Dre. Chris Brown appears courtesy of Jive Records. The Game appears courtesy of Interscope Records.
Hero:
FEATURING KERI HILSON (N. JONES, J. JONES, J. SUBLETT, C. HAYNES) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Polow Da Don for Zone 4 Inc. Recorded by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Mixed by Billy Hume at The Zone Studios, Norcross, GA. Keri Hilson appears courtesy of Mosley Music/Zone 4/Interscope Records. Additional keys: Brian Kennedy and Jason Perry
America:
(N. JONES, M.S. ERIKSEN, T.E. HERMANSEN) (ASCAP)
Produced by StarGate for 45th & 3rd Music LLC. Recorded by Mikkel S. Eriksen at Roc The Mic Studios, NYC. Mixed by Phil Tan for RiotProof Productions at Soapbox Studios, Atlanta, GA. Assisted by Josh Houghkirk. Vocals by Flo Simpson for Rokkworld Music Group. All instruments by Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen. StarGate Management: Tim Blacksmith & Danny D.
Sly Fox: (N. JONES, C. GAVIN) (ASCAP/BMI) Co-written, produced and arranged by stic.man of Dead Prez courtesy of Boss Up Inc. Recorded by Brian Sumner for Royal Z Entertainment at Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA and NRG Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA. Mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Rock and bass guitar by 01.
Testify:
(N. JONES, M. BATSON) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Mark Batson for Allustrious A.D., Inc. Recorded by Kevin Crouse at Legacy Recording Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Seamus "Moose" Tyson. Mixed by Mark Batson at Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, CA.
N.I.*.*.E.R.:(THE SLAVE AND THE MASTER) (N. JONES, A. DAVIS, A. BELL, P. HURTT) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Toomp for Zone Boy Productions. Recorded by Kevin Crouse at Legacy Recording Studios, NYC; Derrick Selby at Soundtrap Studios, Atlanta, GA and Mike Wilson at Patchwerk Recording, Atlanta, GA. Assistant engineer at Legacy Recording Studios: Seamus "Moose" Tyson. Assistant engineer at Patchwerk Recording: Denny Ogla. Mixed by John Frye at Stankonia Recording, Atlanta, GA. Bass: J-Mac. Strings performed by The Idalia String Ensemble. Keys arranged and performed by Toomp. Production Coordination by Keke and Amy for Cookies and Milk, LLC. Contains samples from The Persuaders recording "We're Just Trying To Make It," produced under license from Rhino Records, a division of Warner Music Group. Written by Anthony Bell and Phil Hurtt, published by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI).
Untitled: (N. JONES, C. GAVIN) (ASCAP/BMI) Co-written, produced and arranged by stic.man of Dead Prez courtesy of Boss Up Inc. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Crouse at Legacy Recording Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Seamus "Moose" Tyson. Additional vocals: stic.man of Dead Prez.
Fried Chicken:
FEATURING BUSTA RHYMES (N. JONES, M. RONSON, T. SMITH) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Mark Ronson. Recorded and mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Musicians recorded by Gabriel Roth at Daptone Records Studios. Piano: Victor Axelrod. Bass: Nick Movshon. Drums: Homer Steinweiss. Guitars: Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck. Tenor Sax: Neal Sugarman. Baritone Sax: Ian Hendrickson. Trumpet: Dave Guy. Busta Rhymes appears courtesy of Aftermath/Interscope Records.
Project Roach:
FEATURING THE LAST POETS (N. JONES, E. HUDSON, A. OYEWOLE) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by Eric Hudson for Just E. Production Group, LLC./SupaNova Management Inc. Recorded by Eric Hudson at Touch 510 Studios, S. Orange, NJ. Mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. All instruments by Eric Hudson.
Y’all My Ni**as: (N. JONES, J. SUBLETT) (ASCAP/BMI)
Produced by J. Myers. Recorded by Brian Sumner for Royal Z Entertainment and Todd Steinhauer at Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA. Mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. All instruments by J. Myers.
We’re Not Alone: FEATURING MYKEL (N. JONES, C. GAVIN) (ASCAP/BMI) Co-written, produced and arranged by stic.man of Dead Prez courtesy of Boss Up Inc. Recorded by Brian Sumner for Royal Z Entertainment at Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, NRG Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA and Warrior Studios. Assistant engineer: Brian Naught at Westlake Recording Studio. Mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer: Noah Goldstein. Additional keys: Mikuak Rai.
Black President: (N. JONES, J. D'AGOSTINO, J. ARMOUR, T. SHAKUR, R. TROUTMAN, L. TROUTMAN, D. MCDOWELL, L. GOODMAN) (ASCAP/BMI) Produced by The Evil Genius DJ Green Lantern for Future Green Entertainment. Recorded by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC and by Rich Leissler at Cinematic Studios, NYC. Assistant engineer at Electric Lady Studios: Noah Goldstein. Mixed by Kevin Crouse at Electric Lady Studios, NYC. Additional vocals: Johnny Polygon. Johnny Polygon appears courtesy of Future Green Entertainment. Contains samples from "I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto" as performed by 2Pac, courtesy of Universal Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Written by Tupac Shakur, Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman, Derrick McDowell and Larry Goodman, published by Universal Music Corp. (ASCAP)/Lawhouse Music/Mad Street Songs c/o Diamond Song Services (ASCAP)/R2M Music/Songs of Lastrada (BMI)/Universal Songs of PolyGram Int'l (BMI). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: ANTONIO "LA" REID, NASIR JONES & A. SALEH A&R FOR DEF JAM: SHAKIR STEWART A&R FOR EMAGEN ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC: A. SALEH A&R ADMINISTRATION: TERESE JOSEPH A&R COORDINATION: LEESA D. BRUNSON MARKETING: SHARI BRYANT MANAGEMENT: N. JONES AND A. SALEH FOR THE JONES GROUP, INC. MASTERED BY CHRIS GEHRINGER AT STERLING SOUND, NYC ALBUM COVER CONCEPT: KEVIN LACEY ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN: TAVON SAMPSON COVER ILLUSTRATION AND DESIGN: TAVON SAMPSON & ERIC ALTENBURGER COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: MEENO PELUCE PACKAGE PRODUCTION: CAROL CORLESS LEGAL REPRESENTATION: KENNY MEISELAS, ESQ. AND PAUL ROTHENBERG, ESQ. (GRUBMAN, INDURSKY AND SHIRE, PC) SAMPLE CLEARANCE AGENT: DEBORAH MANNIS-GARDNER FOR DMG CLEARANCES, INC. BUSINESS AFFAIRS: MICHAEL SELTZER, ANTOINETTE TROTMAN, IAN ALLEN ALL INSIDE IMAGES COURTESY OF CORBIS & GETTY IMAGES
THANK YOU TO: MY MOTHER, ANNE JONES, R.I.P. The late king, Richard Pryor, for his brilliance and bravery, to all street ni**az alive, buried alive or passed on. Denmark Vesey for his heart, Toussaint L'Ouverture for freeing Haiti, George and Jonathan Jackson - you guys inspired me and my brother. Hannibal for his warrior skills and spreading his seed. Chris Rock!, my ni**a Tracy Morgan, Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence - just for being who y'all are. Eso Won Books for providing me with the resources and information and just talkin to me about real sh*t ...See u guys soon! Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday and all the jazz musicians who came before us and traveled the world, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, the Heath Brothers, to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Soledad Brothers, Iceberg Slim - greatest writer ever. Spike Lee for putting a mirror up and changing how we see ourselves as black Americans, Oscar Micheaux, Alexander Pushkin, Dick Gregory you are the realest!!!! Redd Foxx, Paul Mooney, Minister Louis Farrakhan, this album is for all blood shed by fallen soldiers from Emmett Till to Amadou Dialo to Sean Bell, you all are not forgotten, none of your deaths go in vain, we are in a war fighting. Thank you to Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Eminem, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Prince, Russell Simmons, Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan for being an inspiration for me to be the best and get this paper and not take no sh*t! Cicely Tyson, Debbie Allan, Miss Wallace, Assata Shakur, Afeni Shakur, Madam CJ Walker, Rita Marley, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King. May hip hop continue to scare the hell out of all the people who planned genocide against black people everywhere ...may it crush those who constantly try to criticize it and stop it, and silence the youth just because they don't understand them. Ya plan backfired and now we run sh*t. If you would only listen to the youth more you would be in tune with what lies ahead in the future. To every man and woman, no matter what you are, or who you worship or what color you are... you are all ni**ers as long as you stay ignorant and blind to what's really goin on in the world and continue the sick behavior against other people based on your own stupidity. Peace to all mankind! To my daughter and wife you both are my inspiration. From the heart,
YOUR NI**A, NAS "Ni**er" or "ni**a," not even the lesser evil "negro," could ever be our title. We are way more complicated, beautiful and intelligent than any word created for us. Africa isn't even a name we chose for the continent. But hey...it is what it is. Some things just stick and are hard to change. What would be a proper name for us? Think about it. We should decide on it. I don't think it matters much but, with that being said, racial bias will probably never die. You would think in this day and in these times, with all that's going on all over the planet, we should be past this. I want to be past this but it seems like some things don't go away. Instead they get more dangerous and worse. Ni**er is a word that comes from the horrible African-American slave trade. That slave trade is a massive part of American history but people want to sweep it under the rug like it never existed. They get uncomfortable when it's talked about, yet we are constantly killed by the police, and our youth thrown in jail daily for doing nothing illegal at all. Nobody cares. And can you believe hateful people are outraged when a black politician does something positive to help black people like it's a crime. So sad we Americans are. I believe there are tons of things happening in the world that people are not ready to know, or couldn't handle mentally if we did know. So stop saying sh*t like affirmative action was enough payment and stop asking why are we complaining, affirmative action helps all minorities, not just blacks. Reparations are past due. I pray the world changes for the better for everybody. Until then teach the kids the truth, pray we see this black man - not a ni**er - win the presidential election. It's about time America - all people live your life. The struggle continues. Live your life. Drive your Benz's. You are royalty. Wear your jewels. Work hard but play harder. Wear that fly fashion sh*t or your culturally aware gear. Stay fresh to def. Smoke your weed. Protest, you have a voice - use it. Be happy. Travel the world. F**k, drink, eat great food, create hobbies. Get away from hateful people - only deal with loved ones! One million ones! (One love).