Ladies and Gentlemen
As you know we have something special for you
At Birdland this evening
A recording for Blue Note Records
Yeah, yeah, yeah - what's that? Diddi-diddi bop
Funky funky - yeah yeah - diddi-diddi bop
How 'bout a big hand now?
Wait, wait a minute
Groovy groovy
Jazzy funky pounce bounce dance
As we dip in the melodic sea
The rhythm keeps flowin, it drips to MC
Sweet sugar pop, sugar pop rocks it pops ya
Dont stop till the sweet beat drops
I show and prove as a stick in move
Hear the poems recited on top of the groove
Smooth, mind, floating like a butterfly
Notes start to float, suttle like a lullabye
Brace yourself as the beat hits ya
Dip trip, flip fantasia
Yeah, yeah, yeah - what's that? Diddi-diddi bop
Funky funky - yeah yeah - diddi-diddi bop
Feel the beat, drop, jazz and hip hop
Drippin in the dome and mix is on the lock
Funk and fusion, a fly illusion
Keeps ya coastin on the river we cruisin
Up down round and round, round the found
But nevertheless ya gots to get down
Finesse the freak, thru the beat so unique
Ya move your feet, the sweat from the heat
Back to the fact I'm the mack and I know that
The way I kick the rhymes, some would call me a poet
Funky flowin goin on with the sweet sound
Caught in the groove in Fantasia I'm found
Trip the tour upon the rhymes they soar
To an infinite height to the realm of the hardcore
Here we go off I take ya
Dip trip - flip fantasia
Jump to the jam, boogy woogy jam slam
Bust the dialect I'm the man in command
Come flow with the sounds of the mighty mic masta
When I rhyme on the mic I bring a sucka disasta
Beaucoup bucks and I still rock Nike
With the razzle dazzle star I might be
Scribble scrabble on the microphone I babble
As I flip the funky words, into a puzzle
Yes yes yes, on and on as I flex
Get with the flow words manifest
Feel the vibe from here to Asia
Dip trip - flip fantasia
C'mon get me more of that funky horn
I've found it - at last - put it on
Yeah, yeah, yeah - what's that? Diddi-diddi bop
Funky funky - yeah yeah - diddi-diddi bop ....
[chorus:]
You can't hold me down
Don't wanna be pushed around
Why ya'll wanna stress me for?
Can't a young man have fun anymore?
Been to more places than you ever saw
Why you always wanna keep me poor?
Can't my world be cooler than yours?
Keep a smoke inbetween my jaws
Or is it your job to point out my flaws?
Just because you got your mind on pause
Cause I ain't got no time tonight
For all the things that just ain't right
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Tonight it just won't be the same
[chorus x2]
Why you always wanna try and stop me?
I don't think you can really top me
Can't my car be quicker than yours?
Or is it my job to always wipe floors
Don't blame me for the way I live
My work is done, it's time to give
I don't think you should get all mad
Just because I wanna groove so bad
Cause I ain't got no time tonight
For all the things that just ain't right
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Tonight it just won't be the same
Why you always look at me so wrong
Just because I wear my hair so long?
Can't my world be bigger than yours?
Or is it my job to always wipe floors
Can't me talk be smoother than yours
Why you always wanna shut your doors?
Cause I ain't got no time tonight
For all the things that just ain't right
Like traffic lights and crowded trains
Now I got soul & I got goals & I got fans
Got plans for takin my team to the top and
Stands of people watch me when I kick this
My style's so fly you could call it a discus
My skills are easy to see so don't try to heckle me like a chimpanzee
I get paid to play and I'm good at my work
So let's go toe to toe 'cos I'm claiming the turf
Cos this is my craft don't step on my team yo
Cos I'm a start kicking it like Ronaldinho
And get down to business and logistics
Here's a hot beat check it out just kick it
Kick this!
It seems every time I turn around I'm on the ground
Why's everybody kicking me when I'm down?
You can help me land but won't give me a hand
Said it's against the rules, cool I understand
He wants me to roll as long as he's in control
But when he's not he wants to stop me from reaching my goal
Even your soul/sole is hard and cold but I get it
And any minute you're gonna be wanting to kick it
In this game I run to the rhythm and kick this
For you to intercept and as quick as a misfit
I'm gone without a trace got places to go to
A new mic to rock and a record to flow to
So let me sum it all up like this
When I got goals to reach my team don't miss
My crew is coming and you know I come with it
You better step it up homeboy just kick it
Kick this!
Now we refuse to lose and we make our own rules
Cos my crew's like the popular kids at school
So you think you're cool and you like our team
And to kick it with us is your life long dream
Well we're the in-crowd no scrubs allowed
Don't cry foul, you're running with the big boys now
Just like running the halls or playing the wall
When they come you either run or you're taking a fall
But not us because we're shaking and faking them all
My crew's on the ball we don't break down or stall
And ain't afraid to brawl, all for one, one for all
Ladies and Gentlemen, as you know we have something special for you at
Birdland this evening.
A recording for Blue Note Records
What's that? yeah yeah yeah
funky funky, how bout a big hand now?
wait, wait a minute
Groovy groovy jazzy funky pounce bounce dance as we
Dip in the melodic sea, the rhythm keeps flowin, it drips to MC
Sweet sugar pop sugar pop rocks it pops ya dont stop
Till the sweet beat drops
I show and prove as a stick in move
Hear the poems recited on top of the groove
Smooth, mind, floating like a butterfly
Notes start to float, suttle like a lullabye
Brace yourself as the beat hits ya
Dip trip, flip fantasia
(ah, ah, ah, what's that? biggity biggity bop)
Feel the beat drop, jazz and hip hop
Drippin in the dome, ?mix is on the lock
Funk and fusion, a fly illusion
Keeps ya coastin on the river we cruisin
Up down round and round, ?round the found
But nevertheless ya gots to get down
Finesse the freak thru the beat so unique
Ya move your feet, the sweat from the heat
Back to the fact I'm the mack and I know that
The way I kick the rhymes, some would call me a poet
Funky flowin goin on with the sweet sound
Caught in the groove in Fantasia I'm found
Trip the tour upon the rhymes they soar
To an infinite height to the realm of the hardcore
Here we go off I take ya
Dip trip flip fantasia
Jump to the jam boogy woogy jam slam
Bust the dialect im the man in command
Come flow with the sounds of the mighty mic masta
When I rhyme on the mic I bring a sucka disasta
Beaucoup bucks and I still rock Nike
With the razzle dazzle star I might be
Scribble scrabble on the microphone I babble
As I flip the funky words, into a puzzle
Yes yes yes, on and on as I flex
Get with the flow words manifest
Feel the vibe from here to Asia
Greetings I come from Earth
I come from a world of love and hate
Where escape was a twist of fate
Where death was food for the living
Where giving was the gift unheard
I come from a world of bridges that divided
And where rivers were just streams where chemicals hided
I come from a world where skies were stools for pollution
And jails were the only solution
A world where the contribution is murder
And youth is the voice unheard
I come from a world of kings and presidents
Where no evidence is the truth control
Freedom of soul
Cold as the days turn old
I come from a world no more
I come from a world of rich and poor, fat and famished
Where children starve as others carve in a holiday meal
I come from a place where toys like guns and knives
Are gifts to a child's heart
A place where they taught you to believe in Santa Claus
But never taught you to believe in yourself
I love you self
I come from a world of order and disorder
Where crossing borders meant shot on sight
Where safety was night from a gunman's sight
I came to shed light
Couldn't we all get along?
I come from a world, I come from a world no more
I come from a world where millions marched
And sang songs to a different drummer for 200 summers
A world of poverty and majority
One line for minority and last priority
Secret sororities and membership only
Where elders die lonely
I come from a world where walls were torn while graves were
formed
Global warming was the warning that the last days were near
But no-one could hear in their ignorance
Only what you wear
Poisons coloured your hair and put holes in the atmosphere
Ozone layer
I don't wanna be a player no more
Where all you worried about was the score
Hey yo check it out I got a hype rhyme for ya
That I'll rock from London England to the boondocks of
Georgia
Intelligent, benevolent, super, all the qualities of H-
I-C the alley-ooper
My main man and me we've been cool since day one
Scoopin' all the fly girls, havin' all the fun
Sport the dope threads and the hundred dollar kicks
Makin' power moves so get off my
Nah I won't say it, cos it's crystal, it's clear
I get the job done each and every year
Back in school I used to act the fool
But I rocked an A average so everything's cool
Tool, my pencil, the mic's my utensil
I wreck the mic check and you can write that in stencil
So you wonder why I made it and your shit is goin'
wrong
Hey yo troop, I got it goin' on!
I'm like a mad man when I get the mic in my hand
I run loose at the mouth 'cos I really don't give a
damn
I'm on a mission, chasin' a dream
When I hear the beats thump I shake like a fiend
And when the notes are blue I do the do with the Us3
crew
Right in the back log, Geoff and Melle Mel y'all
Chillin' on the track boy, mixin' up the schizmo,
keepin' shit in fit form
They got it goin' on
Patterns in the poems get you open like a spliff
If you take a sniff you might end up like a stiff
'Cos it's funky, a hip-hop junkie is what I am
Straight from Brooklyn with a gun in my hand
I'm just kiddin', or should I say fibbin' or bare faced
lyin'
It doesn't matter, you know what I'm implyin'
And if you still don't know what's goin' on
Yo G I got it goin' on!
Zoom-ga-zoom zoom-ga-zoom-ga-zay
Sit back relax and I'll make your day
Radical concepts that's my choice
Freak it to the music and flow through my voice
So let's face it, it's time to get back to the basics
Sing a simple song that goes on and on and on
I'm climbin' to the top just like King Kong
Dancing in the dark is such a rush to me
Because the way you move my body is a very personal
thing
I'm ecstatic and I have to dance, gotta get onto the
floor
There's nothing left to do but feel the music play
(Bridge)
You make me sparkle and shine, want you all the time
So I can lean into your groove
You got me feelin' this way, want you everyday
'Cause you know you make my body move like
(chorus)
Sugar sugar she she wah wah
Sugar sugar she she wah wah
I just can't sit down when I'm in the mood
I need to feel the high that I get from you
Without you I don't feel whole
And I need for you to take control
So I can get on the floor and move to the music
(bridge) & (chorus)
If you try you can fly through the sky with your feet
on the
ground
No one way to go when you wanna flow
Why do you have to leave and bring me low?
But it's true I love you
Gotta clue about the things you do
I'm in a crazy mixed up world, need to do what I gotta
(chorus)
Come on everybody, come in here and swing
Everybody come on everybody, come in here and swing
Move to a rhythm that's smooth, made to groove
Work that body baby it's a party
Shake it, funky ain't it?
Yeah, the long awaited return of fluent movement-
enhanced music
Ain't nothin' but to do it
Manoeuvre to a sound that's makin' you wanna dance to
Nod ya head, clap ya hands and shake that ass to it
Hit the floor, it's yours, assuming that's what ya came
here
Why play the wall'n'all
The flavour's so raw get in sync with the sound
Come on and get down
(chorus)
Bounce to a piece that got the spot hoppin'
Bottom to top, top to bottom
Form, a bit of a break from the norm
Converge with a melodic surge and get ya groove on
Amplify the vibe supplied on your hi-fi
Level the bass to coincide with the highs then rise
Partake in a rhythm created to elevate you to a point
only we
can take you
Notes arranged, grooves interchange
Engage with flav givin' ya what ya crave
Praise the MC that's lacin' ya party
Maintain, do ya dance and don't hurt nobody
As I see bodies bouncing constantly
Ears consume the bom diggy 'til ya city bound
Get in sync with the sound
Come on and get down
(chorus)
Get loose, feel the groove cruise, on a bassline ooze
Sweat drips as the hips of ladies gyrate and the fellas
crazy
What more could ya ask for in a joint that's packin'
the floor
Plus a rapper type raw
Define the aspect of rhyme orated
Think how long ya waited to get blessed with innovative
style
Providing your motivation
The duration of a jam that sounds so amazing
Cave in get in sync with the sound
Look around and see this world we're in and what is happening
It's hard to believe that what I see, people are accepting
Everybody's got a gun, even the baby has one
He says it's for protection
'Cause he has to walk around
A private war is going down over rights to sell infection
(chorus)
Have you had enough, it's been too much
Have you had enough, it's been too rough
Enough
Enough
As I walked in through the door I saw a baby on the floor
Playing with a needle
'Cause her mother's getting high putting all her hopes aside
Because she can't get even
With a system that's broken and created destruction
Who's gonna take the weight?
Grandma prays to the Lord every single day
But he only helps those who help themselves anyway
(chorus)
These things around the way, we see them everyday
Our hearts are hardened and our minds are numb
From all the violence, where is it coming from?
It's time for us to care about what's going on everywhere
'Cause we only have one future and it's fading mighty fast
At age 13 turned fiend, dreamed nights M.C'ing
Reciting rapper's delight enticed by limelight
Ambitious visions of vinyl 12 inches
Since Yellowman was king Albino
Critiqued my form of speak on breakbeats
Cut on 2 Technics in a basement on 210th street
House jams, parks, block parties, halls and armories
Foremost behind the ropes, you only spoke if you was doped
Then formed crews, some rappers now retired
My desire required more than a quiet name on flyer's
Inspired, remain for delft, vowin' to see the day my records on the shelf
Sold out at HMV and Tower, just how I dreamed
Recall hearin' mom scream "Wake up"
"Stay in school, take up classes, keep your grades up"
But straight up, since my mind's been made up to do this
KCB son, ain't new to this, I'm true to this
Stay true to the game
I'm out to get the fortune and fame
Stay true to the game
I'm out to get the fortune and fame
Time passed yet M.O. remains makin' demos
Though wished behind the windows of a limo
Sippin' champagne, producers kicked game, expected
Label exec's smirked at hard work, tapes rejected
Connected with Eli perfected Mikey D and I wrecked it
Resurrected, marked the return few expected
Picked up in '89, signed but slipped up, charted, bigged up
Come to find royalty time, ain't see a dime
For promo shows, though exposed felt cheap
Kicked out the crib to the streets of Medina, where I'd sleep
Starvin' regardless, persist beyond exist to do this
Sons is clueless done, ain't new to this I'm true to this
Stay true to the game
I'm out to get the fortune and fame
Stay true to the game
I'm out to get the fortune and fame
The script flips, '96 relationships consist of wisdoms
Wishin' I quit, insufficient funds, silver tongues strung on drums
A1 yet still unsung, adapt and overcome the aggravation of years waitin'
And heads fakin', Jax sayin' "Is it worth the frustration?"
It ain't payin' considerably, lacking consistency
Absentee in an industry exceeding M.C's, yet keep strivin' to maintain
Too late in the game to change direction
Sustain flexin' dialect, tongue blessin' sessions
Progress in this profession, knowledge the lesson
Let it be known never forgettin', this ain't no dream
Although, it may seem like at times the mic's grabbed up on
Scenes true indeed, born to succeed, my mind is made up to do this
KCB son, ain't new to this, I'm true to this
Stay true to the game
I'm out to get the fortune and fame
Stay true to the game
out of sight x 3
alright
out of sight x 3
alright
You don't think that I would do what I said that I'd do
You said that you'd be there if I needed you to come through
What's in a word? a word don't matter when it stands on sinking sand
Belief is gone you've done too much harm, others involved don't understand
Get real, you lie, you don't know what honest means
hey hey hey hey, get out!
get out x 8 go!
You don't know what this means
having to set you free, get out!
How did we come to this world that I see myself in?
my trust and love and faith have all been mighty broken
say you do and then you don't and it's all left up to me
keep it going all day long while you're out there playing free
can't take it, gotta go now I'm gonna take care of me
hey hey hey hey, get out!
get out x 8 go!
You don't know what this means
having to set you free, get out!
I thought that we'd be together 'til the world came undone
but that was before I found out where you're coming from
What's in a word? a word don't matter when it stands on sinking sand
Belief is gone you've done too much harm, others involved don't understand
Get real, you lie, you don't know what honest means
hey hey hey hey, get out!
get out x 8, go!
You don't know what this means
what you have done to me
get out!
get out!
Jimmy has the worst marks in his class
Scars over half his body and an arm in a cast
“Oh that’s just a rash it’ll pass” Jimmy would say with
a laugh
But his smile wouldn’t last cos it was only a mask
Hiding a past that was still present
And heaven knows what kind of future he must have
Next day two of his fingers are smashed
He says “don’t even ask”
Now Jimmy was a smart kid, always worked the hardest
So willing to learn
But teacher was a little concerned
Cos when it’s his turn to come to the front and read
He’d plead for someone else to take the lead
And teacher eventually agreed
Jimmy just smiled so relieved
Cos earlier he had a nosebleed and still had a smudge
of blood on his sleeve
But he need not be concerned with that
They’re too busy staring at the burns on the back of
his neck
He had no answer for that one yet
Luckily no-one asked about it
Bell rings, Jimmy grabs his bags and takes off in a
dash, going nowhere fast
But tomorrow he would limp back into class
He’d say “don’t even ask”
Jimmy wears long shirts to hide the hurt
And for a while it worked
But his lies got worse
His smile now a smirk as he tries to search to find the
words to tell the nurse
“Oh I just fell in the dirt”
But she didn’t look amused, more like confused
Cos this excuse he’d already used the last time his
shoulder was bruised
And even then he refused medical attention
And so no-one made mention of his pension for fractured
tendons
They just sent him back to class
With just a pat on the ass and a hall pass
He’s fine now but how long will it last?
What will he say next, car crash, whiplash?
Don’t even ask
Monday started out fine
Mother nature was kind as her sun shined down on all
the kids standing in line
And so the class makes an entrance teacher takes
attendance
Before handing out todays lesson
“Lester” “Here”, “Michelle” “Here”, “Adrian” “Here”
“Troy” “Here”, “Jimmy”… “Jimmy?”
Guess here’s not here
As they stare at his empty chair, no-one’s seen him
anywhere
He wasn’t downstairs, not in the playground
Jimmy just ain’t around
Jimmy was later found in his bath with one of his
wrists slashed
What could have led him down this path?
Why would Jimmy do something so rash?
Can't comprehend, dividends end friendships
Infinite kinships, dismissed amidst dead presidents exist
Poor peeps is pissed, the rich benefit taxes
Passes all access lavish, extracting cabbage from famished rabbits
Crime runnin' rampant attracting active young minds
Habit cash a magnet, magnetizing addicts havin'
And who haven't ends, back-stabbing friends
Women jockin' who got it, no Benz, no yacht kid
Nah, kid pockets get clocked, kid, before ya knock it, uh
Nowadays we're raised to praise it, save it if phrase fits
Unappraised gaze enslaved by crave depraving shit
And yet we livin', sittin' within a world where greed has proceeded
The act of givin' and it's a given
Nowadays it seems like we in the last phase, maybe it's me
Nowadays it seems like we in the last phase, could it be?
Yeah, sisters and brothers, where's the love of one another?
Discovering others of us dumber prejudice
To color, creed and religion
Driven hate within innocent children
Stop the killin', instill goodwill, we all be chillin'
Building, then seal it, surrealist revealing
Since the wheel hit, hearts conceal it
When death hits other men, how many feel it?
Envy alive and rising, hatred has mankind declining
Keep in mind when time ends, if orange as fossil findings
Why then unkind when combined?
Vibin' peacefully is needful, regal or not, people created
Equal ain't no sequel, believe to exist the positive needed
As evil retrieves negative energy and feeds it baby peep it
Nowadays it seems like we in the last phase, maybe it's me
Nowadays it seems like we in the last phase, could it be?
Life ain't twice a lifetime, dice rollin', survivin'
Confined in gunfire, crime thrivin', and babies whining
Narcotics, sirens, entwined aids-related death findings
Eying lab mice with virus, mesmerizing minds of science
Blood pressure rising, unwinding
While sippin' what could be blinding
Genocide's in cog in spots we unlikely to find in
Combined with stress, sublime bottom line forming a hybrid
It's like, kid, you gotta fight it son
Weak lose and strong survive it
As pushers lure without a pause, what you diggin'
Digs in it's claws
Dimes on corners offer draws, the score's uneven
Leavin' me feelin' someone's cheatin'
What we teachin' in schools been used for the wrong reasons
Defeating the purpose
Nowadays it seems like we in the last phase, maybe it's me
My brother, take a rest from what you doin' sit back and listen
Listen to my song about some brothers on a mission
This one kid he never went to school
His teachers thought that he was crazy out acting the fool
But on a real, baby pa had nuff static
He had two little brothers and his mother was a crack addict
Papa bear was never there to give him hope
So one might ask himself how did this young man cope?
He started robbin' just to feed his peoples and that's a fact
Until one day he got caught in the act
Shacked up and jacked up and taken downtown
And to the judge he's just another brother on lockdown
Well this other nigga from the Fort was out to get his
Catchin' crazy wreck on the mic, that's word to Mizz
But until he struck the deal he had to sell the rock
Pack the glock doin' deeds at the end of the block
He had crazy fly robes and his daughter ate well
He never hit the blowpipe it was strictly the sell
These jealous brothers round the way wanted to rock his world
But instead they did the dirty shit and shot his girl
When he found out who did it he went awol
Stepped to the mall, he saw the punks and sprayed them all
But now he's doin' life for the suckers he shot down
And now he's just another brother on lockdown
Fresh outta school my man had it all
A dip crib, a fly girl, he was havin' a ball
But this other punk kid started to use him and abuse him
Slowly takin' all his loot and at the same time confuse him
When the smoke cleared my man lost his crib and his bank
May I ask a question, who'd he have to thank?
Well anyway, now he's on a mission to get his respect
He thinks the only way to get it is to catch his wreck
He saw the bastard in the Village, on Astor Place
My man balled up his fist and laid him to waste
Now he's getting' five years even though he got props now
Hey yo check it out I got a hype rhyme for ya
That I'll rock from London England to the boondocks of Georgia
Intelligent, benevolent, super
All the qualities of H I C the alley-ooper
My main man and me we've been cool since day one
Scoopin' all the fly girls, havin' all the fun
Sport the dope threads and the hundred dollar kicks
Makin' power moves so get off my
Nah I won't say it, cos it's crystal, it's clear
I get the job done each and every year
Back in school I used to act the fool
But I rocked an A average so everything's cool
Tool, my pencil, the mic's my utensil
I wreck the mic check and you can write that in stencil
So you wonder why I made it and your shit is goin' wrong
Hey yo troop, I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
Hey yo, I'm like a mad man when I get the mic in my hand
I run loose at the mouth 'cos I really don't give a damn
I'm on a mission, chasin' a dream
When I hear the beats thump I shake like a fiend
And when the notes are blue I do the do with the Us3 crew
Right in the back log, Geoff and Melle Mel y'all
Chillin' on the track boy, mixin' up the schizmo
Keepin' shit in fit form they got it goin' on
Patterns in the poems get you open like a spliff
If you take a sniff you might end up like a stiff
'Cos it's funky, a hip-hop junkie is what I am
Straight from Brooklyn with a gun in my hand
I'm just kiddin', or should I say fibbin' or bare faced lyin'
It doesn't matter, you know what I'm implyin'
And if you still don't know what's goin' on
Yo G I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
Zoom-ga-zoom, zoom-ga-zoom-ga-zay
Sit back relax and I'll make your day
Radical concepts that's my choice
Freak it to the music and flow through my voice
So let's face it, it's time to get back to the basics
Sing a simple song that goes on and on and on
I'm climbin' to the top just like King Kong
And guess what? I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
I got it goin' on! I got it goin' on!
The drum, the drum, the drum, the drum
The drum is the most important instrument
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's how it is, that's how we do it
Critics and cynics complain that it's a fallacy
Claiming rap music has a lack of musicality
But in reality none of the critics can rap
So they don't know the facts but they're always on the attack see
Rhythm and poetry that's what a rap is
It takes musicality, focus and practice
The rhythm is rapid like the notes of a jazz lick
Or if it's a triplet it slows down like traffic
You might point out that it lacks a melody
But rap can be melodic like Ella or Della Reese
I don't care about your musical pedigrees
'Cos I'm the half breed of a jazz funk legacy
You better be on point when you diss it
'Cos we know the critics of rap are all bigots
So dig it, this is how I kick it and it's beautiful
Don't ever try to tell me that my rap isn't musical
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
The same critics talking trash and dissing rap
Listen to jazz, rhythm and blues and classical gas
Maybe they never studied the past or just don't mind
That jazz wasn't considered a music at one time
They don't want to admit that it might last
A very long time like jazz and it's no fad
Rap tracks continue to pack kiddies knapsacks
So listen to the sax sayin' somethin' and that's that
Now I can rap alone spontaneous like a saxophone solo
Without a chaperon or a stack of poems
I'm deep like a baritone singing in catacombs
Back in the days I used to freestyle for accolades
What other musical genre besides rap
Crafts lyric gems just as rhythmic as hi-hats
What other music improvises up wisecracks
To make the crowd happily clap and why is that?
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
See I grew up in Philly listening to the Roots
And Black Thought taught me the rules of this rap sport
And now I'm hip-hoppin' on planes taking it worldwide
To make the fellas clap and the beautiful girls sigh
And every now and then critics emerge
Telling me rap's not a music and I think it's absurd
'Cos I transcribe the rhythms and I know that I'm right
And I show and prove my theory when I'm holding the mic
I know you might not respect what I do
But at least hear me out when I'm stepping to you
'Cos I'm not your average cat waving a gat
When I rap I freestyle while I'm taking a nap
Making them clap to the music as I travel the globe
A representative with my pen
I give a sensitive consideration to my sentences that's the concept
Take it to the hook let me put it in context
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
That's how it is, that's how we do it
That's why I love this hip hop music
That's how it is, that's how we do it
Live from the New York underground but I’m now London-
bound
I come to town to light up the mic once the flight
touches down
But it’s not just me it’s Us3 so it must be funky trust
Fingers still dusty from digging in the crates for jazz
breaks
Master tapes or acetates
Low fi so I use a high sample rate to compensate
Pure bass not from concentrate
Now you wanna taste so you salivate
Just grab a plate and dig in
We’re dishing food for thought from the soul kitchen
No chicken but the drumsticks are hitting the spot
Gotcha licking your chops
Don’t bite cos it’s sizzling hot
See we’re mixing a pot of gumbo
Funk, soul, with some hip hop and a little drop of jazz
on top
Just add some rock some be-bop ah scooby doo
Guess what Europe, we love you too
And it’s just for you
Come on every 1
Who you’re listening 2
Us3 the crew
Playing just 4 you
Way down in the concrete jungle of Harlem
There was a young man on the road to stardom
He had many raps and it wasn’t a problem
To rock shows in winter, spring, summer and autumn
Now I don’t like dissing people like most do
I’d rather speak freely on the struggles we go through
So listen up close if you see me approach you
And just pay attention cos you know you’re supposed to
Too many people in this world are jobless
Or work long hours even though they’re impoverished
I’m not preaching I’m just trying to be honest
Cos it’s not for me to treat people like objects
Forget opinions let’s get to the facts
I’m trying to end world poverty like Jeffrey Sachs
So don’t try to tell me to relax
When we base our education on a property tax
Come on every 1
Who you’re listening 2
Us3 the crew
Playing just 4 you
Now keep in mind you’ll find this time it’s a live band
No hype man all I need on stage is a mic stand
And Wiseguy by my side, but now it’s Akil
And DJ First Rate on the wheels of steel
Cutting scratching but Gaston’s what’s happening
Just rapping for you cos you’re the main attraction
Time for me to punch in like Action Jackson
Crafting raps with a passion like I’m Gaston
But it’s Akil D and I know that you feel me
The real G’s chill on my block on 115th street
I rock beats for the people that cops beat
Now this is the story of a sensitive nice guy
Who met a young woman even though he was quite shy
She had pretty eyes and original style
And a cute little face with a beautiful smile
They met up and had chicken tandoori
Walked around town til they both got horny
Went back to her place had a few drinks
And made love for three straight days I think, but
anyway
She was happy he was happy as well
And they both felt the feeling that nobody can help
It was love and it was beautiful for all that it was
Had em both on a buzz like taking a drug
So they decided that this was great
They both became close and they found a place
He bought the bed she bought the plates
And they both lived together and they shared the space,
Was it love?
What is love?
Well okay, everything was going as planned
She cooked an egg, he’d wash the pan
They made love like freaks for weeks
And told each other secrets while under the sheets
She was glad that he told the truth
Cos her last boyfriend was a nincompoop
And he loved how she always kept it real
She was his best friend but with sex appeal
Anyway a year later things were cool
He worked a job she went to school
But one day while walking to class
She met a grad student who was studying maths
She couldn’t help but find him cute
He had ambition and a three-piece suit
She looked up his email and played it mute
Because her boyfriend at home couldn’t handle the
truth, but
Was it love?
What is love?
A month later she feels suffocated
She just graduated and she just can’t take it
She’s already going out on dates
Telling him that she’s staying at her girlfriends place
But Mr math grad student’s a joke
He’s all about drinking and sniffing up coke
She doesn’t want her loyal boyfriend to jet
But she still doesn’t want to settle down quite yet
But then her boyfriend sees the light
And he goes with all the fly women he likes
She gets jealous but it’s too late
Cos every day of the week he’s got a new date
And both lovers are now distressed
Cos they get so jealous when the other has sex
They want to find happiness but it’s complex
Can you hear me now?
Can you feel me now?
She's a freak in NYC, hanging in the VIP
And you know she's trying to sleep with MVPs
To get into the biz but lemme tell you
I feel nice when I sip some water with some ice
So if you wanna hold me tonight
You don't have to ask me for the price
Can you hear me now?
Can you feel me now?
Getting in a club isn't hard to do
I can rock for the block party barbecue
I'm not another freak in the VIP
Trying to get free drinks with my tits
I'm unimpressed by material excess
So gimme the microphone and let your stereo check this
You wanna dance? Get on your feet
All I need is a band and I get on the beat
I feel fine watching you all waiting on the line
I don't need your fancy wine
To show that I know about life
Can you hear me now?
Can you feel me now?
Big willying in the VIP
I got a big willy, watch but it still ain't free
I got a really big whip for my PYT
But then it ran outta gas so it's bye, ha
I wanna floss like Biggie and party 'til I die
I won't stop 'til I drop, I'm a pig
You DIG the rhythm that I bit, what?
You wanna ask me to see ID? No
There goes the bartenders tip, bro
You don't know me, I'm a VIP
I just wanna big piece of the pie
Psyche, I get down cause I'm digging the sound
I wiggle around and rock to the rhythm
I found a way to move the crowd and it sounds divine
My nouns combine in ways to astound your mind
I got no time to fake, no cake to waste
Don't hate the way that I make breaks relate to words
And it seems absurd but still makes sense
I got much more to say and it's really intense
So yo, get ready to get up, get ready to listen
'Cause I just delivered a rhythm for your criticism
Yeah, I can't change who's saying my name
But player haters can't hate it
I ain't playing a game, what?
Can you hear me now?
Now I got soul & I got goals & I got fans
Got plans for takin my team to the top and
Stands of people watch me when I kick this
My style's so fly you could call it a discus
My skills are easy to see so don't try to heckle me like a chimpanzee
I get paid to play and I'm good at my work
So let's go toe to toe 'cos I'm claiming the turf
Cos this is my craft don't step on my team yo
Cos I'm a start kicking it like Ronaldinho
And get down to business and logistics
Here's a hot beat check it out just kick it
Kick this!
It seems every time I turn around I'm on the ground
Why's everybody kicking me when I'm down?
You can help me land but won't give me a hand
Said it's against the rules, cool I understand
He wants me to roll as long as he's in control
But when he's not he wants to stop me from reaching my goal
Even your soul/sole is hard and cold but I get it
And any minute you're gonna be wanting to kick it
In this game I run to the rhythm and kick this
For you to intercept and as quick as a misfit
I'm gone without a trace got places to go to
A new mic to rock and a record to flow to
So let me sum it all up like this
When I got goals to reach my team don't miss
My crew is coming and you know I come with it
You better step it up homeboy just kick it
Kick this!
Now we refuse to lose and we make our own rules
Cos my crew's like the popular kids at school
So you think you're cool and you like our team
And to kick it with us is your life long dream
Well we're the in-crowd no scrubs allowed
Don't cry foul, you're running with the big boys now
Just like running the halls or playing the wall
When they come you either run or you're taking a fall
But not us because we're shaking and faking them all
My crew's on the ball we don't break down or stall
And ain't afraid to brawl, all for one, one for all
You shoulda seen her, she shined like a star from afar
Visions of venus silky as she sat at the bar
She had me feenin', I really wanna know who you are
And what's the meaning
Legs like the strings of guitars
She got my body moaning, her body toning like hot sand
My eyes are roaming if only for the moment
But I can't control it, it's like my heart was stolen
And when she looked at me I tried but then I couldn't hold it
"Can I talk to you"
She answered in a sexy motion, "Yes"
Her breath was like a magic potion
She had me floating in her private ocean
She said her name was India and then the door was open
You shoulda seen her, the way she moved her body so right
Like ballerinas
Can't get her outta my sight
In the background the sun melts and drips in the night
The scent of white roses taunting me, I'm acting polite
She got my body moaning, her body toning like hot sand
My eyes are roaming if only for the moment
It's like I can't control it, it's like my heart was stolen
And when she looked at me I tried but then I couldn't hold it
Sippin' on mineral water like the pharaohs daughter
It's like we're worlds apart but now I'm 'bout to cross her
border
She had the kinda face that could intoxicate
Her name was India, to be together was fate
You shoulda seen her, it's like time's slowed in its pace
Hearing a smooth song she came about an inch from my face
Grabbed my arm then we floated in a dance like space
Then she whispered "we can go to your place"
She had my body moaning, her body toning like hot sand
My eyes are roaming if only for the moment
It's like I can't control it, it's like my heart was stolen
And when she looked at me I tried but then I couldn't hold it
She said let's run away, let's burn the night and play
She said she had until the day before she goes away
And while the candlelight burned I held her in my arms
Since before my adolescence remembrance of you commence
Will never forget how you taught a scrub to catch and connect
With pitchin', we'd sit and watch the Mets and Yankees
As bad as I was, can't remember if ya spanked me
While babysittin' this nigga, you became a father figure
Mowed the lawn with ya whenever, bourbon was your liquor
Who'd figure the strongest man I knew could have a bad ticker
And the last time we'd see each other was Christmas '95
Without ever havin' a chance to say goodbye
You left the summer of '96, the 1st of July
Now reside in peace, released from all the pressure and pain
Your grandson proclaim the name, Nelson forever reigns
Grand Groove, king of my crew
Grand Groove, I dedicate this to you
You moved from Queens to Tennessee when in my mid-teens
Later Atlanta, adopted Eileen when she was umpteen
Provided cream for your fam for years, retired
Now I understand what it is to be a man upon this planet
Took for granted the times you'd trip to NY on vacation
Thinkin' you'd be around for ever, probably neglected you
Unconsciously, the thought of me MCing made ya bug
Vividly at times imaging our last hug is bugged
Don't seem to realize you ain't comin' back, a routine check
How, while getting' dressed, did stress give you a heart attack?
Now reside in peace, released from all the pressure and pain
Your grandson proclaim the name, Nelson forever reigns
Grand Groove, king of my crew
Grand Groove, I dedicate this to you
We laughed for hours when you fell from off that bicycle
'Til tears trickled down my face, memories never erased
Laced with wisdom reflect up on my upbringing
Remember, you never missed a day
My school had me singing "Forever in my heart"
Never forget how much I love you
Thinkin' of you I miss the times together where it's better
You now reside in peace, released from all the pressure and pain
Your grandson proclaims the name, Nelson forever reigns
Grand Groove, king of my crew
Grand Groove, I dedicate this to you
Grand Groove, king of my crew
Come here love let me do what I do
I wanna k.i.s.s.y.o.u.
I know how to make you respond
Giving you what I wish when I wave my wand
I’m not afraid of what turns you on
So just take your time let me into your mind
I’m gonna give you a great massage
Make you wanna thank god cos you … so hard
We could talk for a while start forming a bond
Or just get busy, it’s whatever you want
Love I wanna be in your fantasy
I’m a do what you want can you handle me, huh?
I hope not I’d blow my top
Until I hit the spot love just don’t stop
Come here love let me do what I do
I wanna k.i.s.s.y.o.u.
I’m a freak in the sheets but I’m not in the streets
I won’t cease or retreat til you’re reaching your peak
I got technique I’m a sensual male
Keeping in shape and attending my nails
No sharp edges or dirt on my hands
No corny lines when I’m flirting with fans
No drugs needed to get me to jam
No lover that I had can do what I can do
I got moves like Bruce Leroy and I’m a B-Boy
Jewish like Leonard Nimoy but I’m not Spock
Just a nice guy you can trust
Whispering inside your ear trying to get you to blush
I’m a A-plus lover you deserve the best
Let me nibble on the cleft underneath your breast
Let me press my flesh up against your flesh
So you can feel my heart flutter inside my chest
It’s like…
Come here love let me do what I do
I wanna k.i.s.s.y.o.u.
I wanna have mind sex in the physical form
Can you move your body to the rhythm I’m on
This isn’t a porn picture but it’s making you warm
You wanna snuggle up to me while I’m singing my song
Love you’re gorgeous perfectly flawless
In my minds eye I’m painting your portrait
All the nice guys wanna visit the florist
You make little men grow big and enormous
So let’s see how can I please you?
You’re smelling so sweet any fella could eat you
You don’t need to worry cos I’m on the case
I know you'll never know the feelin' that I'm feelin'
A black Jew trying to break through the glass ceilin'
Light-skinned rapper with a lot of ambition
Making black music for the people that'll listen
Isn't it a novelty, an anomaly
You paid for a ticket, you can listen to the oddity's virtuosity
When I'm rocking the mic
My pocket's are light but still I'm provocative, right?
Hey, don't try to tell me that my style ain't tight
My rhythm enlightens other rappers and it just ain't right
That I get more drama than the next MC
'Cos I'm not the average rapper up on MTV
So, you wanna put me to the test?
'Let's show the people who's really the best
I don't wanna battle you but if you insist
We can do this without written raps to spit
And just get busy, get busy, get busy
('Cos I don't stop when I rock the spot)
(Because I don't stop when I rock the spot)
Yo, who's to say who's better or worse
And who's got the cleverest verse that's never rehearsed?
Who deserves the prize get ready to work
'Cos you can't win a battle with competitive words
Why does everybody wanna step to me?
You best believe I'm never gonna rest in peace
We got the crowd actin' as the referee
And they clap for whoever is the best MC
But who are they to judge our craft?
Maybe they just clap 'cos you're makin' them laugh
And is that the real test of a dope MC?
What about rhymes and rhythms over this here beat?
Cos I'm ready to get it and set it in motion like the ocean
Into the commotion that's hidden in rhythm and hocus pocus
I'm gone, I got a song, sing it along and you can feel it
The lyrics appear and disappear as if it was a spirit
As I get busy, get busy, get busy
('Cos I won't stop when I rock the spot)
(And I won't stop when I rock the spot)
I don't wanna stop what I'm doin'
I just wanna rock to the music
But we got a lot of confusion
And we're getting lost into music
If I had a wish I would use it
But I've only got an illusion
I can only find what I'm losin'
And I'm getting lost into music
Listen to all these thoughts and concepts
I speak the truth but the truth's too complex
For you to grasp and I can't explain it
I'm just a man even if I'm famous
What does it mean to be respected
When we are not truly perceptive
Live for today and gone tomorrow
Choose the direction you can follow
And get busy, get busy, get busy
(Because I won't stop when I rock the spot)
(And I won't stop when I rock the spot)
'Cos I don't stop when I rock the spot
Because I don't stop when I rock the spot
'Cos I won't stop when I rock the spot
And I won't stop when I rock the spot
Friends, countrymen, fellow Americans
I just came back from overseas
And they’re carrying on about how we don’t go out not
travelling
They doubt we even leave the house
I’m not mad at them
Cos for real there’s still some places we haven’t been
In fact I’m in the airport now, I’m going back again
Time’s a wasting and I’m impatient
I ain’t waiting, I’ve been put in for vacation
Ain’t saying no more man I’m going to pack
And when I hit the road I don’t know how to act
And if I like it I ain’t going back
We’re going round the globe
When will it stop, no-one knows
We’re going round the globe
Round and round it goes
Now it’s noble to act global, but not staying local
Sorry not me, too many places to go to
Like Istanbul, not Constantinople
Can’t I show you the world
Get out man why don’t you
Hopefully if you won’t go with me
You’ll still want to see the world beyond TV
Well I got my passport I’m ready to blast off
I asked for the same seat I had on the last tour
Ain’t taking no bags just the clothes on my back
And when I’m on the road I don’t know how to act
And if I like it I ain’t going back
We’re going round the globe
When will it stop, no-one knows
We’re going round the globe
Round and round it goes
Now I don’t care if it’s long or if it’s a short visit
Just come, countries look more different when you’re in
I’m going back to NY when the tour finishes
When I’m bored with it I’m back in a New York minute
Forget it stay stateside
I’m into the great wide open on the next thing smokin’
Took a train ride up to JFK
I just called to say bye
The place I’m going, wherever this plane flies
Ain’t taking no bag just my coat and my hat
And when I’m on the road I don’t know how to act
Hey yo kid bust this, it's time to drop the flavour
I'm fly as can be, I'm rhymin' on my good behaviour
From New York City kickin' dope rhymes that you savour
Take it from the top, I cut MCs just like a razor
It's time to kick 'cos I always do the trick
The shit that you always poppin' all amount to a flick
Stick nigga's up with the hype rhyme filled with ammo
Blast from the past bullets passin' through your abdomen
Rin tin tin I troop in on the bins
My friends is down in the dumps 'cos I cashed in on the wins
Hens and chickens layin' low, sucker nigga's don't know
That I can kick the mad ballistics plus I'm wreckin' every show
Sew it up, ya got static?
'Cos I'm better than the next chump so don't panic
'Cos I'm a wet you with my skills, still chill, got the crispy
bills
'Cos it's like that the way it is, get off the dills
And it's like that
You've got to give me props I'm on the way to the top
Stop. I think I just heard a pin drop
'Cos you're stunned by the way I came off my head Ted
Turn the packs to burner and I put heads to bed
Fed up but I'm still just too legit to quit
I sit in my girly's lap while I'm kissin' on her lips
Girls love to lick 'em up and up and down and all around
But only if their sexual history is sound
I'm a brown-skinned medallion, code name mic stallion
Takin' over brothers that are dillyin' and dallyin'
I'm rallyin' like Al Sharpton, militant youth
Booth built for the DJ, hooked up and sound proofed
Seein' is believin' yo believin' is my method
So believe me when I say that it's the party that I'm wreckin'
Sinbad the sailor couldn't take me out
And I hope your ass don't take that route
And it's like that
Steady as I flow I row row row your boat
I got a castle in Brackerlack with sharks in my moat
So use the drawbridge and pave way while I say
Hi-C and Rahsaan are down until the break of day
And like he man I have the power
I like my chicken from the china man but make it sweet and sour
Devour all other wack MCs
And when I windsurf nature gives me a breeze
'Cos it's a new jack kickin' rhymes like Jackie Chan
I got a year round tan, 'cos I'm a brother man
I'm travellin' in style I gotta pass the first class
'Cos it's time to give rappin' some pizzazz
So the B-boys from Brooklyn breakin' bones for the bucks
I never ever sell out but I still own a tux
Huh, I make short work of your crew
Hi-C the beast master kick the funky for you
Monkey see monkey do follow this when I cue you
The mic is my wine it helps me cast my voodoo spell
Hell 'cos I'm f-u-n-k-y
Suckers try to flex I say why oh why
'Cos I don't bother nobody, I chill and hardly party
Now and then I might go out, puff a blunt and sip bacardi
But if not I'm in my room pumpin' tunes
Waitin' for the payday, it's coming soon
Brooklyn is my home, better yet my war zone
Why did I say that? 'Cos it's a mutherfuckin' fact
Kids around the way know what's up, they can't front
Kids are getting' smoked up like blunts
All over nonsense brothers die constant
I'm looking for an answer, I can't find it
I think we need a little help, word
Brothers gotta find knowledge of self
I got mad knowledge of self
You gotta get with knowledge of self
Righteous I live, give props to my mom
Pops raised me like a oner never settled for smaller
I am a prince in this land, not 'cos I have a grand
Got knowledge in my dome
In command of my life, never ever live trife
Thanks to my man fifty grand money Spike
Now I'm on my road to riches and bitches
The world of fake hugs and fake ass kisses
Girlies wanna get with me, is it for me or because I MC?
I don't give a damn anyway, hey, skins are skins I stick 'em any
But anyway enough about that
I think it's about time for drip to rip the rap
Let me pause for the cause 'cos the chorus comes first
And with the quickness the verse will disperse, like that
I got mad knowledge of self
You gotta get with knowledge of self
Some brothers think they're it when they really ain't shit
Talkin' 'bout their new car and that their pockets are thick
But c'mon, you don't have a job, I know you're frontin' hard
Borrowed the ride from mom
What's the reason for the teasin', who the hell ya think ya
pleasin'?
You lack self-esteem so you try to front and cream
But that ain't workin' 'cos I'm smirkin' thinkin' how you're
such a fool
I keep a stern face as you're fakin' moves
"I'm this I'm that I'm hip I'm phat"
Know what you are? Wick wick wack!
A brother with no colour 'cos all I see is grey
If you knew who you were this road you would not play
Around the way I must stay with my people
Chill at some clubs, though that was lethal
Now I got my mental health, word
The virtuoso untold impresario of sound
Composed from within enclosed now unfolds
Toes tap as a reaction, adapting to pattern of rhythm
Diggin' what the soul brother givin' 'em
Let your mind connect to the injection in your ears
The architects flex on his set skills of inner depth with no slack
Observe a brother's essence who in fact been in existence before rap
The soul brother for years officially instilling original
Fulfillin' rhythmical joints to listen to
Non individual abettor assisting whomsoever
Clever, wack this brother? Never
Bodies sway when he plays, since the days of way back
Still today he'll lay tracks that's fat when weighed in, chill
Soul brother on this number
Give 'em a taste, hit 'em and lace 'em with the rhythm
(Soul brother's on the scene)
Soul brother, we combine a rocket for your mind
One time, a true mastermind
(Soul brother's on the scene)
The soul brother, one of a kind, no other
Genuine, out of line, keepin' the rhythm on time
Soul brother, no other keeps you movin'
Groovin' to a tune there ain't a sound more soothin'
Oozin' over vibin' he's supplyin', find him chart climbing
Proving two men who ain't losin' the game
Instead sustain, endeavour, whenever we're together
Soul flows till tunes close sever
Recognize the steel as concealed thoughts unveil
Then reveal what you feel from within, peel
KCB is who this, new to this is ludicrous
I'm true to this game, insane
Who is the brother of soul, solely?
No, in reality many be being, though no one and only
Bodies sway when he plays, since the days of way back still
Today he'll lay tracks that's fat when weighed in, chill
Soul brother on this number
Give 'em a taste, hit 'em and lace 'em with the rhythm
(Soul brother's on the scene)
Soul brother, we combine a rocket for your mind
One time, a true mastermind
(Soul brother's on the scene)
The soul brother, one of a kind, no other
Genuine, out of line, keepin' the rhythm on time
The innovator, creator of audio gold
Kept on your toes by what he has composed
Talent exposed, technics co-ordinated with precision
Catering to whatever flavor you're listenin' to
Bodies sway since the days of way back still
Today he'll lay tracks that's fat when weighed in, chill
Soul brother on this number
Give 'em a taste, hit 'em and lace 'em with the rhythm
(Soul brother's on the scene)
Soul brother, we combine a rocket for your mind
One time, a true mastermind
(Soul brother's on the scene)
The soul brother, one of a kind, no other
Genuine, out of line, keepin' the rhythm on time
A lie is a falsehood Everybody knows it
We've come to a crossroads 'Cause I realise that
Things aren't what they seem And I see a pattern
Of people and their dreams Regularly shattered
We trust in our nation That's where we are living
To allow our elevation Do more than surviving
No-one asks the question When we need the answer
Are we in the right direction We don't think it matters
We wonder why we're in the situation that we're in
The real truth is we're not paying attention
(chorus)
We're freely marching on to exploitation
We're blindly moving toward extermination
Because every lie we hear has a justification
And the truth we deny is public relations
You think you have freedom That's what they all say
But your mind doesn't function Over medicated
Because of depression Too much information
And you have no direction Just don't pay attention
There's so much pollution Some kinda radiation
Which leads to destruction Everything is wasting
But political action Everybody rising
Is deemed a distraction Well well well well
We wonder what is happening, and how we got into this situation
We're not paying attention
(chorus)
You say we need discussion About all our problems
Then we need protection From those who cause them
We should be talking preservation For our children
Which leads to evolution Higher higher!
There can't be hesitation If we want the real truth
And no more reservations And you know that means you
What we need as a nation People come together
Is a spirit of revolution Around the world
We don't have to believe the words that they spin
I never thought the streets that I loved would turn to hate me
Same nights that gave me a life would try and take me
Same streets I played on they'd have me lay on
The next morn same spot kids play on
Tomorrow never comes again
One night remember it well
I saw a war becoming fahrenheit, hotter than hell
Blaze the street with potentials, no longer we speak
The next 40 days ways we no longer stay weak
Thinking of dark nights moonlight and games that we played
'Til the guns came, and then the nuns came
And took my youth away
Never been the same (since) that day
But I always had to walk that way
Nobody knows what I coulda been, or if they saw me again
Just because of the violence of men
It's like I'm living in the last days, pushing me in
When I'm walking down the street's dead end
Blame it on the night time
City streets I can't sleep
Blame it on the concrete slabs my Tims eat
The murderous glow
Thoughts you never know when it could happen
Hoping streets would blink and let go, but gun clapping
Surround me like the stratus
I fear from all the madness
For now until my heart beats slow
Another shadow lying another lost child crying
Generations frozen in tears and half dying
But all giving
I thought I saw your light shine, was it the moonlight
Felt you when I wrote the last line
Give me the strength to show the next one, make 'em all yours
Next time I wanna spark put the flame on pause
Poverty you got me
Unemployment, yo he shot me
Stress, put me on ice and played hockey
Like I'm living in the last days, pushing me in
When I'm walking down the street's dead end
I dreamed of being the fastest
Your favourite son, make you proud of me
The streets so hard they won
Used to leave the school books just to run with the crooks
Was it the fancy cars that made me drive around with that look
Every night like the 31st of October
Couldn't stand to face reality and not be sober
Had a child dream to one day take the world over
Until I laid in the battle like a fallen soldier
So many pitfalls, you never know what life might bring
Have you trapped inside a world of material things
Outta every corner, a light ready to strike
I soared above the consciousness and landed in flight
Thinking of dark nights moonlight and games that we played
Like graffiti on society, mistakes that I made
Like I'm living in the last days, pushing me in
Well it's me Hi-C and I'm about to wreck shop
I do damage when I rhyme so yo gimme nuff props
I go to work, I'm goin' beserk to dope beats
With strictly fly gear 'cos my style's unique
I'm trespassin'. All the girls heads that I'm gassin'
Fill her up son you'll get tipped for a job well done
I'm havin' fun, smooth sounds caress your eardrum
Flow 'cos I know mad styles and then some
Went to military school just like that movie Tap
So tip toe tap to my rap
Okay I know I'm bugged on the mic but I do what I like
Aye aye, I go pop just for you
I stay true to my people, where you at, where you at?
Let me hear ya say ho!
Yo that was crazy fat, bap-de-do-bap
Jazzy with the freaky words 'cos I'm toked up on a spliff
I have to say it felt great when I stepped to the plate
And I hit that home run just like a hall of fame great
I cast a spell like Merlin the magician
Brainstorm to the morn so relax and listen
I'm from Brooklyn fool so get the funk outta my face
Place all your bets on me 'cos I'm winnin' this race
I'm on top yes indeedy I took first prize
Do I see green with envy written 'cross your eyes
I hope not, 'cos this dope track's a sure shot
Us3 got my back and I pack a fat block
Nineteen I burst on the scene right quick
I'm out to make records and mad flicks
I'm slip slip slidin', I'm dip dip divin'
'Cos it's live in full effect and still it keeps climbin'
I'm a legend on the microphone, weak beat slayer
Bufferin' the talent all, I got you poppin' bayer
Step in to this boy you haven't got a prayer
I'm kickin' mad ballistics with the old school flavour
I love fly ladies and I love mad loot
They say love's gonna get ya but I don't give a hoot
'Cos it's time to get mine as I bust a fat rhyme
And like my man Dion says, these nigga's call me prime time
Fly the friendly skies I rise higher than the sun
I say peace to Zeke Love, my man who's getting' the job done
I'm a b-boy who don't play, comin' straight from the head
I strictly smoke the hay I stay away from the yea-o
And I'm out like shout I hope you like it a lot
(chorus)
Get it together
Get it together
Gotta get it together
Get it together
Gotta get it together
Gotta get it together
Wake up in the morning, get my head on straight
It's gonna take a minute so I guess you'll have to wait
For this story-telling, city-dwelling sister to prepare
Need to fix my face, gotta comb my hair
Back-packed, head-wrapped
'Cos it's a cold cold world out there
If shit ain't together ain't nobody gonna care
Know your mama told you that this life ain't fair
But it's in your hands, your destiny is your plan
Get it together
'Cos in the city life is faster
Master your own destiny or meet disaster
You gotta have your head on straight, brothers are slicker
Influenced by bright lights, drugs, women and liquor
(chorus)
'Cos these streets ain't easy
And the shit that we see
Makes it hard to have faith and be strong and hold on
Keep hope and one day
Change is gonna come
There's so much so bad, so many that never had
Survival of the fittest
Keeping up with the quickest is the name of the game
You're a winner or a loser
A giver or a user and ain't it a shame
We got to be all we can be
And it's in our hands our destiny is our plan
Get it together
'Cos in the city life is faster
Master your own destiny or meet disaster
You gotta have your head on straight, brothers are slicker
Influenced by bright lights, drugs, women and liquor
(chorus)
People people can't you see
It's got to stop with you and me
It's hard enough, it's got to stop
So much more I gotta reach for
It's in our hands, make it our plans
Because di riddim it cool, riddim it nice, riddim it sweet, riddim in check
'Cos some a dem a big up dem mout'
But dem know how fi check
'Cos mi cooler dan dem, cooler dan ice, cooler dan di north pole
'Cos dem want fi go test di rude bwoy but dem just can't do it
Whole heep dem want fi tackle and want fi impress
But you know say di artikal rude bwoy comin' live and direct
Because some a dem a big, some a dem small, some a dem kinda sweet
Nowadays girls dem just look how di Tukka eat
'Cos dem want see mi nice, want see mi sweet, want see mi now and everywhere
'Cos mi sit pon top a di riddim and just don't care
Because dem want see mi test, want see mi dis, want see mi now and like a dat
Because you know say di Tukka Yoot mi just a bubble pon di spot
Because you know say mi nice, know say mi sweet, know say mi better dan di rest
Who know see di Tukka Yoot, come catch him live and direct
Know mi all over town, know me six foot two, and mi come in a dance, you know mi do it for you
Cooler, cooler dan ice
Nicer, nicer dan breeze
Ready fi di nice up any dance because you know mi do wid ease
Follow mi now one, follow mi now
Follow mi now two, follow me
And three and four
'Cos you know say di Tukka Yoot mi come fi knock pon your door
But enuff a girls nowadays dem just like how mi chat
'Cos a riddim and blues, riddim and blues
Now and then I feel as though I wanna escape the real
And take a trip to the heavens to a world surreal
But I don't do drugs so the yea is out
Instead I use my mind power to move my spirits about
I might write my girl a poem showin' her how I love thee
Or just write myself a rhyme about why I'm so funky
This is how I escape the ignorance and hate being cooked up in
this planet
About to disintegrate
I'm cruisin', cruisin' in the beat y'all
I cover my head as the media shower, I glance at my watch to
check the hour
And it's half past a moonbeam, gleamin' as I daydream
I'm feelin' for the beat to make my mood complete
And when I got it I'm gone, gone in the rhythm
Kickin' the slang with the knowledge and wisdom
I may speak a scribbly doodle but I keep on track
'Cos if I didn't yo you wouldn't be sweatin' it
I'm cruisin', cruisin' in the beat y'all
One to the two to the three to the four to the five
It's rardy-ardy-ar and I'm kickin' it live
On an ever present journey through the depths of time
I skip from beat to beat in the form of a rhyme
My vocal techniques are unique to my band
I'm a butterfly MC, smooth with much style G
My tongue-like quivers when I deliver the funk flow
The verbs expand with a ghettolistic glow
No money in my pocket and no place to go
Sittin' on this park bench just watching the show
The sun is hanging out with his friend the sky
I ain't got no job but I'm still getting by
You'd think that I'd have nothing to do
But the world's a better television than you knew
It's a never ending tale filled with cartoon characters that are
real
And it's all right here
(Chorus)
Sittin' on my park bench just watching to see
What the world would come up with today for me
Will it be laughter or tears, or something that will make me
swear
That I've been there
Ooh there's that woman again
She looks like she has lived five hundred lives
People try not to stare and make themselves aware
Of her world that has no walls to shelter her body and her mind
As it goes kicking and screaming into another realm
Filled with thunderstorms of unreality
Never knowing if she's four or seventeen
Horrifying scene
Hope it's not me
(chorus)
I like children
But their parents look like they've got a lot of tension
Is it the mortgage or is it bills, has he lost his job, is she
taking pills?
I guess life will do with you as it will
Maybe if you just dropped out of society there would be less
insanity
I don't need to dine by candlelight
Wine or Barry White to set the mood off right
All I need is you tonight
You're an afternoon delight
You whet my appetite so let me have a bite
The sex is outta sight
You know just how I like it
And didn't have to be told
We go to bed but we don't get much sleep though
Eyes can't keep closed, my own private peep show
She knows how to stroke more than my ego
You're a torpedo heading straight for my libido
Hitting below the belt, what a deep blow she dealt
We both just melt in the heat of passion
I see it happen over and over in my head it's like a
re-enactment
Of my wildest dreams
It's like a scene from a movie screen
Erotic beauty queen
It don't take much to get me in the mood
All you have to do is walk in the room
You're a natural afrodisiac
Damn I never felt like that before
I just left and now I'm at your door back for more
I'm not asking for a lot just all you've got
First time I saw you my jaw just dropped cause you're
so hot
Close your door; make sure it's locked
Cause your way's unorthodox
When your neighbours called the cops they all just
watched
And I ain't wanna stop
Nothing can keep me back cause she's a natural
afrodisiac our lovemaking's breathtaking
I'm left shaking in front of the bed pacing
Just waiting for the next occasion
I'm usually very patient but now my belly's aching
Butterflies in my stomach, I'm lovesick, you're my
medication
No love potion's this potent
You got me open; I'm hotter than molten lava
That's how ya got my juices flowing
An explosion of emotion, the dam's broken
No holding back I'm ready to blow my stack
You're a natural afrodisiac
You're like a book, X-rated
I look through your pages
Almost fainted when I saw you naked
I'm like a boy and you're my favorite toy to play with
A joy you make it to call you lover
Cause you work wonders under the blanket
So let's get physical
I wanna get your whole body under the mistletoe and
kiss it slow
Starting with your toes
Then work my way up your curves til I struck a nerve
I feel like such a perv
That's what you do to me
But don't stop you do it beautifully
I don't know if it's love or lust
But oh what a rush
Just your touch does so much
Even brushing up against me accidentally
Sends me into a frenzy no matter how gently
That's why I never took viagra
Cause all I have to do is look atcha
Come take a trip through the eye of a black man
Lookin' out at life like he really doesn't give a damn
Feel the hate and anger of a punk gang banger
Mad gun slinger, better yet a worthless nigga
See the ills of life for what they are
Feel yourself pitched back from the world real far
Life is grimmer than it ever was
As your blood simmers you feel your brain buzz
People look at you like you're up to somethin'
You look right back like it ain't nuthin'
Ya don't give a fuck, life is a dream
If you die tomorrow then you won't be a fiend for the green any more
'Cos that's what keeps ya tickin'
And that's what keeps ya stickin' if not for that ya might be chillin'
You live in a hell-hole, you wanna get out
But the only thing you're seein' is doubt
On the darkside
As you walk down the street your mind is in a frenzy
You look out at the world like everybody's your enemy
'Cos where you come from a friendly face is a bad sign
That person's even not evil just fuckin' with your mind
So as you walk along you frown your face
Steppin' with the ghetto strut at a rhythmic pace
On a mission to nowhere, yet your walk determined
The devil's got your soul and your heart is burnin'
You couldn't give a damn about another man's life
That's how it is, you're livin' trife
You've seen enough blood spilt to fill up the Hudson
So the "peace dude" shit ain't sayin' nothin'
'Cos you couldn't give a damn if your own mama died
But if you had a child, then you would cry
It's like the 3 9's flipped to the 666
All praise is due to the upside down crucifix
The darkside
A day comes when you see the light
Your thoughts become clear and you're feelin' bright
You're happy like a kid again, it must be a dream
Is it a dream? So real it seems
You're on top of the world and you've reached the other side
Floatin' through the sky on the clouds you ride
You thought you'd escaped but it didn't last
'Cos now you're addicted to the sleepin' gas
Boy I know that where we are is just the place to be
It seems like everything around is gone
It's just you and me
It's time for the show
We can do whatever just feel free
Let's take the time to read each other's minds, it's on
I know that you've been watching me
I can see that it's more than just a crush
I know where you'd like to be
I want you in my arms and feel your touch
I have been waiting for so long
It's now or never before the time is gone
I'll give you everything you need
If you tell me you belong to me
(chorus)
Say you belong to me
Don't you know that I want you for myself?
I know that you're watching me
Don't you know that it's you and no one else?
Say you belong to me
Don't you know that I want you for myself?
Baby don't you be shy with me
Just say you belong to me
Say what?
We're getting close
I can feel the heat under my feet
Take it slow
Whisper in my ear softly
Baby tonight
It's only your voice I wanna hear
I'll make you feel right
As long as you belong to me
(chorus)
Boy you know that I can read your mind
And your attention is so plain to see
But tonight I wanna take my time
I want you to look in my eyes and read
Boy you know that I can take your mind
And turn you into anything I want you to be
But tonight I wanna hear you say it
Say you belong to me
Mi tek off mi land down now in Jamaica
Callaloo, di box juice, and di sensimillia
Givin' thanks and praise to almighty jah jah
Glad fi reach now mi safe, mi have fi seen mi father
Di sun it a beat and mi a get well para
'Cos a many many tings a di Yoot man now I would like to know
Was he fat, was he slim, did he drink or did he smoke?
These are di type a di tings a weh a di Yoot man a want fi know
It's been eleven long years since mi seen mi father
Ay ay mi father
Thank God, bless God, mi a go see mi father
Now mi know mi reach know mi know mi safe
Now mi see mi father a come
'Cos a many many years since him gone
When him tek a tek a house and land
Fi go better himself, big up himself
For weh him did dream a weh did he plan
'Cos di ting I remember di most he was ambitious man
So him build up a house, build up a land, buy up a car and a minivan
Fi go settle himself and a wait fi di day when a Yoot man come along
So everything set, everything fly
Now mi know cool and go blow my mind
Because mi ready fi go see my father
Makin' crazy tracks it's mellow with the music
Did you know that you have a mind so use it
Now this may sound confusin', yes yes indeed
You got what you want, well I got what I need
Walk down the block and say hi to the fellas
Lookin' at ya funny, maybe it's 'cos they're jealous
Don't let it hit the spot, 'cos they want what you got
To knock you out the box and fill ya empty slot
So hustle like a gigolo and go for what you know
If you need a lesson get tickets to my show
If you called the ho, yo there must be a reason
You caught some ill shit, now ya gotta stop the skeezin'
Get a job hooker, better yet pick up a book
Step in front the mirror and take a long look
This method of attack is opposite of wack
So if ya got the knack it's time to make tracks
Lookin' like the next man, is that who you are?
Copy cattin' nigga's won't take ya very far
So be your own man son, live your life grand
Be your own ruler of your own plot of land
Sellin' crystal meth aka the crack rock
Don't be too mad when ya find ya ass locked
Killin' off ya brothers, stringin' out ya mother
That may not be your case but it surely is for others
Doin' dirty deeds, and pullin' off the capers
Now you're lookin' gassed with ya picture in the papers
Far from being wack, yo if you're proud and black
You'll listen to the rap and then you'll make tracks
Bootleg tapes? Yo, what are you, crazy?
Knockin' niggas out, huh, that shit don't faze me
Don't let me catch you boy, I'll play you like a toy
Not tryin' to be a bully, but I'm quick to stop your ploy
There's better things to do, other ways of getting' paid
Illin', cold chillin', and layin' in the shade
Just look at Hi-C and Rahsaan for example
We're too legit to quit and our dough supply is ample
So if ya gotta brain or a head on your shoulders
Better use it quick 'cos you're only getting' older
It's knowledge that I kick, it's courage that you lack
Now I don't need a girl with a perfect 10
But I need chemistry when I work with them
So I keep the lights dim when I'm on the grind
And if I got a few candles that'll be fine
I'm a sucker for girls with a beautiful name
But I'd rather get a girl with a suitable frame
She's gotta be sweet and a little petite
Or at least beneath me 'cos I stand six feet
I don't like the girls that waste my time
They play hard to get but I ain't waiting in line
I just call up another that knows the deal
'Cos I don't like to guess what another girl feels
I don't wanna seem like a jerk
So I treat the women right and nobody gets hurt
'Cos I aim to please and I do quite nice
With any fly woman that I please tonight
So what kinda girls you like?
I like pretty women that'll treat me right
I don't really care if they're naughty or nice
Any girl that'll like me that's my type
So what kinda girls you like?
The silent type not too uptight
Nah, she could be rude, she could be polite
As long as she's taking me home tonight
Now me, I like a girl that likes a girl
Then I like to see how that night unfurls
But not the ones into S&M;, whips and chains?
No, several men but then again
I'll take 'em blind, crippled or crazy
If those are the only ladies that'll date me
Or maybe one that's pigeon-toed and limped to the show
Kinda like that one that's in the front row
I like pretty girls with an ugly past
Plus a fast wit and a body that's plastic, sic
But I like a girl smooth to the touch
I don't really feel silicone titties so much
I guess it all comes down to trust
If a girl's not honest I get fed up
So hey lonely girl, don't feel so sad
'Cos I'm a nice guy to bring home to dad
So what kinda girls you like?
I like pretty women that'll treat me right
I don't really care if they're naughty or nice
Any girl that'll like me that's my type
So what kinda girls you like?
The silent type not too uptight
Nah, she could be rude, she could be polite
As long as she's taking me home tonight
I like a girl that keeps to herself
This way I can sleep with some one else
That's the kinda girl I like
I like girls with freckles a lot
'Cos when they're asleep I play connect the dots
That's the kinda girls I like
I like a girl who's shy but blind in one eye
Why? So she could only see my good side
That's the kinda girl I like
Now I like a girl that's into threesomes
But wait, not him, I don't mind if she comes
Walking, thinking, feeling, responding
Uncovering and discovering new things about myself
And this mad world around me
Many philosophies, many tongues, many dialects and tones
Different styles but wild is wild
Calm is calm, but cool is mature
Most cool cats are kids at heart
Now there's business along with the art
A chef with words, a chef with herbs
A chef with vegetables, soy products and bean curd
Some look at my face and say, “You're quite absurd”
And I say, “Why, 'cos I'm not down with the herd?”
Of the world I haven't seen much
But with the mind I escape the ghetto's clutch
Loose cigarettes, ass bets on celo games
Abandoned cars and colorful names on walls
Suburb days were filled with sun rays
And crooked cops who looked at me sideways
Singin' that same old song
Where ya from, 'cos here you don't belong
Long strolls unravel my soul like a scroll
Telling many stories untold
Some look at my face and say, “You're quite absurd”
And I say, “Why, 'cos I'm not down with the herd?”
I an' I light up the sky, who be the sun
To stir up your adrenaline like African drums
Status quo, no, along with the grain, no
I got my own flow
Similar to none, dangerous like itchy fingers on guns
Yet graceful like swans but there's a built in bomb
Must defuse, must choose, right or wrong, win or lose
Born to die, that's why I ask, “Why is it so hard to get a piece of the pie?”
Some look at my face and say, “You're quite absurd”?
Now this world is curled up in a ball that’s set
spinning
You gotta hustle to get by
But get children and eat right
Before you sleep tight in a pine box
You gotta find meaning in life before time stops
The truth is we all make stupid excuses
Trying to find truth but the truth is elusive
You gotta find peace
And the fact that it’s useless to seek real truth
Cos it’s just an illusion
But I don’t wanna seem overly jaded
I don’t know a thing but I really can fake it quite
well
Enough that it sounds convincing
Like the so-called benefits of ginseng
But whatever happens I’ve abided
To try to live righteous I’ve decided
That this existence can’t be rushed
Cos it’s much 2 much 2 much 2 much
Just 2 much
It’s much 2 much for us
With so much to lose
Let me get ready to choose
There’s much too many rules, many people confused
And there’s much more to learn, much more to observe
Many must find a cure but it’s very obscure
Much of us lost and we must be found
Much of us up but we all come down til we’re dust under
the ground
There’s much too many clowns when the circus is in town
Much too many frowns, too many to count
But it’s all part of the race
And we all rush to get a good place
But it’s much too much to react to and try to discuss
in a short verse
Too much to say too much to rehearse
Too many words emerge to create sounds
That make crowds much too proud to get down
Move
Too many men and women frustrated and out of touch
It’s just too much
It’s much 2 much for us
Now there’s much too much difference in the haves and
have-nots
Much too many jails, caged people in padlocks
Much too many mothers camped out in the crack spots
Much too many cats getting shot in the back
Pop! Pop!
Too many glocks, hip hop’s getting hard to watch
Too many gimmicks and it just won’t stop
Too many third world kids walking without socks
Living in boxes and the water is toxic
Too many dying too many crying too many lying
Eyeing you up and down and trying to snatch your crown
Too many pounds are wasted
Too many places are polluted so let’s face it
Too much to handle too much to cope with
Much 2 much info to maintain focus
And much of us can’t see the big picture
That all of us are really just brothers and sisters
A child is born with no state of mind
Blind to the ways of mankind
But I can't find the words that properly describes
The problems that arise
So I gotta decide to either
Keep it bottled inside or swallow my pride
But I got God on my side I'm a follow his guide
So I got down on my knees, apologized
For all the times my son looked in his fathers eyes
And saw the lies and ali
Next day to my surprise when I woke at sunrise
I saw my son rise right next to me
Put his hands on my head and said to me
In a voice best described as heavenly
The truth shall set you free
Stop letting me walk around with blindness on
I'm relying on you to teach me right from wrong
'Cause one day I'll be gone, won't be a child for long
You've found your words, now go write your song
Who, what, when, where, why?
How do I find which way to reply?
Ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies
Surprise, the truth's right in front of your eyes
Riddle me this
You see a man slitting his wrists
And he's rich
Beautiful women wanna give him a kiss
He was given a gift but it wasn't something he wished
He'd rather throw it all away for some ignorant bliss
To exist or not to exist? That's a question I try to resist
Deep like a bottomless pit
So I swallow my pride and follow my wits
My motto is this, hold your head high
You could call it a risk
But if I can't live on my feet I'll die on my knees
Sowing the seeds of the struggle
I gotta be free or better yet I gotta be me
I gotta believe that if the truth is a lie
Then knowledge is key
So yo, gimme the question and let me dissect it
My questions are deeper than my jealousy's best diss
An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind
I gotta find what I seek or I'll never respond
Who, what, when, where, why?
How do I find which way to reply?
Ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies
Surprise, the truth's right in front of your eyes
We've been lied to, we got reparations due
While you're at it, where's our 40 acres too?
Save the mule? In fact you can save the bull
Why should we believe anything you say is true?
Been waiting too long man, them days are through
We no longer cater to red, white & blue
I posed those same questions to you-know-who
He said, “Ask not what your country can do for you”
I said well when exactly you gonna do for us too
And where will we be when it finally comes through
Forget it, I don't know why I'm asking you
You stole our ballots too we know how you do
The proud and few, we never ever doubted you
Until we found out how your accountants
Grew fat from laying us flat, taking the rap obeying your crap
Seeing the real reason that we're breaking our backs
And yo, we wanna know why the leaders are gone
People can die, corporations treat us as pawns
You can see that it's wrong but you let them lead us along
They're the same corporations that you need to be strong
And I know that it's a game, truth is I shoulder the blame
I'm just another con artist making a claim
I know I need more than my words working for change
It makes me frustrated that I'm seeking personal gain but tell me
Who, what, when, where, why?
How do I find which way to reply?
Ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies
When I am all alone, I dream dreams of you
Of your smile, your walk, your eyes, the way you talk
It's everything you do
And it drives me wild and I hope that you notice
I'm offering my all
(chorus)
I'll open wide, and let my dreams come true
I'll step aside, and let them all come through
I'll open wide, and let my dreams come true
And I will fly, and live my life with you
My dreams, do you want to know my dreams?
Let me tell you of these things that I see
I see kisses and love, stars that only shine for us
Two hearts made into one for all time
And I pray that you'll give me time to show you
How much I really need you
And want to just hold you forever
(chorus)
Is it true, can I really have you?
Reach out and touch you and you'll be real
Are your lips forming a phrase, "You love me"
Can't live without me and I'm your home
And I thank you for letting me just show you
Before I go there are a few people I would like to talk to you
about
Sneaky people
They will creep around you peekin' into your soul tryin' to look
for a hole to drown you
They are always searchin' for nothin'
If you were to become one of these people you would probably
find yourself being hit in the head by someone who's had enough
Backstabbers
These are people who were at one time or another people you
trusted and now they are gone
There are some people who will always take the lowest road no
matter where it crosses
They will screw you time and time again
Taking from you your dignity trust and your friends
You can take your chances slim but I would not dance with him
(chorus)
Shady backstabbing sneaky people always tryin' to pull you in
their schemes
Could be money or time
What's yours is what's mine
They can never let you be
There are traits of these in all of us
But then there are those who should get their P.H.D.
Shady people
The pickpockets, the conman
The person you least suspect that they warned you about
They usually have the look of being up all night
They are fast talking and smooth winding
And they will bleed you of everything you've got
They also have the ability to lie straight to your face
repeatedly, over and over again
Just when you thought it was too good to be true it might have
been too late for you
Ten will get you twenty, red will get you double, black will get
you lots of trouble
He had you tuned in since you came in, knowing that you would
soon fall in
You are not to trust the story or the deal, just because this
Move with precision, decisions to make, fakes to shake
Talk a good game but yo, your stash ain't no wins
I'm in the biz of makin' it big and express myself
Through jams that they even bop to in Japan, my man
Change for a dollar so I can make this call
Get my money correct 'cos I been broke too long
Gotta keep it legit, can't be locked for years
Find me a 9 to 5, blood sweat and tears
But can it work boss man smack the jerk for tryin' to jerk me
Thinkin' I can't see inconsistency in my currency
Now I'm back out on the street
Walking these dogs for ends meet, life's not sweet
But I still rock rhymes to beats
Put it together maybe we can make an explosion
But it takes time, record labels mess up your mind
You could press rewind and catch a dose one more time
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
Gimme mine and I'll spark the chart like flint
Money spent back to start, who wants parts of this
Crisp on compact disk but don't you diss the vinyl mix
I got the hook up at the crib
That's my escape from this world today, watch 'em blow up
Then deflate like a souffle, I see it every day, all day
I'm out for the gold, forget the silver and the bronze
Gotta make dough, send home to wifey and moms
Invest in real estate, computers and all this
Plan's flawless, bumpy roads, I'm ready
So all you fakers get jetty or get chopped up like confetti
I'm on a mission for this permanent position
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
On the bricks, scuffed up kicks, not a hint of dough
Lost my job, now I'm livin' like a slob
Re-plan regroup, gotta hook up with my make money troops
Two scoops of loops, studio, time to blow
Hip-hop scene flooded, everybody gettin' blunted
A&R;'s frontin', guess I gotta prove somethin'
Over percussion, Shabaam Sahdeeq rushin' like the Kremlin
Got MC's tremblin' in their lab, take a stab at me
Superior with word play
Stress overtakes the fakes everyday all day
Rugged like Broadway, no time for horseplay
In the struggle don't you lower your level
Gotta take charge like credit, need to start talkin' aesthetic
'Cos when you lose your chance you will regret it, get it
Lyrics embedded in your head like memories
Remember these Us3 melodies
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, like that
Caught up in a struggle
You got me caught up in a struggle like that, man
Caught up in a struggle
You say you pack mad guns and ain’t afraid to use it
Killed over fifty people
But only in your music
I know a few died laughing listening to it
The truth is you couldn’t prove it
Foolish excuses
You say you aren’t scared of dying, always fighting
I say you aren’t violent it’s just a part of your
rhyming
You say you’re hard as iron with the heart of a lion
I say you have no heart but right about the lyin’ part
You make lying an art and you’re Da Vinci
Painted a perfect picture and still couldn’t convince
It’s so lifelike
But nothing like your life
Got sliced with a knife shot twice in one night
They should write a book about you, the stuff you been
through
You grew up in a zoo, had a few black and blues
You say go and ask your crew they’ll say that it’s true
I believe it happened too
Just not to you
You’re huffin, puffin, ain’t sayin nothin’
You say this and that
I say you’re just bluffin
You’re huffin, puffin, ain’t sayin nothin’
You say this and that
I say you’re just frontin’
You say you’re from the street every chance that you
could
Yeah, main street, fans just misunderstood
You say you stood on the corner always up to no good
You say you’re so hood
I say you’re so Hollywood
That’s where you rub elbows with the movers and the
shakers
Heaven knows you’ll get exposed sooner or later
You say “I’m a hater”
I say you’re a faker
You say you’re a gangster
I say only on paper
It’s pathetic, I bet that you never been arrested
You say you got a record
Yeah, your label pressed it
They’re just protecting an image in which they invested
You’re just a method actor being badly directed
You’re studying your lines and put em in a rhyme
You never did time all your crimes were in your mind
And where’d you find that nine, a five and dime?
Put down that toy you look like a cowboy
You’re huffin, puffin, ain’t sayin nothin’
You say this and that
I say you’re just bluffin
You’re huffin, puffin, ain’t sayin nothin’
You say this and that
I say you’re just frontin’
Now here’s an open letter to the President
You say it’s under control, I’m not yet convinced
Ever since 9/11 you’ve been tryin to get em
Soldiers dying left and right trying to find your
weapons
Here’s my suggestion, fight your own battles
Put your life on the line so we won’t have to
You say you’re patriotic, I say neurotic
But when asked about it you try to change the topic
You say “have you forgotten” we finally got him
Who Saddam? What happened to Bin Laden?
You say you been loyal but you been spoiled
People dying for you on foreign soil in this fight for
I mean freedom, we know the reason, don’t believe him
Let’s go impeach him, guilty of treason
For leading lambs to slaughter
But won’t answer for the sons and daughters
But still tell reporters lies your daddy taught ya
You’re huffin, puffin, ain’t sayin nothin’
“Sorry no questions”
And no weapons of mass destruction
You’re huffin, puffin, and still ain’t find nothin’
Well it's the lazy days, what? The lazy days
I'm sittin' back in my lounge chair stone cold maxin'
Thinkin' 'bout the next MC I'm gonna wax
In concert, goin' beserk, but not today
Today I'm cold chillin' right around my way
A dip-dipperty-doo-dah-a dipperty-day
Say partner would you run to the store and buy me a philly
Roll up the ism and get illy
Coolin' while I rule 'cos I went to school
I'm lampin' with my girl travel round the world
I'm puffin' on the hay the nubian way
So parlez parlez parlez 'cos it's a lazy day
Well in 1991 I was out to have fun, but in 1992 I hit the rocks for a few
But now it's 1993 and kid it's all about me
And now I'm lampin' in the shade 'cos I'm P-A-I-D
On my way home one day I ran into this girl, she said
"Hi-C would you take me for a whirl in your beamer?"
I said nope 'cos she's a schemer
I stay away from hookers tryin' to take me to the cleaners
Rancho, Sanchero, I'm makin' mad De Niro
Ya don't like my style, huh, so check it
When I rock the mic kid ya better obey
And take heed to what I say 'cos it's a lazy day
Well I made it back to my crib in one piece
It never ceases to amaze when my vocal's released
Mom Dukes knocked on my door, she said "Go to the store
I need some greens and cornbread, and boy cut off those dreads"
So I went to the store then hopped to the barber shop
I told my man Ed to hook up the low flat top
This kid Boo was there, he said he had a sack
I said cool, chilly chill, we'll spark it on the way back
So hey rolled up the hey now you're talkin'!
Sparked the phillz nilz then we kept on walkin'
This is a normal day right around my way
Snakes
Headz be talkin' 'bout this and that
Behind backs, chit chat, speakin' on shit
That's off track, lackin' the facts
In my face ya crack smiles all the while
File vile data, scatterin' lies for miles
I know your style
Jealous of me, the face seen on screens
KCB's the MC, son
You wish could be, see but can't
My man's plan rant
Slanderous enhanced chants
Planted to lance by chance, ruinin' my stance
I should blast ya ass, kid, talkin' that smack
Yet hold back, bids is wack
In fact carefully planned attack
In our midst exist viperous heads who hiss
Slither, committed to trick
Wisdom, venomous spit, snakes
We parted ways, way back, my ex, that's that
Now back chat, rumors and all of that
Why lie, stabbin' my back?
Puttin' me down 'round peeps
I know in town, ain't how I gets down
Baby, lounge and lose your frown
Seekin' revenge through friends
But since, since when this shit all began?
Baby, diss this, think again
Replaced to date, fake two face
Chasin' papes, escaped that fate
But wait, who's callin', who to date?
Your snake facade
See through your camouflage or guard
Beyond your charm lies evil, layin' calm
In our midst exist viperous heads who hiss
Slither, committed to trick
Wisdom, venomous spit, snakes
Who thinks they know me
To speak on what eyes don't see?
BK to Queens keeps biz from off the streets
Round the way he say, “Relay all day
Headz, bald to dread, spread words”
Other men said, “Implanter of lies
Spies serpents in disguise, Gemini two sided, false implies”
In our midst exist viperous heads who hiss
Slither, committed to trick
(chorus)
Oh baby I'm thinking about your body
Oh baby I'm thinking about your face
Pull up a seat let's have a drink and talk
How'd I find you outta all the women in New York
You walk and talk so refined, picture you being mine
I think it's time, but I don't wanna play mine
So I step to the rear just a little to see if you follow
Then I know it's a give and take situation
My time's very valuable, don't wanna waste it, but I can taste
Meaning that the future can hold a lot for us
Things we discuss make Dr Ruth blush, keep it hush
Put you on a pedestal, treat you like the queen you are
Never be too far apart from your heart
(chorus)
I can feel her in the party even though I don't see her
Her vibes and mine intertwine like locks
At the table I watch
She's gonna step in my vision, appear like a genie
Ready to grant my wishes
Future mother of my seeds indeed we must breed
And bring forth the cream of life with no fights
Last through the stormy weather, still together
'Til death us do part was in my heart from start
But then there's the pain you get before you gain
Hold on tight, don't wanna sleep alone tonight
She reflects my light, in she I see heaven
When making love I escape from hell on earth
Intoxicating, I fiend for the touch
Hush hush is how I keep it, she can't know I'm a lush
Thinks she knows what I like, reads my mind like a book
See I'm thinking 'bout her body 'cos she got me hooked
(chorus)
I'm thinking 'bout her body, curves make my vision blur
Her conversation got me intoxicated
Trippin' like booby traps, she made my heart collapse
Perhaps this is not what I really need
Maybe I might be speedin', in her hands I'm feedin'
But moms raised no fool, keep it cool and don't drool
Is it mutual?
My head is filled with thoughts
Action packed black Mac10, Junior and his friend
Not a pot to piss in, starvin' brothers on a mission
Half past two, William planned to rob the toll booth GW bridge
Got the weapon concealed, nothin' to lose
They choose to break the rules at all cost
Stick 'em in Jersey, hit the other side to New York
Black and red leather suits and black biker boots
One got the gun, the other one controls the motorbike
Adrenaline pumpin', dreams of cash
Anybody tryin' to stop them's, gettin' lead in their face, believe that
Black pack on his back, ready for loot to fill
What a thrill, they gonna be robbin' that booth for real
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or get locked for life
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or just lose your life
Helmets on, racin' down route 4
Junior pushin' the bike, Ike totin' the Mac
No time to be scared when we on 'em point it at 'em
Tell 'em to fill the bag 'cos we not gettin' had
By this time it's 5.30, rush hour's thick
So they weave through the cars
Get to the toll booth quick, "It's a chick"
He put it to her head and said, "It's a stick, fill the bag
Big bills, put the ones in my hands, we out"
Hot with the cops on their trail, dippin' and swervin'
Almost crashed right into a rail
Sweatin' like hell, they're not even tryin' to see jail
'Cos they pulled the sting and robbed the toll booth for real
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or get locked for life
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or just lose your life
Junior weavin' through the cars, speed the cops, can't catch
But they're gainin' on 'em, Ike got a plan for that
Throw the ones in the air, all the cars hit the brakes
So they could get out and get some, the cops look dumb
Because they couldn't get through, people blocked the path
So Junior and Ike hit the west side fast
They got their gear stashed somewhere near the train
Smooth getaway, ready to take the loot to the brain
Change their clothes, ditch the bike, Ike tripped in the trash
Keep it movin', gotta get the loot to the lab
Breathin' heavy, movin' quickly, situation's sticky
The whole mission was ill, they got away smooth for real
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or get locked for life
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or just lose your life
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice, takin' a chance
You might get away or get locked for life
Doin' a crime, shakin' a dice
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