Family and Loyalty

“Family and Loyalty” is the lead single to Gang Starr’s forthcoming record. It features a classic chopped piano sample beat by DJ Premier, and the duo’s first collaboration with J. Cole. The track features Guru and J. Cole trading bars about the things that last a lifetime like good friends and music. The track was announced by DJ Premier the day before it dropped on September 19, and came after the video announcing the album by Nas. It is the first new music from the group in 16 years. In addition, J. Cole announced that “Family and Loyalty” would be his last feature following a slew of features over the past year with the likes of 21 Savage and Offset.

[Intro: MC Lyte] Like a freshly cut diamond Like a freshly cut diamond [Chorus: Guru & MC Lyte] Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Word up, diamonds Like a freshly cut diamond [Verse 1: Guru & Dres] Diamonds are forever like friends that'll kill for you Went up in a jewelry store, burglary, steal for you Build with you, split the diamond into ice blue Thrice he tried to disrespect our kinship, I don't like you And now you axed out the fam' But I'm cashin' checks with Premier on this jam Robin Leach, interviews on the beach When we shake hands, nothin' but ice on the reach, and I teach Like the Rap Reverend Ike without the perm', I preach There's more you need to learn, I return for my streets Gainin' my wealth, trainin' myself For corny confrontation with haters who be playin' themselves Diamonds are like my world of rap Your rhymin', huh, it's like a world of crap And a diamond is like a fly-ass girl that's strapped And you can't beat that with a bat [Chorus: Guru & J. Cole] Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought (Yeah) Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Word up, diamonds [Verse 2: J. Cole] Diamonds (Diamonds), diamonds (Diamonds), yeah Pick up the pen, write down the sins, cleanse Lay that shit down, play it for friends Make a few M's, then do it again J. Cole, who'd have thought you woulda been rhymin' with ghosts Guru flows forever like a diamond The most could never afford the precious jewels That's precisely why I'm blessin' you with clear-cut messages I'm destined to invest in urban sections where depression rules I hope to heal the destitute before I leave this vestibule Between the heavens and the seven circles Where some dead homies maybe rest, I plan to resurrect a few I press the truth against the neck of devils Look at the youth just like a precious pebble Meant to be protected, mentally we let this Poison of Western philosophy make us sloppy We forgot we are the chosen From hip-hop to astronomy, they copy what we showed 'em Niggas be talkin' slick, but only try me over modems In person they starstruck, they hearts flutter I'm like the realest one you ever met If you don't feel this one, give it a sec Go live a little, let the years pass Experience pain, watch the tears crash on to the floor Hurt brings wisdom Wisdom brings a whole 'nother sort of understandin' Diamonds only worth what we demandin', uh, uh And niggas payin' top-dollar Once upon a time I paid a 100 for mine, now I'm a lot smarter [Chorus: Guru] Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought [Verse 3: Guru] I rock diamonds that cut glass out of window panes Baldhead Slick blazing tracks when the indo's flame Rocks that bling, rocks that make them jock my team Rocks that shine, rocks that keep my hand on my nine Rocks that blind, make the High Rocks drop down One of a kind, niggas best jet from the spot when I cock mine Diamonds are like your man you always call fam Diamonds are like your grandma you always call ma'am Diamonds are like having the whole world in your hand Diamonds are like the shows I ripped with no band Rockin' your knot, stoppin' your plot It's me, Baldhead Slick Duke, coppin' your block For you it's only pain, for me it's only gain Diamonds are like loyalty, iced out like royalty Diamonds are like my wifey, so sweet the way she spoils me (So good) [Chorus: Guru & MC Lyte] Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody" Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought Like respect in the hood that can't be bought Word up, diamonds Like a freshly cut diamond