More Or Less

Shyne's song 'More Or Less' is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the harsh realities of street life and the criminal underworld. The lyrics are a reflection of Shyne's personal experiences and the environment he grew up in, marked by violence, crime, and a relentless pursuit of survival. The song opens with a nod to Shyne's incarceration, setting the tone for a narrative steeped in authenticity and grit.

In the first verse, Shyne paints a vivid picture of the struggles and dangers that come with a life of crime. He talks about the necessity of making money, the distrust of lawyers, and the constant threat of violence. The line 'I'm living to die' encapsulates the fatalistic mindset that often accompanies such a lifestyle. Shyne's lyrics are not just a recounting of events but a commentary on the systemic issues that lead individuals down this path. The chorus, with its repeated plea for angels to walk with him, underscores the precariousness of his existence and the desire for some form of divine protection.

The second verse delves deeper into the mechanics of the drug trade and the societal failures that push young men into this life. Shyne criticizes the education system and highlights how drug dealers became his teachers, imparting lessons in 'simple math' that were more about survival than academics. His assertion that 'hip hop ain't responsible for violence in America; America is responsible for violence in America' is a powerful indictment of the broader societal issues that contribute to the cycle of violence and crime.

In the final verse, Shyne's tone becomes even more confrontational and defiant. He recounts his upbringing in Brooklyn, likening it to a war zone, and describes the brutal measures he had to take to survive. The imagery of 'burying niggas in walls' and 'ripping faces off' is stark and unsettling, emphasizing the extreme lengths to which he had to go. The song closes with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the themes of survival, ambition, and the ever-present danger that defines his world.